29th November 2010 – With Orient-Express’ three luxury safari camps in Botswana, there is no more idyllic place to celebrate a special occasion or get some much needed ‘alone time’. All three camps are located in distinctly different ecosystems, providing some of the most incredible wildlife viewing opportunities in the country. In February 2011, each camp will be offering a complimentary private dinner to couples under a star lit African sky, as well as a romantic gift unique to each place, making their stay one to remember and cherish for years to come.

Situated on the Okavango Delta, Eagle Island Camp www.eagleislandcamp.com is a water-based camp in the Xaxaba lagoon. Surrounded by a network of lush waterways, the camp attracts almost 400 land and aquatic species making for unrivalled viewing. Orient-Express is offering couples staying at the camp in February the chance to take to the air with a thrilling helicopter trip over the magnificent delta. After their ride, the helicopter will land at a secluded spot for a romantic picnic alone. A gourmet selection of dishes created by the chef, including smoked salmon and horseradish crumpets, almond crusted venison kebabs, mushroom and basil stuffed roasted chicken thighs, double chocolate heart cakes, and a bottle of sparkling wine will all be included in the picnic hamper.

At Khwai River Lodge www.khwairiverlodge.com, located north-west of the majestic Moremi Wildlife Reserve, luxury tents with thatched roofs are set under a canopy of indigenous leadwood and fig trees creating the perfect setting for couples who want to spend time with each other away from the crowds. Along with moonlit safari drives, Khwai River Lodge also offers star gazing, with the open skies around the lodge creating the perfect setting to spot constellations that are not visible in the northern hemisphere. A guide will demonstrate how to use powerful telescopes to spot the stars, a truly unforgettable experience. Guests staying at the lodge in February will be offered two complimentary couples massages on the private deck of their tent.

Savute Elephant Camp www.savuteelephantcamp.com in Chobe National Park, is surrounded by a vast number of glorious baobab trees, many of them over a thousand years old. With the Savute Channel now flowing after 30 years of absence, the camp attracts many different species of wildlife and birds, that can be spotted from the comfort and privacy of guests own terraces. Savute will be offering couples a truly authentic gift that will immerse them in the real culture of Botswana. Savute will gift a special rock painting created for them by the indigenous San Bushmen. San Bushmen are said to be the oldest peoples of the world, with a long standing tradition of rock paintings. San art depicts the cultural dance of the San peoples, said to harness a spiritual power used for healing, making rain, and to bring good fortune.

The Romantic Escapes package costs approximately £2,260 per person and includes two nights at each of the Orient-Express Botswana camps, private charter transfers between all camps and to and from Maun, all meals and soft drinks, and all safari activities and camp fees. A minimum of two nights stay at any camp is required to receive the added romantic extra should guests choose not to opt for the package.

ENDS/…

Orient-Express, (NYSE: OEH, www.orient-express.com) the name behind an elite collection of travel experiences, first came into being in 1883 as one of the world’s most exciting and indulgent train journeys. Today that evocative name also embraces hotels, cruises and other luxury rail adventures in 24 countries, across five continents. The Company has offered exceptional luxury travel experiences since 1976, when it first purchased Hotel Cipriani in Venice and then shortly afterwards, recreated the celebrated Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, linking London, Paris and Venice, along with other European cities. Today, the company owns or part-owns and manages 50 businesses, 40 of which are highly acclaimed hotels, each unique in style, from the Mount Nelson in Cape Town and Rio’s Copacabana Palace, to the Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg and Maroma Resort & Spa on Mexico’s Riviera Maya. There are six luxury tourist trains, two river cruise operations and ‘21’, one of New York’s most iconic restaurants.

For further information, please contact Vicky Legg or Sara Mirza at Orient-Express on 020 7921 4069 or vicky.legg@orient-express.com or sara.mirza@orient-express.com