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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 offers THREE night safaris on set dates throughout the
year, starting on every Tuesday and Saturday. Five night Safaris
are also available.
Abu Camp's atmosphere is that of the
ultimate house party created for just ten guests. A ratio of four
staff to each guest ensures the best of attention and service.
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 comple te 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.
The dining area is set on layered teak decking that winds its
way around African Ebony and Sycamore Fig trees. An expert safari
chef conjures up magnificent meals, catering to all tastes and
dietary requirements. Sundowners are served in the shade of these
majestic and ancient trees with abundant cocktails on ice.
The lounge tent is the perfect place to relax in soft and
comfortable chairs. A well-stocked library is available to all,
with a number of reference books and beautiful coffee table books
on Africa. Pictures of Abu and the elephant family abound. In fact
elephants are reflected ev erywhere, from charming ornaments placed
by the baths, to carved elephants walking down the centre of the
table at dinner time.
So, whether one wishes to commune quietly with the silence of
the bush from the veranda of one' s own tent, or exchange stories
around the fire at the mess tent, Abu Camp is the perfect hideaway
for a safari to remember and savour for ever.
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'. Sadley 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 floodplains in the
company of Africa's finest travelling 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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