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Elephant Back Safaris - Okavango, Botswana

African wildlife safaris are something that each and every travel enthusiast should undertake at least once in their lives. Why not go the whole hog and book yourself an elephant back safari that will allow you to experience African travel from a whole new perspective?

One of the world’s largest inland river systems, Botswana’s Okavango Delta is fed by the Okavango River that originates in the uplands of Angola to the Northwest and then proceeds into, and fans out over, the Kalahari Desert. This fragile ecosystem of lagoons, channels and palm-filled islands is home to an enormous variety of animals and birds and comprises one of our planet’s most serene and unspoilt wilderness locations.

Abu’s Camp

Abu Camp on the western side of the Delta is the starting point for our much-lauded elephant back safaris. Comprising a startling 500 000 acres of concession land, this scenic haven continues as far as the eye can see. Here, crystal waters, open grasslands, island sanctuaries and papyrus-fringed channels combine to create the perfect location to immerse oneself in the magnificence and subtle mysteries of the African continent.

At Abu Camp, the aim is to create an intimate atmosphere where a maximum of ten African travel guests may enjoy the undivided attention of our staff members. And at a ratio of four staff members to each guest, you can rest assured that you will be treated to unparalleled attention and service.

On arrival you will be settled into a luxurious custom-designed tent that is set on raised teak decking which overlooks a lagoon. Described as being based on ‘Bedouin influence meets the African bush’, these tents have zippered entrances a roll down canvas at each of the windows. Although each tent has been individually furnished, they all reflect the high aesthetic standard that epitomises Abu Camp, which includes a mahogany four-poster bed or antique sleigh bed, as well as an en suite bathroom that is fitted with copper or porcelain baths, shower and flush toilet.

Meals are taken on layered teak decking that has been constructed around African Ebony and Sycamore Fig trees. Here, expert chefs create sumptuous meals that take into account the taste preferences and dietary requirements of each guest. Sundowners may also be enjoyed in this magnificent location.

Throughout the day you may relax in the lounge tent, an area that is furnished with soft, comfortable chairs and boasts a well-stocked library, as well as a selection of reference- and coffee table books on Africa which you may peruse. Here you will also find pictures of Abu and the elephant family. In fact, you will find that elephants are a recurring theme throughout our interiors - you will find it in the shape of ornaments next to your bath, as table decorations, etc.

The perfect hideaway, Abu is a place where you can come home to the silence of the bush or choose to gather around a fire to exchange stories, but most of all it is a place that allows you to get a taste of Africa at its best.

The Elephants

Abu Camp is named after the legendary lead elephant, Abu, who died in 2002. Abu was an amazing elephnat of great intelligence and gentleness towards guests & trainers alike as well as other elephants. Born in 1960 it is believed he is from either East Africa, or from the Kruger National Park in South Africa. As a young elephant he was taken to the United States where he was used as a ride elephant at a wildlife park in Texas. He was then returned to Africa in 1988 for the filming of ‘Circles in a Forest’, and subsequently moved to Botswana in 1990 where he was pivotal in setting up the first elephant back safari on the continent. Abu continued to lead the herd throughout the following twelve years.

For animals of their majestic stature, elephants are in reality completely frivolous and hedonistic. With their only natural threats being drought and man, they have over millennia cultivated a daily routine that includes nothing more taxing than grazing, bathing, meditating and enjoying long, ambling walks through the bush. Having taken a leaf from their books, this is also what we intend a safari at Abu camp to be about. Therefore, we have drawn up a collection of free-flowing rambles, outing and adventures that allow our visitors to move alongside these fine travelling companions.

The most effective 4x4s known to man, the Abu elephants are fitted with large, comfortable, custom-made saddles come safari time. Being atop an elephant gives participants the kick of the extraordinary experience of the elephant back safari perspective, while their mount effortlessly navigates water and sand to bring them within a hair’s breadth of other game species that remain totally unaware of the human presence aloft. You can expect the younger elephant to wander off, play in the water and generally acting like spoiled children, while the adults remain sedate - ambling on and snapping off the odd leafy branch to snack on along the way.

The youngsters cavort and roll in the water, wander off, and come charging back. The adults amble quietly on, browsing and snapping off the odd branch to munch on as they go.

The Safari based on a 3 Night Package (Recommended)

07 Jan - 31 Mar 2012
U$ 6340 .00 per person sharing per 3 night package
U$ 2984 .00 single room supplement per package

01 Apr - 14 Jun 2012
U$ 6350 .00 per person sharing per 3 night package
U$ 2984 .00 single room supplement per package

15 Jun - 31 Oct 2012
U$ 6577 .00 per person sharing per 3 night package
U$ 2984 .00 single room supplement per package

01 Nov - 10 Jan 2013
U$ 6350 .00 per person sharing per 3 night package
U$ 2984 .00 single room supplement per package

Price Includes