Abu Camp
Location
Abu Camp
Botswana
19° 14' 24" S, 22° 19' 12" E
General description:
Abu Camp is named after the lead elephant, Abu, who has starred in various films. Abu was brought over to Africa from the USA by his trainer, Randall Moore, and gradually a small herd of twelve elephants assembled – most of which are orphans. Abu gives guests the unique opportunity of being part of an African elephant herd, including riding and walking with them through the bush - possibly the ultimate elephant educational safari.
Facilities:
Well-lit pathways link the tents with the main lounge and dining area.The shape of the main camp was inspired by the Sydney Opera House, and includes a living room, dining room, and library. The vast tiered teak decking, which surrounds a giant termite mound, provides the perfect relaxation area. A well-stocked bar provides drinks and cocktails for sundowners around a camp fire while most of the meals are taken al fresco on the deck. Nearby a secluded plunge pool enables guests to cool off and relax. The dining area is set on layered decking that encompasses African Ebony and Sycamore Fig trees. A private deck with a hammock overlooks a lagoon frequented by a myriad of bird and animal life.
The lounge tent boasts comfortable sofas and antique furnishings. A well-stocked library with a number of reference books and beautiful coffee table books on Africa are displayed. Pictures of Abu and the Elephant family abound. Elephants are reflected everywhere, from charming ornaments placed by the baths, to carved Elephants walking down the centre of the dinner table.
There is no electricity at Abu Camp and all the lights and hot water is powered by solar batteries.
Accommodation:
The six luxurious tents, described as ‘Bedouin influence meets the African bush’, have fully zipped entrances and roll down canvas on the windows. All the tents are beautifully furnished with mahogany four-poster beds or antique sleigh beds. Each of the six tents has its own distinctive furnishings and fittings, many of them antique, imparting an air of opulence in this spectacular bush setting. Pictures, ornaments and carvings of elephants adorn each room.The floors are polished, dotted with rugs, and the en-suite bathrooms boast a copper or porcelain bath, shower and flush toilet. Each tent has its own private elevated teak deck sculpted around one of the sycamore figs or jackalberry trees.
Game viewing and activities:
Abu Camp offers game drives, night drives, walks with the elephants and mokoro safaris – the highlight for guests is to spend time and interact with the resident elephant family, as well as to explore the surrounding area in their company.
A morning elephant ride, or a whole-day excursion walking with the elephants to a shady spot for a long picnic lunch, is a rare and humbling experience. Whether walking alongside them or seated in large padded saddles mounted behind experienced elephant-handlers, to join a herd of elephants on a walk through the bush is to see Africa from a completely different perspective.
In the evenings formal and informal talks will be given to enhance the elephant learning experience.
Abu's private concession boasts abundant general game from giraffe, zebra, elephant, impala, tsessebe and lechwe to wildebeest, buffalo and warthog. Lion often move through the concession and can sometimes be heard calling at night. This area of the Delta also offers excellent birding.; birding by mokoro is particularly exciting with Malachite Kingfisher, White-browed Coucal, Luapula Cisticola, Pied Kingfisher, Rufous-bellied Heron and Great Egret just some of the possibilities.
Please note that Abu Camp offers three or six nights stay only.
Children Policy:
Children of 8 years and older can be accommodated at Abu Camp and children of all ages are welcome if they are accommodated in the private Villa Okavango, which comes with its own vehicle/guide for activities but excludes elephant activities.
Why we like it:
- Best elephant-back safari in Africa - amidst the stunning Okavango Delta.
- Excellent gameviewing in the Abu private concession
- Unique and luxurious accommodation
Botswana
19° 14' 24" S, 22° 19' 12" E
Type of Camp
Game Lodge
Location
Abu Camp is located in a private concession area on the western side of the Okavango Delta.
Camp Image
Price
From US$2573 per person sharing –Abu Camp is fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, local brand beverages, scheduled game viewing activities, park entrance fees and a laundry service.
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Botswana
19° 14' 24" S, 22° 19' 12" E
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