Abu's Camp - Elephant Back Safaris, Okavango Delta, Botswana

The camp lies in the western Okavango Delta in a private concession bordering the Moremi Reserve amidst riverine forest, open grasslands and clear papyrus-fringed water channels. Named after a very special bull elephant, Abu Camp was the original base camp when Africa’s first elephant back safaris were pioneered in the Okavango Delta 17 years ago. Today, the camp is situated in a vast private reserve of 180,000 hectares and offers personal interactions with a herd of rescued and rehabilitated elephants. Abu Camp’s vision is to return elephants that have spent much of their life in captivity back into the African wild. The camp’s release programme has provided a wealth of material for scientific research projects which will help the Botswana government in its management of the country’s 110,000 elephants – the largest remaining elephant population in the world. Five elephants from the Abu Camp herd have now been released into the Okavango Delta wilderness area with the co-operation of the Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks. Guests at Abu Camp are invited to become part of the elephant herd – interacting daily with the resident elephants; gaining insight into the complex behaviour of the largest mammals on earth; watching evening feeding time and escorting the elephants on foot as they move through the bush. There are morning and evening 4x4 game drives, nature walks and mokoro expeditions which allow guests the chance to spot wonderful bird life as they meander quietly along the water in these peaceful canoes. Abu Camp has been extensively refurbished and now comprises 5 en-suite ‘Afro-Bedouin’ style tents which are built on raised platforms and which blend in flawlessly with the natural surroundings. Each tent features distinctive antique fixtures and fittings and a private elevated teak deck sculpted around a sycamore fig or jackalberry tree. The camp’s main dining and lounge areas boast comfortable antique furnishings; a well stocked bar for post-safari sundowners around the camp fire and high vaulted tenting which opens out onto a tiered teak deck surrounding a giant termite mound, one of the characteristic sights of the Okavango Delta, and the perfect place for al fresco dining. Other facilities include a wonderful library stocked with field guides and illustrated volumes of the wildlife indigenous to the Okavango Delta and a secluded plunge pool. 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. The central mess tent and sitting rooms are 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. Elephants are reflected everywhere, from charming ornaments placed by the baths, to carved elephants walking down the centre of the table at dinner time.   Style Private luxurious elephant back safari camp. Best April to December. Air/Con Yes and ceiling fans Dining Yes Children Over 12 or request No. of Bedrooms 5 Transfer Time 40 minutes from Maun International airport to Camp airstrip by light aircraft charter. 20 mins from strip to camp. Activities Swimming pool, elephant safaris, game drives, bush walks, fly camping and birding. Horse riding safaris are available nearby. Price Range From about £4,500.00 per person sharing, fully inclusive for minimum 3 night stay departing Tuesday and Saturdays. Exclusive use is available on request. Find Similar Properties