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Elephant-back Safaris are based at Abu Camp on the western side of
the Delta. 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.
Abu Camp, set deep in an ancient riverine forest, consists of six custom-built, stylishly furnished “tents” with en-suite bathrooms. Each tent has its own tree-shaded deck overlooking the lagoon, which thrives with abundant bird and animal life.
The main deck is sculpted around giant trees, creating a dappled, cool atmosphere where meals and drinks are enjoyed.
Sundowners around a traditional campfire are followed by five-star meals prepared by our expert safari chefs and served with the finest of wines. All of which is accompanied by the nocturne of the African bush: the roar of the lion, grunt of the hippo and haunting calls of the owl and nightjars.
Dress at Abu Camp is casual but in keeping with our ethos of complete harmony with our surroundings, we recommend subdued, safari-hued clothing. A sweater is advisable for alfresco evenings in the camp and on night game viewing drives.
A new addition to the Abu Camp experience is the Abu Private Villa.
Abu Private Villa sleeps four comfortably and is the perfect venue for those wanting privacy. The villa is five minutes from Abu Camp and is situated across the lagoon from the camp. Guests enjoy their own butler, chef and guide with exclusive use of a vehicle. Mingle with the guests at main camp or enjoy your own piece of paradise with your own private pool. No elephant activities are included. Abu Private Villa – secluded paradise for you to enjoy.
The Elephants
The camp is named after Randall Moore's legendary elephant 'Abu',
the star of such motion pictures as 'White Hunter Black Heart', and
'The Power of One'. Abu is an Arabic word meaning 'everything to do
with elephants'. Sadly Abu died in 2003. Currently there is a herd
of five adults and seven juveniles ranging from five years old to
40 years old.
Elephants are complete hedonists. Their stately being is
animated by a streak of pure frivolity. Always unthreatened, except
by drought and man, they have been able over aeons to cultivate and
polish a daily routine of relaxed enjoyment, eating, bathing,
meditating and going for long walks through the bush. And that is
exactly what this safari is all about. Abu Camp has elaborated this
lifestyle into a series of dreamlike adventures, simple dawn and
sunset rambles or daylong outings across the floodplain's in the
company of Africa's finest traveling companions. There is no
better way of interacting with the wilderness and wildlife of the
Delta.
At Abu Camp, guests are transported in large comfortable
custom-made saddles into the shimmering watercolour of the Delta,
on the most effective of all 4x4's. An elephant not only is able to
cope in water and sand with equal ease, but can also get really
close to other game, which is generally unaware of the human
presence aloft. But the real kick lies in the extraordinary
experience of the elephant perspective , walking beside them or
riding high through the bush, at one with the largest ears, the
longest noses in the world. The youngsters cavort and roll in the
water, wander off, and come charging back. The adults amble quietly
on, browsing, snapping off the odd branch to munch on as they go.
Expressive long-lashed eyes reveal patience, mischief and pleasure.
"The Ultimate Safari".
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