Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is the ultimate Okavango Delta water- experience-focused safari lodge, unveiling a sleek new look after an almost total rebuild. The lodge is decorated to reflect an explorer’s base. The lodge offers a variety of essentially water-focused safari activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises, mokoro safaris (a local canoe), fishing, as well as walking safaris and the ultimate air safari experience by helicopter – a highlight of any guests’ stay! There is an abundance of bird and aquatic wildlife around the lodge, complemented by larger mammals such as elephant, buffalo, hippo, crocodile, as well as the ever elusive big cats that have made this island their home.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, Okavango, Botswana
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is located at the heart of the Okavango Delta, held as a UNESCO world heritage site since 2014 and is protected under international laws.
- Across its 15,000 square kilometres, the Okavango Delta is very flat, deviating just two metres in height
- The Okavango Delta is home to some of the world’s most endangered mammals such as cheetah, white rhinoceros, black rhinoceros, African wild dog and lion
- Belmond Eagle Island Lodge was founded in the 1900s
- In 2014, the Okavango Delta became the 1,000th place to be enlisted as an UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is comprised of only 12 tented rooms; ensuring there is no greater than 36 guests at maximum capacity
- Tented accommodation are designed to mirror early 20th century safari lodges
- Each tented accommodation comes fitted with its own privet plunge pool
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is comprised of a total of 12 luxury, light-flooded, family sized tented rooms, complete with a range of modern facilities and amenities – ensuring an intimate and bespoke lodging experience. Amenities include:
- Oversized Bed
- En-suite bathroom with separate shower and tub
- Walled outdoor shower
- Private plunge pool
- Air conditioning
- Complimentary wireless internet access
- Full board
- Secluded outdoor rain shower
- Fully stocked mini-bar
- Bathrobes and slippers
- Same day laundry service
- 24-hour emergency facilities and communications
The Fish Eagle Bar provides a stylish, cosy lodging for you to unwind after a long adventure packed day. There is no better place to experience the wholesome Savannah sunset, so you may wish to step outside amongst the warm crackle of campfire and enjoy a nightcap with friends. Light snacks and refreshing beverages are served throughout the day. You are invited to attend the Fish Eagle Bar from 5pm to 7:30pm to enjoy sundowners before an all inclusive evening meal.
Eagle Island Lodge caters to all dietary requirements and preferences, ranging from light and healthy to lavish and indulgent, with all pallets accounted for. With all inclusive catering, you can indulge in the finest feasts and exotic meals until your heart, and stomach is content.
Usher in the majestic beauty of the Okavango Delta in the early morning hours. Gently travel via mokoro (traditional dug-out canoe) across tranquil delta waters while watching the sun rise amidst the horizon. Witness first-hand the waking of delta life by observing the many exotic birds and mammals indigenous to the delta. Or alternatively, start your morning with a high as you traverse the Okavango Delta from the sky’s in an unforgettable helicopter ride that provides the opportunity to spot wild elephants, buffalo and impalas moving across the plains. You will be equipped with Leica Trinovid 8×42 HD binoculars to see the wildlife with incredible clarity.
For a truly unique experience, why not book a tour book a private guided tour with Leica global ambassador and expert wildlife photographer Marc Stickler. Tours by Marc Stickler must be booked in advance and additional charges apply.
Eagle Island Lodge is a remarkable experience in and of itself. Should you tire from the days activities, then feel free to relax beside your private plunge pool, watch the delta wildlife from the comfort and security of your private balcony, or perhaps opt for a game of chess (or any other of the numerous games provided). After an eventful, adventure packed day, you may wish to view the spectacular Savanah sunset from the Fish Eagle Bar, then come the evening, gather round the fire pit to share stories and enjoy a drink.
Should you care to unwind and cast a line, the delta’s channels inhabit an abundance of seasonal fish such as tilapia, while the many pools and riverbeds are home to spotted and silver catfish. If you desire a more intense fishing experience, African pike, infamous fighters, will put your abilities to the test. And for those who have yet to cast their first line, the Okavango Delta is the ultimate place to begin. Please note: catch and release fishing only.
The Okavango Delta is home to a magnificent variety of native bird species that attract the eye of bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts from every corner of the globe. Over 400 species makes for an unparalleled viewing experience. Some of the rarer avian species include the illusive Pel’s fishing owl, endangered wattled crane and the majestic African fish eagle.
Experience first hand the breath-taking natural beauty of the Botswanan wilderness. Experienced tour guides will lead you safely through the vast plains where you will witness scores of exotic animals and creatures, immersing you in the essence of the Okavango Delta, creating lasting memories every step of the way.
Enrich yourself in the customs and culture of the neighbouring Nxhoga village for an authentic insight into the Botswana way of life. The opportunity to meet and engage with locals will provide an invaluable and enlightening experience that few are privy too. Activities include hut building, basket weaving, fishing, meeting village elders and local children, as well as opportunities to browse the local market, bakery and churches present.
An invigorating and thrilling marine safari adventure. Motorised boats present an enthralling medium with which to experience the sights and sounds of the Okavango Delta, as well as opportunities to sample exotic barge cuisines and exquisite culinary surprises. Savour the deep orange savannah sunset while enjoying a refreshing beverage of your preference. Available during the wet season, usually May to October.
The ultimate marine safari experience. Indulge in a tranquil, culturally enlightening water-bound adventure that lets you silently glide across the open waters in a traditional dugout canoe (Mokoro), as you pass scores of aquatic life and vegetation. Venturing calmly onward will reveal intricate waterlilies, papyrus grasses, brightly coloured frogs, kingfishers and dragonflies, as well as the elephants that rear in close to feed on the reeds.
A truly encompassing safari experience that will allow you to view the breath-taking natural beauty of the Okavango Delta from both air and land. A compact 10-minute Helicopter flight will allow you to sample the expansive wilderness from high above, before then embarking on an invigorating horseback safari adventure through the delta wetlands. Move quietly past wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and zebra in their natural habitat. Additional charges apply, and horse riding experience is essential.
Experience the Okavango Delta as you have never seen it before with a once in a lifetime bespoke helicopter safari. View the breath-taking expanse of inaccessible lakes and islands – remote and otherwise unseen, as well as the abundance of roaming wildlife seen from the sky. This experience will allow you to truly absorb the full magnitude and beauty of Okavango Delta from high above, covering a considerably larger expanse than what is possible with conventional land based safari.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, as with many other Belmond operations (hotels, trains and river cruises) adheres to a strict third party assessment by the UK-based Sustainable Restaurant Association. Belmond is the first global luxury hospitality brand to have undertaken this ongoing third-party testing, ensuring a continued adherence to sustainable and ethical practise.
As part of the ‘Think Global, Act Local’ initiative, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge contributes a significant percentage of revenue into local educational schemes and programmes. Providing opportunities for local people to train as safari tour guides, incorporating members of the indigenous population into the safari and tourism industry, ensuring sustainable initiatives are embedded and passed on through communities and generations. Additionally, significant portions of revenue are reimbursed into the local villages and communities by way of financing school building and renovation projects, providing broader opportunities for crucial educational programmes in developing areas.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge utilises a wide range of sustainable initiatives in order to preserve and support both the places and communities they engage with. One such initiative is the sourcing of sustainable produce whenever possible. This includes purchasing produce and food sources from local farmers and suppliers, eliminating the need to transport goods long distances, and ensuring that money is pumped back into the local economy.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge aims to provide a tranquil and meaningful safari experience for all customers. However, the Okavango Delta is a wild and dangerous environment unsuitable for children under 6 years of age. Maintaining a calm and relaxed atmosphere is essential to the sustainability of the lodge, not only for other guests, but for the surrounding wildlife, and as such, all children must be accompanied by an adult.