Abu Camp Elephant Safaris
Okavango Delta, Botswana
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ABU CAMP - ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS
- OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA
Abu Camp is situated in a private reserve in the
heart of the Okavango Delta. The camp has 6 luxurious tents (but sleeps
a maximum of 10 guests at any one time), and is located under a shady
canopy, overlooking scenic floodplains. Each raised tent has its own
interior
design theme and lovely en suite facilities with shower and bath. The
camp has been named after Abu, the lead African Elephant and star of
many
movies. Activities include morning or afternoon safaris riding on or
just walking with the Elephants, as well as day and night game drives,
and
mokoro (dugout canoes) safaris.
Elephant Back Safaris’ animal-focused programme offers guests the rare
opportunity to communicate with a special herd of elephants, consisting of mature
bulls, cows and babies. The programme works towards bridging the gap between
man and animal. They will be adopting a new approach to how the elephants are
handled and will be creating a once in a life time experience for guests, who
will be able to get up close and touch these awe-inspiring animals, not only
on a physical level, but an emotional and spiritual level as well.
Visitors will have a chance to share intellectual space with the planet's largest
and most intelligent land mammal. The team will concentrate on developing and
promoting a comprehensive educational awareness programme, which will inform
guests about the important position that elephants hold within the ecosystem
and the issues surrounding their existence. It is hoped that this programme will
assist guests in making an informed decision regarding the elephant’s situation
in Africa. Guests are also invited to join the resident Bristol University researcher
in her study of adolescent male elephant behaviour.
Elephant Back Safaris’ Abu Camp is located on the western side of Botswana's
Okavango Delta. Guests will be touched by a life-changing journey as they spend
time with the herd that have the run of half a million acres of Delta, one of
Africa's last true, pristine wildernesses. No effort has been spared to ensure
that guests enjoy this unique experience in total comfort and safety.
“Our elephant back safaris offer many magical, memorable moments, not least
the opportunity to come very close to and even mingle with the wild animals.
The herds of giraffe, zebra, buffalo and antelope are unconcerned by the approach
of the elephant herd of which you are a privileged part. We also offer game drives
in open vehicles or a day spent drifting through the tranquil waters of the Delta
in a mokoro, the traditional dugout craft of the Okavango.”
Beginning with
2005, three night safaris will be offered, with set departure dates. Previously,
only five-night safaris were offered at Abu Camp.
Accommodation 
For images of Abu Camp, click Abu
Images For Layout map of Abu Camp, click Abu
Map
Abu Camp's atmosphere is that
of the ultimate house party created each week for ten guests. A ratio
of four staff to each guest ensures the best of attention and service.
Accommodation is in luxurious custom-designed tents, raised on teak decking
and overlooking a lagoon. The 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 and individually furnished
with mahogany four-poster beds or antique sleigh beds. Each tent has an
en-suite bathroom complete with copper or porcelain baths, shower and
flush toilet. Every tent has a different style but all reflect the very
high standard that defines Abu Camp.
The dining area is set on layered teak decking that winds its way around
African Ebony and Sycamore Fig trees. An expert safari chef conjures
up magnificent meals, catering to all tastes and dietary requirements.
Sundowners are served in the shade of these majestic and ancient trees
with abundant cocktails on ice. A private, tree-shaded
deck with a hammock overlooks a lagoon frequented by a myriad of bird
and animal life.
The lounge tent is the perfect place to relax in soft and comfortable
chairs. A well-stocked library is available to all, with a number of
reference
books and beautiful coffee table books on Africa displayed. Pictures
of Abu and the Elephant family abound. In fact, Elephants are reflected
everywhere,
from charming ornaments placed by the baths, to carved Elephants walking
down the centre of the table at dinner time. So, whether one wishes
to
commune quietly with the silence of the bush from the veranda of one's
own tent, or exchange stories around the fire at the mess tent, Abu
Camp
is the perfect hideaway for a safari to remember and savor forever.
Villa Okavango For
images of Villa Okavango, click Abu
Villa Images
Villa Okavango (formerly Abu Private Villa) is a separate and private
unit on the opposite side of the lagoon from Abu Camp. The Villa has two large
bedrooms with en-suite facilities and a spacious sitting room, all on a raised
teak deck beneath shady trees. Most meals are enjoyed outside, overlooking
the lagoon, but the lounge and dining room are sheltered by an Afro-Bedouin-styled
tent. The Villa includes a pool and resident butler and is designed for
4 guests or a small family. The emphasis here is on privacy and luxury
in the African bush.
Elephant Back Safari
Elephants are complete hedonists.
Their stately being is animated by a streak of pure frivolity. Always
unthreatened, except by drought and man, they have been able over eons
to cultivate and polish a daily routine of relaxed enjoyment, eating,
bathing, meditating and going for long walks through the bush. And that
is exactly what this safari is all about. Abu Camp has elaborated this
lifestyle into a series of dreamlike adventures, simple dawn and sunset
rambles or daylong outings across the floodplains in the company of Africa's
finest traveling companions. There is no better way of interacting with
the wilderness and wildlife of the Delta.
At Abu Camp, guests are transported in large comfortable custom-made
saddles into the shimmering watercolor of the Delta, on the most effective
of
all 4x4's. An Elephant not only is able to cope in water and sand with
equal ease, but can also get quite close to other game, which is generally
unaware of the human presence aloft. But the real kick lies in the extraordinary
experience of the Elephant perspective, walking beside them or riding
high through the bush, at one with the largest ears, the longest noses
in the world. The youngsters cavort and roll in the water, wander off,
and come charging back. The adults amble quietly on, browsing, snapping
off the odd branch to munch on as they go. Expressive long-lashed eyes
reveal patience, mischief and pleasure. This must truly be the Ultimate
Safari. The Elephant-back safaris run for 5 nights/6 days on set arrival
and departure dates. There is a maximum of 10 guests per safari. The
safaris
start on a Wednesday and finish on a Monday.
No effort has been spared to ensure that guests enjoy this unique experience
in total comfort and safety. During your Elephant Back Safari, you will
be seated in large padded saddles which are mounted behind the most experienced
and knowledgeable Elephant handlers in Africa. Abu and company are delighted
to have you on board. As you will discover, they enjoy the ride as much
as you do!
Abu the Elephant
The camp is named after Randall Moore's legendary
Elephant, Abu, the star of such motion pictures as "White Hunter
Black Heart", and "The Power of One." Abu is an Arabic
word meaning "Everything to do with Elephants." Abu currently
leads a herd of four adults and nine juveniles, all ranging from two months
old to 40 years old. The herd includes matriarch Cathy, Benny the gentle
giant and the dependable Mthondo Mbomvo. The nine youngsters range from
independent-minded teenagers like Thando to the lovable, cheeky youngster
Seba, and new arrival Pula born late last year. You will get to know them
all and will not fail to be enthralled by the interaction between them
as they carry you in stately, silent grandeur through the bush.
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