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ABU CAMP

Abu Camp is the home of Elephant Back Safaris, offering arguably the most unique and exclusive safari experience in Africa. Named after the legendary elephant 'Abu', the star of such movies as "White Hunter, Black Heart", and "The Power of One", this camp offers guests the opportunity of close interaction with the world's largest land mammal, in one of Africa's most beautiful and game-rich settings.

[ DESCRIPTION ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2008 ] - [ DATES AND RATES 2009 ]

Abu Camp is located on a vast 400,000-acre private concession in the heart of the Okavango Delta. All the Delta's habitat types are represented on the concession, from permanent channels to flood plains, savana bushveld to mopane forest and open grasslands. With its prime location in the Delta, the area is also rich in game and guests have the possibility of seeing just about every species of animal associated with the African bush, from 'dangerous game' like lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant, to giraffe, hippo, and a spectacular array of plains game species.

The primary focus at Abu Camp is undoubtedly the elephants, and guests enjoy the unique opportunity of viewing Africa's wildlife from the backs of African elephants. Not only are elephants the perfect 'vehicles' for the environment, with unmatched off-road capabilities, but they are also a familiar feature to Africa's various wild species, and guests will often enjoy game-viewing from very close quarters. Early morning and late afternoon elephant excursions offer guests the opportunity to view wildlife when the game is most active.

Guests sit atop the behemoths in large, comfortable, custom-made saddles, each elephant being steered and controlled by a professional elephant handler. Baby elephants accompany the safari, cavorting in the water, wandering off, and charging back while the adults amble quietly along, browsing as they go. For a different perspective, guests also have the opportunity to walk or 'mekoro' along side the elephants, and to participate in the feeding, cleaning, and training of the elephants back at camp.

In addition to the elephant back safaris, guests are also encouraged to participate in some of the other exciting activities that the Okavango Delta has to offer. Game-drives in specially adapted open 4x4 safari vehicles supplement the game-viewing from elephant back, allowing guests to cover more ground in their pursuit of the Delta's wildlife. Night drives provide insight into some of Africa's nocturnal species, while gliding through the Delta's channels and floodplains in a 'mekoro' or dugout canoe offers yet another perspective on this idyllic environment. Guided walks and bird-watching round off the complete Delta experience.

And when guests need a break from all the activity, they can simply relax in the luxury and style of Abu Camp. Each spacious tent is beautifully and individually furnished with mahogany four-poster beds or antique sleigh beds, draped in rich textiles. The tents are raised on teak decks, with spectacular views across a lagoon, and have en suite bathrooms with bathtubs, showers, hot and cold running water, and flush loos.

The atmosphere at Abu Camp is relaxed yet sophisticated, and has been described as 'the ultimate house party'. This exclusive safari accommodates a maximum of 10 guests, with a ratio of four staff to every guest. Food, service, and accommodation are all of the highest standard.

The main camp is set on layered teak decking that winds its way around African ebony and sycamore fig trees. The patented shape of the main camp was inspired by the Sidney Opera House, and includes a living room, dining room, and well stocked library. The vast decking provides the perfect relaxation area, whether for sipping cocktails at sunset to celebrate the end of another perfect day, or enjoying a cognac around the fire after dinner, reflecting on the adventures that tomorrow will bring.

There is no other safari experience in Africa that combines the unique experience of game-viewing from elephant back, with the beauty and majesty of one of the continent's most magical and game-rich environments. Perhaps the most fitting tribute to Abu Camp comes from some of the guests who have stayed there:

"This must be the greatest camp in all of Africa" - Jack Lemmon

"One of the 10 things to do before you die" - Forbes

"If you only do one safari in your entire lifetime, this is the one" - CNN

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Dates and Rates 2008

* Children of 8 years and older can be accommodated at Abu Camp.

Included

Accommodation in luxury custom-built tents, each with own en-suite bathroom with bath and shower; standing fans and safe. Also includes all activities - elephant safaris, game drives, night drives, guided walks, mokoro safaris (seasonal); all meals, snacks, teas and coffees, soft and alcoholic drinks; the services of trained staff, guides and professional elephant handlers; Botswana Value Added Tax at 10%; Daily laundry service.

Not Included

Flights to and from Abu airstrip, purchases at the gift shop, premium drinks on the reserve list, gratuities, travel insurance.

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Dates and Rates 2009

* Children of 8 years and older can be accommodated at Abu Camp.

Included

Accommodation in luxury custom-built tents, each with own en-suite bathroom with bath and shower; standing fans and safe. Also includes all activities - elephant safaris, game drives, night drives, guided walks, mokoro safaris (seasonal); all meals, snacks, teas and coffees, soft and alcoholic drinks; the services of trained staff, guides and professional elephant handlers; Botswana Value Added Tax at 10%; Daily laundry service, charter flights from/to any camp in the Okavango Delta (costs to/from camps outside of the Okavango Delta will differ).

Not Included

Purchases at the gift shop, premium drinks on the reserve list, gratuities, travel insurance.

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To find out more about Abu Camp, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA 1-888-227-8311 or email us

CLASSIC AFRICAN PORTFOLIO - [ Okavango Delta ] - [ Adventure Safaris ]