OPEN AIR RESTAURANT
The lodge's fabulous restaurant is full of distractions. Do you gaze at the wildlife, the colourful insect collections and scientific instruments, or turn your attention to the aromas coming from the wood-burning oven? Gather here for breakfast before your morning safari or at lunchtime to choose enticing specialities.

BARBEQUES
Few experiences match eating beneath the inky sky beside a crackling fire. Savour tender grilled meats with all the trimmings and a refreshing beer. Relax in the glow of hanging lanterns and the magical campfire ambience.

FISH EAGLE BAR
Take a seat in the stylish bar, named after the majestic bird of prey that swoops to catch fish in nearby waters. You may find yourself being entertained by the "resident" elephant plucking berries from a tree. The bar serves light snacks and chilled drinks throughout the day. Come evening, join for cocktails as you watch the sun set over the delta.

PRIVATE DINING
Have a romantic table on the private deck of your room. Enjoy delectable flavours, fine wine and discreet service as you spot elephants and giraffes moving across the horizon. Raise a toast to love, friendship and adventure in the enchanting candlelight.

SPA
Choose from a selection of therapies to enjoy in the comfort of your room or on your private deck. Relax and absorb the gentle sounds of the delta – the call of a fish eagle, an elephant swishing by – as a therapist gives you a soothing massage or rejuvenating facial. Africology treatments are used which cintain potent natural ingredients such as hydrating aloe ferox, mineralrich green rooibos and marula, hailed by the beauty industry as a "miracle oil".

SWIMMING POOL
Relax and soak up the views from your private rim flow spash pool.

RELAXING PAST TIMES
Ask the Lodge Manager for an artist’s easel and brushes if you feel inclined to sketch some of the amazing sights you’ve seen, or challenge a friend to a game on the magnificent chess set. (These items are kept hidden from the baboons and vervet monkeys, who are inclined to collect treasures for their own creative use!), enjoy stories shared with friend around the lodge's open air fire pit around a warm cracling fire.

CURIO SHOP
Browse the store to discover a range of mementos, books, accessories and exclusive Belmond Safari clothing. A selection of locally crafted gifts ranges from wood and stone carvings to sarongs, ethnic jewellery and woven baskets.

TV LOUNGE AND LIBRARY
Catch up on some local news or enjoy the reference library to learn more about Botswana and it’s wildlife.


Tours and activities
Please note: some of the following activities are only available when the delta is in full flood, usually from May to October.

Helicopter safaris—signature experience
Helicopter flights over Botswana are one of life’s big adventures. This is the Okavango Delta as you have never experienced it before: spot remote, inaccessible lakes and islands as well as an abundance of wildlife from the sky. (Surcharge applies.)

Horseriding/helicopter safari
A first in Northern Botswana, this exhilarating safari begins at first light with a 10- minute helicopter flight, before you saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the grassy floodplains and palm-lined islands of the delta. Move quietly past leopard, cheetah, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, hippo and zebra—who are used to the horses—as they go about their daily business. (Surcharge applies; horseriding experience essential.)

Motorised boating and barge cruises
Being on the open water is what distinguishes the Okavango Delta from other safari experiences. These trips allow you to cover more ground, plunging deeper into the landscape and spotting a greater range of wildlife. Embark on a sunset barge cruise for mesmerising views as you sip a sundowner. (Not available in the dry season, usually November to March.)

Walking safari
Let the experienced guides envelop you in nature. Spot amazing sights close-up: an insect, animal tracks, big game droppings, swarming termite mounds. These small, unexpected aspects of delta life often make the biggest impression.

Mokoro canoe safari
Glide silently on a traditional dugout canoe, a traditional mode of transport used by locals for centuries, as you traverse shallow, clear waters past brilliant waterlilies and papyrus grasses, reaching areas inaccessible by boat. Glimpse brightly coloured frogs, kingfishers, dragonflies or elephants feasting on the reeds.

Bird watching
Many people come to the lodge from all over the globe purely to spot the magnificent variety of birds. Over 400 land and aquatic species make for unrivalled viewing, including the rare Pel’s fishing owl, endangered wattled crane and the majestic African fish eagle.

Fishing
The delta’s channels are rich with tilapia, and spotted and silver catfish inhabit the lazy pools. African pike, infamous fighters, are a favourite snare. If you have never fished before, this is the ultimate place to start. (Catch and release fishing only.)

Village life
Visit neighbouring Nxhoga village on the island of Xaxaba for an authentic insight into the Motswana way of life. Learn about the mud, reed and can huts, basket weaving and the fishing industry. Meet elders, engage with children, browse the small market, churches and bakery. There is a chance that your Belmond guide hails from Nxhoga and will explain how the community has adapted ancient traditions to suit modern times. (Accessible by boat/mokoro in wet months, and by game-viewing vehicle in dry months.)