Situated on remote Xaxaba island among a web of waterways and
lush vegetation, it overlooks a lagoon that attracts a breathtaking
variety of big game and exotic birds. Explore the region by local
canoe, set out on a game drive or roam on foot.
A wonderful secluded retreat, Eagle Island Camp offers a safari
vacation that brings together the excitement of discovery and an
experience of the real Africa: this is the spirit of Orient-Express
through and through.
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Accommodation at Eagle Island Camp is everything you would expect of
a luxury safari experience.
For your convenience, in-room safes are provided for the safekeeping of
all cash, travel documents and other such articles.
The Tents
All luxury tents at Eagle Island Camp are housed on raised wooden platforms,
offering great views, and shaded by a traditional African thatch roof.
The large private decks are furnished with easy chairs and a hammock,
ideal for viewing wildlife, or for enjoying a private dinner in complete
privacy.
The tent interiors are luxuriously appointed with such comforts as an
en suite bathroom, private fully stocked mini bar, four poster bed complete
with mosquito netting, as well as a discreet air conditioning.
Private Suite
Eagle Island Camp has an exclusive private suite, perfect for a more
intimate safari experience. The naturally stunning private suite with
a spacious secluded deck area is set away from the other tents in the
camp.
The extended viewing deck has two relaxing sun loungers, perfect for
basking in the warm African sun. To the side, a generous heated splash
pool which is set amongst the trees for shade and privacy, yet with full
views of the Delta allows one to wallow in communion with the hippos whilst
spotting elephant and crocodiles on the island banks.
The open air double showers and beautiful deep copper-framed Victorian
bath, with only the tree canopy as a roof, offers further opportunities
to commune with nature. Guests enjoying the luxurious new suite will have
the opportunity to enjoy game-viewing on their own exclusive vehicle with
their own personal guide, and they will be able to set out on a safari
expedition as and when they wish.
Choose an elegant candle-lit dinner on the private outdoor deck (additional
rates apply). Among the many other suite indulgences available in the
suite include temperature controlled rooms, a well-stocked mini bar, oversized
fluffy bathrobes, big soft bath sheets, cosy slippers and luxurious bathroom
toiletries.
Features of Eagle Island Camp
Helicopter Safaris
Sweeping landscapes, herds on the move.
The propellers hum into action and suddenly a vast, green
panorama opens up below. This is the Okavango Delta as you have never
experienced it before: remote, inaccessible lakes and islands seen from
the sky.
Your pilot’s voice is coming through on the headset. “Look
to the right where a herd of buffalos is crossing the river. We’re
going down for a close-up view.” Next, you’re soaring up again.
“We’re heading to a higher altitude. See
the formation of the channels and the way in which the water and land
mass has evolved.”
Helicopter flights over Botswana are one of life’s big adventures.
Hunting has rarely been done from above and therefore animals are unperturbed
by aircraft. Surprisingly, you may hover just a few feet over great herds
of zebra as they continue to graze, completely unconcerned.
Even more exciting, you may be able to touch down
on an island far away from human habitation and stand in a spot
that for thousands of years has been cut off from the world beyond. A
speed boat may appear bearing coffee or a celebratory glass of sparkling
wine: sip at leisure as you gaze on lush, riverine scenery—one of
the world’s last wildernesses. This 45-minute trip is packed with
45 hours’ worth of thrills.
Mokoro Canoe Safari
Slowly, silently through a watery world.
This traditional dugout canoe takes you gliding over shallow, clear
waters past brilliant water lilies and papyrus grasses
to areas inaccessible by boat. Climb aboard and stretch out, with your
body just above the water line. Listen to the gentle, rhythmic splash
as you are poled along and then attune your ears to other sounds. Long
reed frogs will be out enjoying the sun: tiny as your fingertip, they
emit extraordinarily loud croaks that resemble Oriental wind chimes.
Spiders spin glistening webs above the water; luminous dragonflies hover
with whirring wings; game such as red lechwe antelope, reed bucks and
giraffes come to drink. But for many it is the birds of this ornithological
paradise that dazzle. Stately egrets, storks, cormorants and even fishing
eagles swoop overhead. But for colour and dash the magnificent malachite
kingfisher steals the show.
Fishing
Amazing landscapes, the thrill of the chase.
Set off by boat in the stillness of the morning, gliding out into the
lagoon. A fishing trip is all about the experience. Relax, absorb the
scenery, watch wildlife and birds all around, enjoy a drink and with a
trained fisherman guide at your side, you are highly likely to
make a catch. The waters are rich with tilapia, while spotted
and silver catfish also inhabit these lazy pools. African pike, infamous
fighters, are a favourite snare. If you have never fished before, this
is the ultimate place to start.
Please note: By law, fish are protected by a catch and release
system.
Game Drives
A wealth of habitats and wildlife
It’s dark outside as a cup of steaming coffee and a freshly-baked
pastry is brought to your tent. The first rays of sun are sneaking over
the horizon as you then set out in a 4 x 4 vehicle with your guide.
Early morning game drives take you out and among an almost unparalleled
diversity of wildlife, passing through a range of different habitats.
Expect to see a huge range of creatures, from big cats to hippo, giraffe
and crocodiles.
Equally atmospheric and exciting are evening drives, as the shadows lengthen
and the sky turns red. Animals and birds emerge from their siesta, and
suddenly the bush is alive with sights and sounds.
Finish your day as the sun sinks down beyond a glassy lagoon and you
are handed an ice-cold drink. Return as the first stars start to shine—when
the chance for unusual encounters is at its most intense.
Village Life
Ancient traditions, modern times.
Eagle Island Camp is positioned close to Xaxaba village. Fortunate visitors
may be invited into a private home to experience aspects of its residents’
way of life. This is no tourist attraction, but a community of people
who have adapted ancient traditions to modern times. Former hunter-gatherers
who do not grow crops, many of the men now work as drivers.
There are no modern communications, electricity, a school
or a health centre. Instead, you may step inside a dwelling and be introduced
to a traditional healer who crushes herbs, roots and other local ingredients
into medicines for minor ailments.
Many women practice crafts such as basket weaving. Working with dried
leaves and dyes such as the deep black pigment of the toothbrush tree
root, they transform these humble ingredients into beautiful pieces of
intricate artistry.
Bird Watching
400 species on the wing.
Many people come to Eagle Island purely to experience its huge
variety of birds. The 400 land and aquatic species drawn by the
watery Okavango Delta make for unrivalled viewing.
Not only is there the chance of sighting a Pel’s fishing owl, a
Goliath heron or fish eagle swooping down to snare their prey, but there
are many delightful smaller birds such as the lilac-breasted roller and
exquisite malachite kingfisher. The endangered wattled crane is also spotted
here: unusually, flocks up to 200-strong have been recorded.
There is no better way to experience birds on the wing than to lie back
in a mokoro dug-out canoe and to watch them wheeling overhead as you silently
glide through the reeds.
Walking Safari
See, touch, smell, hear nature close up.
On a walking safari through the delta you are totally enveloped in nature.
You spot amazing things close-up: an insect, animal tracks, big game droppings,
swarming termite mounds. These small, unexpected aspects of life often
make the biggest impression. If a game drive is like reading a book: a
walking safari is actually becoming a character in that book.
Set out early in the morning into open grassland shaded by tall mangosteen
and palm trees. Stay alert and you soon become attuned to details including
the faint sounds animals hidden in the trees. There is nothing quite like
being able to touch, hear, smell and even taste nature all around. The
scents of wild herbs are intoxicating: sage, basil, purple pod weed—all
fresh and far from city fumes.
Always follow the safety instructions: remember, this is Africa at its
most untamed and raw. No matter what you encounter, never run. Follow
the pace of the slowest person and proceed in a row like a train. Groups
are limited to six persons and a guide with a two-way radio.
You might spot zebra, giraffe, crocodile, impala and even get the incredible
adrenaline rush of sighting an elephant or lion. But don’t be scared.
As they say at the camp “If you don’t bother them, they won’t
bother you”. Bird-spotting is superb: bring along binoculars and
prepare to be amazed by the variety of species swooping and diving all
around.
Where is the Eagle Island Camp?
Eagle Island Camp has its own private licensed airstrip, co-ordinates
19 32 43.83 S – 23 02 55.58 E. The best way to Eagle Island Camp
is via Maun which is accessible by scheduled, daily flights from Johannesburg.
Eagle Island Camp is also accessible from Livingstone, Zambia and Kasane,
Northern Botswana. Access from Maun, Livingstone and Kasane is all by
shared charter aircraft operated by our air partner, Mack Air.
All aircraft used by Mack Air are single-engine.
Private charters are available on request.
Email
Eagle Island Camp enquiries and reservations: bookbotswana@madbookings.com
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