Sapana Village Lodge

Bring your own toiletries and any specific amenities you need. The resort has limited supplies, and there aren’t shops close by. The lodge staff are helpful with planning activities, and the Rapti riverfront cafes are an easy walk away. While you’re in Sauraha, don’t miss the Tharu cultural dance. The service could be a little faster, but the staff were friendly and supportive. Our rooms were clean, and the resort food was delicious. Sapana Village is a beautiful, peaceful place, and having elephants and other animals come right up to the deck was a highlight. I’d highly recommend it if you want to be close to nature.

We loved the lodge and the idea behind it. Our guide Dinesh took us cycling around the local area and Tharu villages for a great day out, and taught us about local culture, plants, and animals. He knows a lot, and we really enjoyed spending time with him. I’m taking off one star because, when we visited in January 2025, at least two of the lodge’s rescued elephants were painted for a recent elephant festival. They seemed well cared for and had lots of space to roam freely during the day, but seeing the paint was sad and fell short of what we expected from ethical animal treatment. See photo.

The lodge is easy to reach by plane from Kathmandu or by car, and we enjoyed wandering through gardens full of butterflies and different birds. From the lodge restaurant, you can usually see elephants and a rhinoceros daily. The staff were warm and friendly, and we’d definitely stay here again. Dinesh took us on a bird watching tour. He knows a lot, and we’d highly recommend him as a guide. Thank you all so much for a lovely stay.

Staying at Sapana Village Lodge among the wildlife was magical. The rooms felt luxurious, and the on-site services were thoughtfully arranged. A special thanks to our guide Dennis, who was lovely and passionate. The experience made a brilliant memory for me and my boy. Regards, Jules and Xavier