A spectacular island dream set on Africa’s most beautiful lake, Lupita Island offers every luxury with incredible style here in the very middle of the Dark Continent.

Lupita Island is a seemingly magical oasis of sophisticated pampering in the very middle of the Dark Continent. Safari-hardened souls having graduated in the Serengeti, brave the wilds of Ruaha or Katavi before washing up in the lap of luxury on this beautiful lake.

The one-hundred-acre island, joined to another by a spit of sand, is lapped by crystal-clear fresh water and fringed by fabulous rock formations, interspersed with sandy beaches. Rising fairly steeply, the lodge is arranged around the top of Lupita with fabulous views over water and the surrounding archipelago. Manicured gardens blend seemlessly with the surrounding bush, flowing water and raised wooden walkways criss-cross the island which is home to families of otters, incredible numbers of birds, several new species of fruit trees and much unusual flora which is still now being recorded.

Huge open-sided villas, suspended above the glittering lake, have spacious sitting rooms furnished with Italian leather sofas, Zanzibari decoration, bars and writing desks. Split-level bathrooms with enormous ‘egg’ baths and waterfall showers, bedrooms with huge hand-made dhow-beds, private plunge pools and verandahs perched over breathtaking views have water flowing musically throughout and combine in spectacular, organic living spaces.

The lovely wood-decked dining room is adorned by fabric which flutters in the breeze and decorated with African artifacts. Next door (over a little bridge spanning a bubbling brook) is the fabulous bar made from salvaged dhow wood and a comfortable sitting area, looking west to sunsets over the Congo. The pool and sun terrace are here on the island’s crest and the pool bar (one is served whilst sitting in the pool) is very convenient for those who take their relaxation seriously.

Every kind of water sport is possible, from snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving to sailing; kayaking and fishing for Dagaa (whitebait) and Perch or taking a day trip in the Winsor Rose and dropping the anchor in a deserted cove. Lupita has a helicopter stationed on the isalnd, available for scenic tours or lunch over at the famous Kalambo Falls - the second highest in Africa. Walk around the islands or mountain bike along the paths - Lupita Island Lodge is the perfect relaxation after some of Africa’s most challenging safaris and a wonderful place to sit and reflect, looking out over the continent’s most beautiful lake to the mysterious Congo and its secrets.