Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in Botswana to Reopen November 2015

The Okavango Delta water-based safari, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge in Botswana, will reopen in November 2015 following an almost total rebuild.

Reflecting the region’s natural beauty and offering an insight into the heart of the delta, local artisans and materials have been used to create the lodge’s fresh new tented guest accommodation, restaurant and lounge.

The lodge’s new 12 Deluxe Tented Rooms measure 82 sqm in size and boast their own plunge pool and outdoor deck. The centerpiece of the rooms is an oversized bed with views onto the delta. Its handmade copper finish headboard references Botswana’s mining tradition and its design, inspired by the wildlife that inhabits the lagoons, allows light to filter through and dance on the bed. Each Deluxe Tented Room also features a bathroom with large bathtub, double vanity unit and a walk in wardrobe, as well as a walled outdoor shower with a window looking onto the delta.

The public areas of the lodge have also been totally renovated and now include a roomier reception area, new restaurant offering inside and outside dining and new lounge area with bar and library.

At the heart of the restaurant is a family-style open kitchen with a wood-burning pizza oven. Collections of explorer’s instruments and displays of brightly coloured insects add to the sense of discovery, and contemporary lights inspired by intricate birds’ nests weave intriguing shadows across the space in the evening.

The lounge connects to the restaurant by way of an outside deck. Featuring an artisanal style bar made from locally sourced timber and a huge fireplace, the lounge is a place in which to relax. Natural elements are retained wherever possible with an ancient sycamore fig tree being incorporated into the design, sheltering a hanging cocoon swing on which to enjoy the views. Butterflies are drawn to the water in the Okavango Delta and have also been used as inspiration in elements of decoration. Inside the lounge, a kaleidoscope of handmade metal butterflies appears to fly through the air, illuminated to enhance the magical effect.

Outdoor areas include a new campfire and barbecue, in an enclave directly on the edge of the water channels, around which guests can gather at night to share their stories.

Located close to the camp fire is another bar and alternative destination - Fish Eagle Bar.

Perched on a private island encircled by some of the deepest stretches of the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland water systems and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge is one of three Belmond safari lodges in Botswana.

The lodge offers a water-focused safari experience, with activities including motorboat safaris, barge cruises and mekoro (a local canoe) safaris, as well as walking and air safaris in a private helicopter. 

Prices for a Deluxe Tented Room at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge start from $1,560 (approx. £1,000), based on double occupancy, per night.

From 1 November until 23 December 2015 Belmond is offering four nights for the price of three at any combination of Belmond safari lodges in Botswana and a complimentary 35-min helicopter safari when staying at Belmond Eagle Island Lodge. Accommodation is fully inclusive, including all meals, safari activities and alcohol.