Abu Camp
Hotel
Abu Camp is situated in a 400,000 hectare private reserve in the heart of the Okavango Delta, making it one of the most exclusive accommodation offers in Africa. The camp has 6 luxurious tents, located under a shady canopy adjacent to the river.
The style, location and ambience of the camp is unique; it simply can’t be compared to other safari camps. This wonderful location is on offer to a mere twelve guests at a time, ensuring peace and privacy for all.
Abu Camp is surrounded by mature, read more » magnificent trees. A shared deck provides a wonderful location for mealtimes and relaxation, and the bar’s a great spot to swap stories.
The deck is constructed from ebony and sycamore fig. The lounge and dining tent are fitted with huge comfortable sofas from which to take in the breathtaking view over the lagoon. There’s also a well-stocked library, and even a small study with writing desk.
The evenings are especially magical, as the many small oil lamps and ambient lighting provide a very romantic setting.
The true sensation of the Abu experience is to live in the in close proximity of the local elephants, and to go on their backs on safari. The camp is named after a legendary local bull elephant, Abu, who sadly passed away in 2002. He was a super intelligent and friendly beast, who achieved a certain fame for his role in the legendary film production “Circles in a Forest”.
Abu was probably originally from East Africa, and was taken as a youngster to a zoo in Texas, where he let himself be ridden. He was brought back to Africa in 1990 with the idea of releasing him back into the wild, but he was too used to the presence of people and their ways.
He therefore became the first elephant in Africa to be used as a mount for safari trips, and together with Cathy, another ex-zoo elephant, and others who came from other National Parks, Abu built himself a new herd.
Cathy and Abu’s acceptance of humans was passed on to their offspring, who were born here in Botswana. Today, Cathy is the leader of the herd which you will be travelling on safari with.
We should make it clear however, that even though Abu and Cathy have a zoo background, that these animals, especially the younger ones, are not circus performers. Their readiness to be in contact with humans in this area is their choice, and a marvellous demonstration of the way in which humans and animals can live in harmony together.
Before, during, and after an elephant safari the experienced guides induct the guests into the way of life of these creatures, and pass on some of their wealth of information about their behaviour.
Of course, there are other ways to safari at Abu. A Mokoro safari is especially romantic, but of course we also offer a land safari by Land Rover.
Abu belongs without doubt to the “once in a lifetime” holiday category; a stay in Botswana is one of the most expensive in Africa.
We have tried and tested the Abu Camp and think every penny is worth it, especially when you remember that so much is invested straight back into preserving and caring for this special part of Africa for generations to come.
Living
Elephant safaris aren’t the only thing that makes a stay at Abu Camp unique. The tree house style tent chalets offer maximum comfort, and harmonize beautifully with their surroundings.
One has the read more » feeling of sleeping in the treetops, especially at night when the sounds of the wilderness are all around.
Every luxury tent has its own private terrace, styled with a beautiful retro feeling, and offering a wonderful view over the lagoon. Of course, each tent has its own en-suite bathroom, with shower and copper bath, which is something not seen too often these days.
The soothing and harmonious colour tones ensure you’ll feel relaxed and at home. All rooms and suites are definitely among the most exclusive available in the Delta.
Guests looking for the ultimate “bush luxury” and exclusivity are recommended to book Abu’s Elephant Suite, only five minutes trip away on the other side of the lagoon. Here you are guaranteed luxury and ultimate privacy.
Abu belongs without doubt to the “once in a lifetime” holiday category; a stay in Botswana is one of the most expensive in Africa.
With a price of around 1,800 Euros a night, with a minimum stay of three nights, Abu is no budget holiday camp. But we think every penny is worth it, especially when you remember that so much is invested straight back into preserving and caring for this special part of Africa for generations to come.
Activities
Guests of Abu Camp are cordially invited to share the environs with the resident elephant families – guaranteed to be a unique and unforgettable experience.
During an elephant safari, the camp’s read more » experienced guides teach the guests about the habits and behaviours of these magnificent pachyderms. Over centuries of evolution, elephants have developed their own distinct pattern of eating, bathing, and long bush walks.
Each animal has its own unique nature, as you’ll experience by being in such close contact on this elephant safari. These safaris are usually offered at sunup and sundown, but a long leisurely whole day stroll through over the floodplain can also be arranged.
There’s no more beautiful way to experience the wilderness and the animals of the Delta area. You are seated in custom-designed saddles, and come unbelievably close to the other animals. Your guides, who will be sitting on the neck of the elephant, are drawn from the best in Africa.
An elephant ride at Abu is of the most exclusive experiences that Botswana has to offer, and one you will remember for the rest of your life.
However, if you’d prefer, the “garden variety” safari with 4x4 Jeep (by day or night) is also on offer, as is the possibility of bushwalking or exploring by Mokoro (indigenous dugout canoe).
There’s so much to see in the Abu Concession: a wide variety of wild animal species and over 380 different kinds of birds to try to catch a glimpse of.
Come to Abu and experience the African wilderness as you never have before. The admittedly high budget is more than outweighed by the magical experience, of that we’re certain.
