Description
Abu Camp - Elephant Back Safaris
Abu Camp, set in a pristine pocket of riverine forest, is situated in a vast private reserve of 180 000 hectares (400 000 acres) in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
Named after a very special bull elephant, Abu was the original base camp of Africa's first elephant back safaris which were pioneered in the Delta 17 years ago. Today the camp is located in a grove of magnificent hardwood trees on the edge of a large lagoon with a resident school of hippo.
An imaginative use of canvas and pole has created a unique style of tent which has been called Afro-Bedouin, high, wide and airy and blending in well with the natural surroundings. Each of the six en-suite accommodation units has its own distinctive furnishings and fittings, many of them antique, imparting an air of opulence amid the bush setting. Each tent has its own private elevated teak deck sculpted around one of the lofty sycamore figs or jackalberry trees.
Well-lit pathways link the tents with the main lounge and dining area, with a high vaulted canvas roof opening out onto a tiered teak deck surrounding a giant termite mound; one of the characteristic sights of the Okavango Delta. The lounge is replete with comfortable antique furnishings and boasts an absorbing library of field guides and illustrated volumes on wildlife. A well-stocked bar provides drinks and cocktails for post-safari sundowners around a camp fire while most of the meals are taken al fresco on the deck. Nearby a secluded plunge pool enables guests to cool off and relax.
With its shady trees and views overlooking the tranquil lagoon, Abu Camp is a haven of peace and seclusion.
Abu is unique in that it allows guests to interact with the resident elephant herd, meeting each individual and beginning to understand the complex behaviour of the largest land mammal on Earth. Guests are invited to become part of the elephant herd during their stay and may watch them being fed in the evenings, enjoy the frolics of the babies and accompanying them on foot as they move through the bush.
These elephant encounters provide magical moments and being with them allows a closer approach to other animals than is able to be achieved when simply walking as an obvious human figure.
Abu also offers morning and afternoon game drives, night drives and nature walks to view the abundance of fauna and flora in the area. During the seasonal floods, guests are invited to take to the waters in the mokoros, the traditional poled canoe used in the Delta.
Stanley's Camp
Stanley's Camp is situated on a 260,000 acre private concession, bordering the southern section of the famous Moremi Game Reserve, thus affording guests absolute exclusivity. The area is home to a wide variety of big game including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, hippo, lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog.
Guest accommodation consists of 8 classic styled safari tents. The delicately appointed tents exude classic Africa; handcrafted beds dressed with the finest linen, antique furniture individually selected and oriental carpets that transport you to early 19th century Africa.
Each unit offers en-suite facilities and a private deck veranda. Hammocks and Morris chairs on the balcony are perfect for relaxation in the African sunshine. The main building is raised on decking and offers expansive views over the surrounding floodplains. Stanley's is carefully blended into the existing tree line, its main support being a large sausage tree.
Stanley's Camp offers some of the best game viewing in the Okavango Delta, including the rare and elusive wild dog. The unique and educational experience with a group of semi-habituated African elephants is available at Stanley's. Spend a morning walking with the elephants to observe and interact with them in their natural environment. Other activities available at Stanley's Camp include serene mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions (Subject to water levels), exclusive bush dinners, and game drives in customised, open-sided 4x4 vehicles - including the rare opportunity of night drives. Due to the fact that Stanley's Camp is in a private concession, guests also have the option of walking safaris with an armed professional guide.
The elephant interaction activity encompasses a leisurely paced walk with a trio of semi-habituated elephants, becoming personally acquainted with them, observing and interacting with them and a picnic lunch in their company. Duration: +- 4 hours in the morning culminating in a picnic lunch in the bush. Maximum number of guests: 10 on an activity.
Currently, Grey Matters, owned by Doug and Sandi Groves’ supports the elephant trio: Jabu, Thembi and Morula. As part of a unique learning adventure, visitors accompany the herd on daily foraging treks. Immersed in elephant life, warm bonds of kinship grow from a newly found appreciation of these gentle giants.
You are invited to discover the elephants, from the bristled ends of their long tails to the tip of their powerful yet sensitive trunks. Marvel at their big ears, thoughtful eyes and enormous padded feet. Trace the textures of their skin and the silken polish of their ivory. Explore the astonishing bonds of kinship forged over more than a decade between the elephants and their guardians in a wilderness of mesmerising beauty. A delicate blink of Morula’s long lashes reveals her sensitive yet powerful personality. Jabu takes you, trunk in hand, with his bold and generous nature and together you slowly uncover the age-old secrets of the African elephant and the mysteries of the surrounding wilderness. Thembi, cute, boisterous and impossible to ignore, infatuates you and transforms your understanding of elephants to a deeper and more personal level.
http://www.golden-okavango.com/elephantb.html
Safaris follow ethical guiding practices, and we can reaveal to the visitor aspects of Botswana's flora and fauna, as well as the wide-ranging and unique geology of this peaceful, economically stable and friendly country.
We are certain that your memories of a safari here in Botswana will inspire you to return to explore further… just read the guest comments!
Golden Okavango is operated out of Maun, Botswana; Maun has an international airport with established links to surrounding African airports, and allows convenient and efficient access to all internal smaller airports and airstrips within Botswana, as well as land access to other areas more off the beaten track.
The company is run by Robert Barber, Director and Fully Licensed Professional Guide, and caters to the safari traveller, experienced or newcomer, seeking to explore, discover and learn about the immensely beautiful flora, fauna, landscape and people of Botswana.
Botswana has it all, and Golden Okavango is your key to access it all.
Private Guides
Rob was born in the southern highlands of Tanzania and was introduced to the bush at a young age. His first stomping grounds were in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania, where the family would regularly go camping. After finishing school, Rob went on to work in Ruaha guiding for a season at a lodge with family friends. This is where he knew that a life of guiding and working in the bush was unquestionably the one for him. Rob studied in Bristol, UK and graduated with a BA(Hons) but the bush was always calling. Before leaving the UK for good and returning to his roots, Rob was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (FRGS).
He came to Botswana and was immediately taken by the incredible wilderness and diversity of the country and soon realised that this was to be his new home. He went on to start up Golden Okavango, and today, as Director of the company and a fully licensed professional guide of Botswana, he continues to work throughout the country, in the Okavango, Chobe and Kalahari, leading safaris for many repeat clients who keep coming back for more. He also has some pretty bad jokes that’ll make you groan, so don’t encourage him too much!
Tel: +267 7269 1551
Private Bag 114
Suite 67
Maun
Botswana
|
