EAGLE ISLAND CAMP

Under an African sky

Take a thrilling 20 minute flight from the Orient-Express Safari Khwai River Lodge to their Eagle Island Camp and arrive at the premier bird rich area in the north of the Okavango Delta. This complete water inland system is the heart and blood flow, which brings new life to the desert.

Remote and tranquil, Eagle Island began life as a watery crocodile hunting camp 26 years ago gradually evolving and expanding. The old thatched camp with reed-clad walls, open to the waterways, is now the acme of comfort. A centuries old jackalberry tree towers over the camp majestically. 

Arrive in time for brunch served at long tables on the wide terracotta tiled and wood decked verandas. Overlook vistas of softly rippling blue green waters, swaying grasses and dense reed beds.  

The brunch buffet is resplendent with large pans of spicy bobotie and platters of vividly coloured leafy salads and roasted vegetables. Eggs to order; scrambled, poached or omelettes with grilled tomato, crisp bacon and sausage. An old favourite, French toast or a slice of freshly baked quiche.

A signature salad is the watermelon and feta with a wholegrain mustard dressing made with mayonnaise, a touch of yoghurt, strawberry vinegar and highlighted with chopped mint. Large loaves of freshly baked bread at all the camps are always a treat (see recipe).

At Eagle Island, an ecologically sensitive camp, luxuriate in thatched tented suites elevated from the water, which flows under the deep wooden decks, open to stunning vistas of water and reed life. 

Stroll along the forest paths through the giant sycamore fig, sausage and marula trees with chattering birds overhead. 

Printed cottons in the colours of Africa; ochre, misty blue, stone, biscuit and honey. Muted and restful colours used throughout the suites. Recline comfortably on the deck sipping your early morning coffee. Through binoculars see open-billed storks flying in great flocks, they feeding on the fresh water snails, using their bills like nutcrackers. Hear the buzzing and humming of the unsurpassed insect life. Revel in the brilliant colours of nature; the orange of dragonfly nymphs, the yellow and black mosaic patterns of the citrus swallowtail and the stunning African monarch butterflies. 

(Left) Reversible leopard earrings with diamond detail in eyes.
(Right) 9 ct yellow gold earrings, matt finish and diamond detail
(Above Right) Banded elephant ring in white gold and diamond detail.

Birds are the star at Eagle Island Camp.

Today, one of the finest birding destinations, Eagle Island Camp is home to some of the rarest species in all Ngami Land. You will see wattled cranes, one of the largest remaining flocks and the gorgeous lilac breasted roller following elephants or searching at the edge of the flood plains looking for juicy nymphs (water insects).

Overhead hear the distinctive call of the African fish eagle and the white faced whistling ducks. What a sight to see the' reed walker' African jacana with its white head and light blue forehead. The Xaxaba lagoon is home to the colourful nemwe bream, catfish, tiger fish and barbel. There is strictly no commercial fishing in the Delta. Crocodile and hippo abound up and down the channels and you might be luckily enough to sight the rare pel's fishing owl. 

The Okavango River is formed by the marrying of two rivers, the Quito and the Cubango. After a lengthy six month journey from the central Angolan highlands these waters gradually reach Eagle Island Camp through the Boro channel, the principal tributary. 

Early morning as the sun gently rises, venture out on a Mokoro (a dug out canoe) with your ‘poler’ in very shallow water or take the aluminium motorized boat through the Boro channel. Ripple through the water lilies with their creamy yellow and pink tipped petals.

Winding your way through the waterways between the tall dense phragmites reeds come across long toed plovers, pale beige squacco herons hunting for their breakfast fish. Pick up speed as you pass the wallowing hippo, quite an adrenalin rush! 

See the minute malachite kingfisher at 14 cm, the smallest of the kingfisher family. Saddlebilled storks, always in pairs, have a passion for lizards. Return after a fascinating morning absorbing the life of the river. Brunch is served at 11h00. Lazy hours at the pool follow under the shelter of the spreading cream umbrellas. 

Take time out, Eagle Island offers scenic helicopter flights over the delta, an exhilarating experience. One of the most astonishing sights is seeing the aquatic antelope, the red lechwe, seemingly running on water, hooves splaying. While Cape buffalo are the seasonal visitors, very dependent on water and travelling up to 50 km per day.

Fish Eagle Bar - a rare setting

Late in the afternoon stroll down to the jetty to the Fish Eagle Bar perched in one of the most breath taking settings. The perfect place and time to enjoy sundowners. As the light swiftly fades the sky begins to shimmer with a shower of stars. 

(Left) 18 ct Gold elephant broach/pendant combination, diamond encrusted tusks and ruby eyes on an omega chain.

The picturesque Mokoro, a dugout canoe, was used by the Riverbushman as the most efficient and common way of transport in the Delta. Carved from mature jackalberry and sausage trees, they had a brief lifespan of only four years. At Eagle Island, Mokoro's are made of fiberglass, in the interest of conservation.

The setting for a beguiling candlelit dinner on the deck is spectacular. Creative Executive Chefs orchestrate the menu and oversee the creative and delectable cuisine at all three Orient-Express Safari camps. Among their choices are sweet potato and apple soup - absolutely delicious! Tender lamb shank with rosemary jus is served with horseradish mash and roasted vegetables. Comforting with a glass of shiraz, a unique cultivar to South Africa. For dessert choose a passionfruit cheesecake served with blueberry and strawberry coulis or an amarula mousse. Later, the warming fire glows ready for after dinner coffee and creamy praline and liqueur truffles. 

ORIENT-EXPRESS SAFARIS
Tel: +27 (11) 274-1800 Fax: +27 (11) 481-6065
E-mail: reservations@orient-express-safaris.co.za 
Website: www.orient-safaris.com

A Showcook Production
Photography by Franz Lauinger

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