Crystal clear views of wildlife

A blood red African sunset, that’s setting above the lagoon in this remote corner of the Okavango Delta; while you kick back in a lounge chair at the Fish Eagle Bar and soak up the beauty, it feels like you are floating through a Monet painting. This water-based camp surrounded by waterlilies is located on the remote Xaxaba Island, with water so crystal clear you can see the fish swimming under your feet. Lying amongst a web of waterways, lush vegetation and under tall ancient trees, Belmond Eagle Island overlooks a lagoon that attracts a variety of wildlife and birds. Be surrounded by elephants, lions, wildebeests, impalas, hippos, countless birds – but experience the most beautiful solitude at the same time. With nights quiet enough to hear a pin drop, and skies so full of stars it seems like you can grab one, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is the place to be truly in sync with Africa’s unspoilt beauty. Do pinch yourself occasionally, to make sure it is really happening.

All twelve luxury safari tents at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge are housed on wooden platforms and shaded by a traditional African thatch roof. The large private decks are furnished with easy chairs (the perfect spot for a private dinner) and a hammock; softly swing while you take in great views. Interiors are well appointed and feature en-suite facilities with indoor showers and a separate toilet, air-conditioning, privately stocked minibar, hairdryer and facilities for charging batteries. The one private suite offers a heated plunge pool in an exclusive setting tucked away from other tents. Outside your suite you will become a regular at the Fish Eagle Bar, simply because it is the best place in the world to have a drink and watch the sunset - with silhouettes of the elephant herd at the horizon, contrasting the orange sky. After drinks and dinner, take a closer look at the stars with the high-powered telescope for serious star-gazing. Get some exercise in the 20 meter lap pool during the hottest time of day, or pick souvenirs for the home front in the curio shop. Internet? Television? What is all that again? Sure: for emergencies, internet access and satellite television are discreetly isolated from the main lodge.

Activities at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

Be sure to test the waters when you are at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge for your Okavango Delta safari; pretty soon you will feel like this is your second home. Venture out on a boat safari, glide across still waters in a traditional canoe, pass water lilies, crocodiles, pink exposed hippo bellies. Hold your breath as a herd of impala darts past. Needless to say, this is a Garden of Eden for hundreds of birds: witness a saddle-billed catching fish among the reeds or dozens of pelicans in flight. Feel like placing both feet back on the ground? Take an exhilarating safari walk. Gaze up to towering giraffes, bump into a large zebra herd – but also discover the small gems of the bush. Those little details make the painting complete. Or take your Okavango Delta safari to new heights and treat yourself to a 45-minute scenic helicopter flight (additional cost): a magic way to see the area from a bird’s eye perspective. Skimming over the expansive savannah, you will notice how the web of waterways looks like a hand with spread fingers, pulling you into this amazing experience – and not planning to let go anytime soon.

Tripadvisor comments Belmond Eagle Island Lodge

My daughter and I stayed here for two nights. It was a wonderful experience. The accommodation was luxurious, the food was good, the staff very friendly and the game drives were everything we hoped for. The sunsets viewed from the deck of the Fish Eagle Bar were sensational. Will definitely stay here again.

2limey from Los Angeles, California

We stayed there for 3 nights and I am still impressed by the luxurious place and the wonderful, very personell service. As there was little water we had less boat activities the expected, but all the game drives, canooing, helicopter flights were so great, that I will come back. The room was one of the best I ever had. You may watch elefants , giraffes, hippos from your private pool!

Michael F