Abu Camp, the orginal elephant back experience in the heart of Botswana's Okavango Delta.

The elephant back luxury safaris are based at Abu Camp on the western side of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Set in half a million acres of private concession, this tranquil shady corner of heaven is in a pristine wilderness, threaded by crystal waters.

Surrounded by open grasslands, island sanctuaries and the papyrus-fringed channels, which make this part of Africa unique, Abu Camp is the perfect spot from which to explore the mysteries and magnificence of this ancient land. The camp, concealed in an ancient riverine forest, consists of five custom-built, stylishly-furnished tents with en-suite bathrooms. Your private, tree-shaded deck with a hammock overlooks a lagoon frequented by a myriad of bird and animal life. There is no electricity at the camp and all the lights and hot water is powered by solar batteries. Therefore we cannot offer phones, faxes, or email facilities (although these can be dealt with through our office in Maun). In truth you are in the middle of the wilderness, and that is the charm of this safari. We can however recharge video camera batteries, and for this please bring a 220v adaptor for a three-pronged round plug.

INSIDER TIPS

5 night/6 day safari on set arrival and departure dates. There is a maximum of 10 clients per safari. Safaris start on a Wednesday and finish on a Monday.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Abu Elephant Villa - This exquisite two-bedroom villa is set in an ancient riverine forest, just across the lagoon from the five-tent Abu camp. A classic mahogany four-poster bed dominates the main room; the purpose of the second room is left to your imagination. Couples can take one of Abu's famed elephant-back safaris, then return to soak in their en suite copper bathtub in the afternoon.

Tents - Accommodation is in luxurious custom-designed tents, raised on teak decking and overlooking a lagoon. The 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 and individually furnished with mahogany four-poster beds or antique sleigh beds. Each tent has an en-suite bathroom complete with copper or porcelain baths, shower and flush toilet. Every tent has a different style but all reflect the very high standard that defines Abu Camp.

LEISURE

The elephant back safaris offer many magical, memorable moments, not least the opportunity to come very close to and even mingle with the wild animals. The herds of giraffe, zebra and antelope are unconcerned by the approach of the elephant herd of which you are a privileged part. We also offer game drives in open (+500 species!) or a day spent drifting through the tranquil waters of the delta in a mokoro, the traditional dugout craft of the Okavango. No effort has been spared to ensure that guests enjoy this unique experience in total comfort and safety. During your Elephant Back Safari, you will be seated in large padded saddles which are mounted behind the most experienced and knowledgeable elephant-handlers in Africa. Abu and company are delighted to have you on board. As you will discover, they enjoy the ride as much as you do!

EXPLORE

The Okavango Delta in Botswana is one of the world's largest inland river systems. The Okavango River, born in the uplands of Angola to the Northwest, flows into and fans out across the Kalahari Desert to form an immense inland delta of lagoons, channels and palm filled islands. This fragile ecosystem remains one of the world's unspoilt and beautiful wildernesses where a vast diversity of animals and birds can be seen.

On your daily elephant rides, you can see any of the plains game that are abundant in the area, from giraffe, zebra, elephant, impala, tssessebe, and lechwe to wildebeest, buffalo and warhogs. The camp's resident pride of lion should announce their presence at some time during your stay, and it is very likely that you will hear them calling at night, a thrilling sound as you lie in the comfort and safety of your tent.

AIRPORT

Maun International Airport (MUB)

GETTING THERE

Maun (MUB); then by light aircraft to private airstrip.

You will be met at Maun airport by a member of Elephant Back Safaris staff and transferred to your charter flight to camp - a short 30-minute flight. There is a luggage restriction on this flight of 10kg (22lbs) per person, soft sided luggage please - no suitcases. Excess luggage can be stored in our Maun office.