Location: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, Okavango Delta, Botswana
- Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Botswana’s premier safari destination. The lodge sits on the edge of the Xakanaxa Lagoon, offering stunning views of the surrounding waterways and wildlife. The Okavango Delta is famous for its exceptional biodiversity, making it one of the world’s top destinations for wildlife viewing. The lodge is accessible by light aircraft from Maun, with a scenic flight of approximately 30 minutes, offering breathtaking views of the Delta’s vast water channels and lush landscapes.
Accommodation:
- The lodge offers 12 luxurious tented suites, each designed to maximize comfort and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. The suites provide a perfect combination of rustic elegance and modern amenities, with private decks that offer stunning views of the lagoon and the wildlife beyond.
- Luxury Tented Suites: Each tented suite is spacious, with large floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beautiful surroundings. The suites are furnished with king-size beds (or twin beds), a lounge area, and an en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and outdoor shower. The outdoor space includes a private deck with seating areas, perfect for relaxing and watching the wildlife.
- Presidential Suite: For those seeking ultimate luxury and privacy, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge offers a Presidential Suite with more expansive living spaces, a private plunge pool, and enhanced services, including butler service. This suite is perfect for those seeking an exclusive, intimate safari experience.
Dining Experience:
- Main Dining Area: The main dining area at the lodge offers an elegant yet relaxed setting for guests to enjoy gourmet meals while overlooking the water. The menu features a variety of international and local African-inspired dishes, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding area.
- Outdoor Dining & Bush Dining: Belmond Eagle Island Lodge offers outdoor dining experiences, where guests can enjoy their meals in the heart of the Delta, surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature. The lodge also arranges bush dinners, allowing guests to enjoy an intimate meal under the stars in a scenic, secluded location.
- In-Room Dining: For those who prefer to dine in the privacy of their tented suite, in-room dining is available, offering a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. Guests can enjoy a gourmet experience on their private deck or in the comfort of their room.
Activities:
- Game Drives: Morning and afternoon game drives offer guests the chance to explore the Okavango Delta in open 4x4 safari vehicles. Guided by experienced rangers, guests can see a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, and numerous bird species.
- Mokoro (Canoe) Excursions: One of the most unique ways to explore the Okavango Delta is by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. These guided excursions take guests through the delta's narrow waterways, offering a peaceful and intimate view of the surroundings. Mokoro safaris are perfect for observing water-loving wildlife like hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species.
- Walking Safaris: For a more immersive safari experience, guests can take part in walking safaris led by expert guides. These safaris allow guests to explore the bush on foot and learn about the smaller details of the ecosystem, such as tracks, plants, and insects.
- Boat Safaris: Boat safaris on the Xakanaxa Lagoon provide an opportunity to experience the Delta's wildlife from a different perspective. Guests can observe elephants, buffaloes, and hippos from the water, and the boat safaris offer excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Fishing: The Okavango Delta is also home to various species of fish, and guests can enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the Delta’s channels, trying to catch species such as tigerfish and tilapia.
Facilities:
- Infinity Pool: The lodge features a stunning infinity pool with a panoramic view of the Delta. It is the perfect place to relax after a day of game viewing or mokoro excursions.
- Spa & Wellness: The spa at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge offers a variety of treatments designed to help guests unwind and rejuvenate. Guests can enjoy massages, facials, and body treatments using natural, locally sourced products.
- Gym: The lodge features a small but well-equipped fitness center for guests wishing to maintain their fitness routine during their stay.
- Gift Shop: The lodge has a gift shop offering a selection of local crafts, jewelry, and other souvenirs, perfect for guests wishing to take a piece of Botswana home with them.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the lodge, allowing guests to stay connected with family and friends.