Venture into the Real Africa with Orient-Express Safaris

The safaris appeal to those in search of a legitimate African adventure across unspoiled terrain where only the noises of wild animals such as a herd of elephants, a pride of lions, or the first noise of migrant birds interrupts the serenity provided by the pristine landscape.

Built to blend into their diverse environments, each camp is strategically situated to ensure guests enjoy the very best game viewing and guests are transported between the three by light aircraft. The small and intimate camps offer luxury tented accommodation with en suite facilities, air conditioning, open air showers and superb service under the professional eye of Orient-Express staff and experienced guides.

There are no more than 12-15 luxury tents at each location plus luxurious suites with private plunge pools and open decks to observe game at Khwai River Lodge and Eagle Island Camp.

Orient-Express guests who seek a more intimate understanding of Africa, and its wonders, this season have the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature with two new activities; remote Village Tours and the art of the Animal Whisperer.

A boat trip from Eagle Island camp through the Okavango channels will take visitors into the heart of the Delta to the traditional 'Noxa' Village, where subsistence fishermen offer a rare insight into their daily lives. Guests from River Kwai Lodge can sit with village elders in Khwai River Village. A place steeped in culture, the local people are happy to share their home with visitors – the local women even teaching their proud tradition of beautiful and intricate basket weaving.

Getting up close and personal to nature, staff can also arrange for visitors to learn from local trackers and experts including Animal Whisperer, Anna Breytenbach. Anna teaches guests the art of animal communication, interaction and understanding with Africa's largest game which she says is simply remembering the universal language between species. She will teach visitors to use their natural intuition and abilities to communicate with wild animals to gain an understanding of how and why these elegant creatures act as they do. Anna will be leading a special 10-day tour 25 November – 5 December 2009, "The Journey of Meaning."

Days begin early at all three camps, with coffee and biscuits delivered to guests' tented accommodation, followed by light breakfast and the first game drive or walk of the day. Brunch is served on return and guests can pass leisurely afternoons at the pool, or at the camp watching game roam from their tent decks to avoid the strain of the afternoon sun.

Afternoon tea follows before a second game drive or boat trip, before refreshing cocktails, and a gourmet dinner and drinks around a camp fire to finish. Indulgent spa treatments are also available at the Khwai River Lodge to revive lethargic muscles.

Over 460 bird species, including the rare fish eagle and lilac breasted rollers, grace the skies at Eagle Island Camp, whilst the waterhole at Savute Elephant Camp is a magnet for large game: Savute boasts the largest concentration of African elephants in the world. Prides of lions, sometimes numbering 40 strong, have been spotted along the banks. During the high season through to November, it's typical to see antelopes starting to drop their young, birds migrating and Bee Eater colonies nesting, alongside huge herds of elephants, buffalo and antelope.

A 45 minute helicopter excursion over the source of the delta offers a unique view of Africa and is inclusive in the Eagle Island Camp's rates; guests can also enjoy guided tours of the water ways on an environmentally friendly mokoro or speedboat through the diverse waterways.

Conservation of the wildlife is integral to the camps. Khwai River Lodge for instance supports a project to preserve the endangered wattled crane and also breeds weevil to help prevent Kariba weed from blocking up the Okavango Delta.

Orient-Express safaris at the Khwai River Lodge and Savute Elephant Camp are priced from $970.00, per person per night sharing (between 1st August to 31st October 2009) and from $615 per person per night sharing (1st November - 31st December 2009).

Guests staying at the unique Eagle Island Camp, on Xaxaba island will pay $1,245.00 a night sharing in high season (1st August to 31st October 2009) or for $890 between 1st November to 31st December 2009.

En route to Botswana or on the journey home, a stop off in Johannesburg at the prestigious Westcliff Hotel from orient Express finishes off a once in a lifetime experience. Rates here start from $493 per night.