Hotel in North-West District, Botswana
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
Exclusive luxury lodge in the heart of the Okavango Delta with just 12 tented rooms. Features include a fish eagle-shaped swimming pool, world-class spa, and exceptional mokoro safaris. The lodge offers unparalleled access to waterways and wildlife.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge occupies a remote, flood-season island called Xaxaba in Botswana's Okavango Delta, accessible only by a short light-aircraft flight from Maun. The lodge sits within the North-West District, surrounded by papyrus-fringed waterways, palm-studded islands, and the extraordinary biodiversity of one of Africa's great inland water systems. Guests arrive by bush plane, reinforcing the sense of isolation from the outset.
The lodge accommodates a maximum of 24 guests across twelve generously proportioned tented suites, each raised on a deck to overlook the floodplains. Rooms feature king or twin beds draped in crisp linen, open-air showers, and a distinctive fish eagle-shaped swimming pool positioned at the water's edge. Four suites have private plunge pools. The design balances colonial safari charm with contemporary comfort, incorporating natural materials and warm earth tones that reflect the Delta landscape.
The Belmond culinary team presents multicourse dinners under canvas and al fresco bush breakfasts, supported by a respected wine cellar and curated cocktail program. The Explorers Bar hosts pre-dinner gatherings with views across the waterway.
Activities centre on the Delta environment: guided mokoro excursions through shallow channels are the signature experience, complemented by motorboat safaris for deeper water exploration, fishing for tigerfish and bream, game drives on the island and surrounding mainland, and guided walks with tracker-accompanied rangers. The lodge maintains relationships with local communities and contributes to Delta conservation initiatives.
Belmond Eagle Island Lodge's spa offers treatments in dedicated pavilions. Service is characterised by a high staff-to-guest ratio, personal attention, and all-inclusive hosting that covers game activities, meals, and most beverages. Children aged eight and over are accommodated, and the lodge is well suited to couples and small groups seeking a premium, immersive Okavango experience.
Amenities
- Private plunge pools
- Spa
- Game drives
- Mokoro excursions
- Bar
- Wine cellar
- Wi-Fi
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +267 686 1260
Location
Xaxaba Island, Okavango Delta, North-West District, Botswana
-19.4667, 23.1167 — View on map
Highlights
- Exclusive island location in the Okavango Delta, accessible only by light aircraft from Maun
- Iconic fish eagle-shaped swimming pool overlooking papyrus-lined waterways
- Signature guided mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions through shallow Delta channels
- Just 12 tented suites with a maximum of 24 guests, ensuring privacy and attentive service
- All-inclusive rates covering game activities, meals, and a curated wine cellar
Tips
- Book at least six months in advance for high-season (July–October) stays, as the lodge sells out quickly.
- Combine a stay here with Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge for a complementary land and water safari experience across Botswana.
- Pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing; the Delta environment can be humid and insect repellent is essential for evening activities.
- The Delta floods seasonally — water levels peak from June to August, offering the best mokoro and boat safari conditions.
- Light aircraft weight limits apply; pack in soft-sided bags only and confirm luggage allowances when booking.
FAQ
How do guests reach Belmond Eagle Island Lodge?
Guests fly into Maun Airport in northern Botswana and then transfer by a short charter light-aircraft flight directly to the lodge's private airstrip on Xaxaba Island. Road access does not exist.
Is Belmond Eagle Island Lodge all-inclusive?
Yes. The lodge operates on a fully inclusive basis, covering accommodation, all meals, selected beverages including local drinks and house wines, and scheduled game activities such as mokoro excursions, boat safaris, game drives, and guided walks.
What is the minimum age for children?
Children aged eight and above are welcome. The lodge can accommodate families in connecting suites; activities such as mokoro trips are conducted at the guide's discretion based on safety and wildlife conditions.
When is the best time to visit for wildlife?
The dry season from May to October is generally optimal for wildlife viewing. The Delta flood peaks between June and August, making water-based activities particularly rewarding. The green season (November to April) offers fewer crowds and lush scenery.
Accessibility
The lodge is situated on an island accessed exclusively by light aircraft, and paths between tented suites involve elevated wooden walkways and natural terrain. Guests with significant mobility limitations should contact the lodge directly before booking, as the remote setting and raised deck structures present challenges for wheelchair users.
When to visit
May to October is the prime season when the Delta floods and wildlife concentrates around water. Peak wildlife viewing and mokoro conditions occur from June to August.