Belmond’s properties in Africa capture the soul of the continent in three distinct chapters—urban elegance, wild savannah and watery wilderness—all told with the signature heart, heritage and hospitality that define the Belmond brand.
At Cape Town’s Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel, guests enter a century-old icon that has hosted explorers, artists and royalty alike. In Botswana, Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge offers front-row seats to nature’s raw theater, while Belmond Eagle Island Lodge immerses travelers in the ethereal beauty of the Okavango Delta. Together, these three properties tell a story of Africa that is both luxurious and transformative.
Kingdom of Giants — Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge
Where elephants carve ancient paths through the dust and lions patrol the plains, Savute Elephat Lodge offers safari at its most elemental.
Tents That Touch the Wild
Twelve tented sanctuaries rise above the shifting Savute Channel. Expansive decks, open-air showers, and four-poster beds frame views of wildlife meandering below. Interiors blend safari style with sustainability, balancing indulgence and authenticity.
Dining Beneath Infinite Skies
At Savute, dining feels like an extension of the landscape itself. Each meal is served at a private table on the open deck, where guests can watch elephants, impala, and the occasional pride of lions wander past the Savute Channel. As night falls, lanterns glow and the air fills with the sounds of the bush. On our final evening, we enjoyed a candlelit dinner in the lodge’s hide, watching elephants gather silently at the watering hole below—a moment that felt both intimate and timeless. Every dish celebrates the flavors of Botswana, complemented by international touches and the rhythm of the wild.
Adventures for the Young and the Brave
At Savute, even the youngest explorers are treated like true adventurers. Upon arrival, children receive their own safari backpacks—complete with a Junior Ranger booklet, colored pencils, and field guides to track the animals they encounter. Personalized water bottles keep everyone hydrated during the day’s discoveries. Guided drives are adapted for all ages, with expert rangers who make learning about tracks, birds, and animal behavior as exciting as spotting a lion on the prowl. Back at the lodge, evenings unfold around the fire with storytelling, stargazing and laughter—a fitting end to days filled with wild wonder and family connection.
The Grand Pink Lady — Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Few hotels embody the essence of a city like the Mount Nelson. Affectionately known as “The Nellie,” this blush-pink landmark at the foot of Table Mountain has welcomed guests since 1899.
Where Heritage Meets Modernity
Behind its pink façade, the Mount Nelson unfolds like a love letter to Cape Town itself—gracious, colorful and framed by the ever-present silhouette of Table Mountain. Rooms and suites are spread across historic wings draped in bougainvillea, where Edwardian architecture meets crisp, contemporary design. Garden Cottages tucked around palm-lined courtyards evoke the feeling of a private retreat, while modern interiors and updated amenities remind guests that this century-old grande dame continues to evolve with her city. From nearly every angle, the view of Table Mountain grounds the experience—majestic, eternal and uniquely Cape Town.
Epicurean Traditions with a Twist
Afternoon tea at the Mount Nelson is an institution—silver teapots, tiers of confections, and the soft notes of a pianist floating through the lounge. Dining across the hotel celebrates Cape Malay spices, farm-fresh ingredients, and world-class South African wines, while the Planet Bar remains one of Cape Town’s most stylish social hubs.
Playtime in the Mother City
The Mount Nelson offers an ideal base for every kind of traveler. Its central yet tranquil location makes it easy to explore the city’s highlights—from Table Mountain and Robben Island to the Winelands and Cape Peninsula. Couples can indulge in private spa rituals or sunset dining at nearby restaurants, while families enjoy the hotel’s family pool, supervised children’s programs, and tailor-made excursions like penguin visits or cycling tours. For anyone seeking a balance of urban energy and restorative calm, this pink icon delivers the quintessential Cape Town experience.
Waterworld Wonder — Belmond Eagle Island Lodge
The Okavango Delta—Africa’s shimmering miracle of water and wildlife—finds its purest expression at Eagle Island Lodge.
Luxury by the Lagoon
Eagle Island Lodge redefines the concept of “under canvas.” Each of its twelve air-conditioned tented rooms sits elevated above the Okavango’s floodplains, with sweeping lagoon views where hippos grunt and elephants wander just beyond the deck. The interiors are bright and spacious, with cathedral-style canvas ceilings, deep soaking tubs, and glass doors that open to the wilderness. Locally inspired textures—woven baskets, copper accents, and natural woods—create a sense of connection to the Delta’s landscape, while modern comforts ensure every moment feels indulgent. From sunrise light shimmering on the water to the night chorus of frogs and crickets, life at Eagle Island unfolds to nature’s rhythm—luxury that listens, not intrudes.
Life on the Water
Safari at Eagle Island unfolds across water, air and land—each offering its own rhythm and revelation. Drift silently through the Delta’s narrow channels in a traditional mokoro, piloted by an expert guide who reads the reeds like a map. Cruise across vast lagoons aboard a motorboat or larger barge boat, where sundowners are served as elephants wade through glimmering reflections. Take to the skies on a helicopter safari to grasp the Delta’s breathtaking geometry—emerald islands threaded by ribbons of silver water. On land, game drives explore drier plains where lions, leopards, and red lechwe roam.
The beauty of Eagle Island’s location lies in its abundance of life; wildlife is never far. During our stay, we watched in awe as a pair of lionesses carried their cubs gently across a shallow river—one of those rare, heart-stopping moments that define a safari. Whether gliding, flying, or driving through the Delta, each adventure at Eagle Island reveals a new layer of Botswana’s untamed grace.
A Family of Explorers
The Okavango Delta is safari at its gentlest—perfect for families who prefer wonder to rush. Mornings begin with mokoro rides through glassy channels where dragonflies skim the surface and elephants feed in the reeds. Children learn to cast a line for bream or follow a trail of tracks pressed into the damp sand. Guides turn every outing into a lesson in life and balance—how water sustains everything here. Back at camp, the private plunge pool beckons, offering cool relief and uninterrupted views of the lagoon.
What truly sets Eagle Island apart, though, is its people. The staff infuse each moment with warmth and thoughtfulness, from spontaneous smiles to extraordinary surprises. On our final evening, they arranged a private dinner on the airstrip, lanterns flickering beneath a velvet sky as we dined surrounded by the sounds of the Delta. It was the perfect ending to a journey defined by connection—to nature, to each other, and to the quiet magic of Belmond’s Africa.
Advisor Insights: Crafting the Perfect Belmond Journey
Best Seasons to Recommend
- Mount Nelson: October–April for sun-soaked adventures in Cape Town.
- Savute: May–October for concentrated wildlife; November–March for dramatic predator action during the rains.
- Eagle Island: June–August when floodwaters peak and boat safaris are at their finest.
Family Notes
- Mount Nelson: Ideal for younger children and first-time visitors to Africa.
- Savute: Best for families seeking thrilling, wildlife-rich adventures.
- Eagle Island: Perfect for those drawn to serene exploration and water-based discovery.
Signature Moments
- Afternoon tea beneath the palms at Mount Nelson.
- Candlelit dinner in the hide overlooking the wateringhole at Savute.
- Mokoro rides through mirrored lagoons at Eagle Island.
Africa the Belmond Way
What unites these three destinations is not just luxury—it’s legacy. The Mount Nelson preserves Cape Town’s cultural soul; Savute beats to the primal rhythm of the wild; and Eagle Island whispers the mysteries of the Delta.
For travel advisors, recommending Belmond Africa means crafting not merely an itinerary, but a story—a seamless passage from city to savannah to swamp, each chapter bound by Belmond’s legendary service and an unmistakable sense of place that is, in every way, profoundly African.
This story originally appeared in worldstompers.com, a family travel website created to inspire families with kids to expand their idea of adventures. You can follow the adventures of the Bazavilvazo family @worldstompers on Instagram and The Worldstompers on Facebook.
For more of @worldstompers’ travels to far-flung destinations, click here.
