The Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Arrival
Framing views is key to the arrival experience
and the entry buildings have been moved to
perfectly capture sights which will always
be remembered. Textural, light timbers clad
the walls and individually selected pieces of
timber have been used in the making of a large
reception table, produced in Southern Africa.
A cluster of carved poles are stationed just
inside the front door, inspired by the carved
sticks used by the San people as tent posts or
for making a fire. Groups of simple lanterns
provide light when it becomes dark, giving
a reassuring but gentle glow so as not to
compete with the stars of the night sky.
Outside the arrival tent there is a large firepit
tripod to welcome guests at dusk - one of
many firepits around the camp which act as
beacons for guests walking at night and are a
traditional place for people to come together
and tell their stories.
The Lounge and Bar
Designed to make each guest feel that the
space is “their lounge in the bush”, the tented
room has the ambience of a place that has
been here for a long time with layers of
collectibles and lived-in comforts. The tent
itself has a latte (local thin timber struts) edge
with a traditionally random crisscross pattern.
This design has also been used in decorative
screens to the back-of-house buildings and
together they cast dappled shadows around
the space. The tent sides can be rolled up
or down as required by the weather, and
the World Of Hospitality 87
seating spills into nature outside. Furniture
is a collection of rattan and timber; large
custom-designed rattan tub chairs contrasting
with natural timber and leather detailing. A
traditional library filing cabinet helps divide
the space and creates an intimate seating
area; there are tables for games and painting,
books about nature to read and comfortable
chairs to relax in and enjoy the views. Fabrics
combine bright geometric prints with earthy
tones and two large chandeliers inspired by
local clay pots form focal points in the ceiling.
Behind the lounge, there’s a library with a
concealed TV, a small bar to gather around
and a desk for writing or working.