image credit: The telegraph.
If you’re looking for a peaceful, luxury safari experience in Botswana, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is a perfect choice. It’s located deep in the Okavango Delta, one of the most beautiful and untouched parts of Southern Africa. Surrounded by water channels, palm trees, and wildlife, the lodge sits on a quiet island called Xaxaba. It’s so remote that you can only reach it by a light aircraft, which makes it feel even more special and private.
Even though it’s right in the middle of nature, the lodge offers comfort and elegance. It has just 12 luxury safari tents, but these are no ordinary tents. Each one is built on a wooden deck and comes with a private plunge pool, a big soft bed, air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, and a view of the Delta that you can enjoy from your deck. The rooms are beautifully designed, with a mix of natural materials and modern touches. It feels like a 5-star safari lodge, just surrounded by birdsong and fresh air instead of city traffic.
One of the best things about this lodge is how different the experience is. Instead of the usual safari drives, you get to explore the Delta by water. You can take a peaceful ride in a traditional mokoro canoe, go on a motorboat safari, or even try catch-and-release fishing. For those who love birds, it’s a dream come true, as the area is home to hundreds of species. There are also guided walking safaris where you can track animals on foot with a skilled guide. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can book a helicopter safari to see the Delta from above. Some of the animals you might see include elephants, hippos, antelope, crocodiles, and if you’re lucky, lions and leopards too.
When it comes to food, you won’t be disappointed. Meals are served in a beautiful thatched area with a restaurant, bar, and even a wood-fired pizza oven. You can enjoy cocktails by the bar, dinner under the stars, and breakfasts in the wild. The staff are warm and welcoming, often remembering guests by name and going the extra mile to make your stay special.
Of course, all this luxury comes with a price. A stay at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge usually costs between $1,500 and $2,500 per person per night, depending on the time of year. But the price includes your meals, drinks, daily safari activities, and charter flights to the lodge. For many people, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime safari trip, perfect for a honeymoon, anniversary, or a dream African vacation.
This lodge is best for couples, solo travelers, or small groups who want to relax and reconnect with nature in a calm and elegant setting. It may not be the best fit for families with young children, as most of the activities and atmosphere are more suited for adults.
The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October, when the water levels are high and wildlife is easy to spot. However, the green season from November to March is also beautiful, with lush scenery, fewer guests, and more affordable prices.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is more than just a place to sleep. It’s an experience. Whether you’re floating down the Delta in a canoe, spotting elephants from your private deck, or enjoying a delicious meal by the fire, this lodge offers a magical blend of nature, comfort, and adventure that you’ll never forget.