Abu Camp
Western Side of the Okavango Delta
Abu Camp derives its name from Abu the elephant, who appeared in several films and was brought to Africa from the USA by his trainer, Randall Moore. Abu Camp became renowned as the elephant experience camp, but subsequent ownership has the focus shifting to conservation rather than interaction. Abu Camp provides the best in luxury safari accommodation, impeccable service, and an extraordinary safari and wildlife experience in one of the largest and most diverse private reserves in the Okavango.
The 6 luxurious tents, described as 'Bedouin influence meets the African bush', have fully zipped entrances and roll-down canvas on the windows. All the tents are beautifully furnished with mahogany four-poster beds or antique sleigh beds. Each of the 6 tents has its own distinctive furnishings and fittings, many of them antique, imparting an air of opulence in this spectacular bush setting. Pictures, ornaments and carvings of elephants adorn each room. The floors are polished and dotted with rugs, and the en suite bathrooms boast a copper or porcelain bath. In addition, each tent has its own private elevated teak deck sculpted around one of the sycamore figs or jackalberry trees.
Well-lit pathways link the tents with the main lounge and dining area. The shape of the main camp was inspired by the Sydney Opera House and includes a living room, dining room and library. The extensive tiered teak decking, which surrounds a giant termite mound, provides the perfect relaxation area. A well-stocked bar offers drinks and cocktails for sundowners around a campfire, while most meals are al fresco on the deck. Nearby, a secluded plunge pool enables guests to cool off and relax. The dining area is set on layered decking that encompasses African Ebony and Sycamore Fig trees. A private deck with a hammock overlooks a lagoon frequented by myriad bird and animal life. The lounge tent boasts comfortable sofas and antique furnishings. Pictures of Abu and the elephant family abound; elephants are reflected everywhere, from charming ornaments placed by the baths to carved elephants walking down the centre of the dinner table.
Activities
Abu Camp offers day and night game drives, seasonal guided nature walks, boating and mokoro safaris depending on the water level. Take in the diversity of abundant general game roaming the 180000-hectare private reserve, from giraffe, zebra, elephant, impala, tsessebe and lechwe to wildebeest, buffalo and warthog. Lions often move through the concession and can sometimes be heard calling at night. This area of the Delta also offers excellent birding. Birding by mokoro is particularly exciting with malachite kingfisher, white-browed coucal, Luapula cisticola, pied kingfisher, rufous-bellied heron and great egret, just some of the possible sightings.