Abu Camp - An exclusive "Once in a lifetime" experience.

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, 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.

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.