The camp lies within the 695-square-mile (1 800-sq-km) Abu concession, which borders the Moremi Game Reserve and offers both land- and water-based activities, including safari drives, mokoroing (traditional dugout), boating, fishing, and walking with a guide.

The Abu concession includes a range of habitats, including hardwood forest, permanent swamps, savanna grassland, seasonally flooded plains, water channels through papyrus and reed beds, palm islands, and open woodland. The camp is situated along a lovely lagoon that attracts wildlife, which can be viewed up close via mokoro or motorized boat.

Abu is one of the most luxurious camps in the Okavango and is well known as the site of a long-term elephant conservation and reintroduction project.

Main camp area showing lounge and dining areas, pool deck, and gym.

Abu Camp has become recognized internationally for its innovative work with orphaned and rejected elephants. The camp is for one of the elephants in the elephant project's original herd. This 'Abu' herd forms the core for the camp's interactive elephant experience, where guests can meet, walk and intermingle with the animals. The Abu elephant experience intimately involves its guests in elephant conservation.

The vision at Abu has always been to care for abused or orphaned elephants and whenever possible, to return these elephants back into the wild. The released wild elephants are monitored for their movements and their behavior studied by the research team to provide information on the issues that the species faces. Since the inception of Abu Camp, nine elephants have been successfully reintroduced into the wilds of the Okavango Delta.

Note that the elephant-riding activity was terminated as of 2017.

Guides and guests with members of the Abu herd.

The wildlife experience at Abu is top-notch, with a large variety of species inhabiting the area, including elephant, buffalo, giraffe, greater kudu, impala, lion, leopard, tsessebe, zebra, warthog, and hippo. Predators likely to be seen include lion, spotted hyena, and black-backed jackal. There is also a chance of seeing leopard, African wild dog, and cheetah.

There is a possibility of seeing the usually elusive sitatunga (an aquatic antelope), as well as spotted-necked otter. The area is also a birder's paradise, with plentiful waterbirds and Okavango 'specials' like Pel's owl, slaty egret, saddle-billed stork, lesser jacana, and wattled crane.

Abu Camp offers just 6 unique explorer-style tented guest accommodations built upon raised wooden decks. The tents are connected to the camp's main area by elevated wooden walkways (intermittent sections may be on the ground to allow for animal movement). The tents have a tree-shaded deck with a private plunge pool overlooking the lagoon. The elevated main camp area offers excellent views of the lagoon in front of camp.

Wilderness Safaris are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Abu Camp is powered by a hybrid system, which combines solar power and a diesel-powered generator. The hot water is heated by thermodynamic geyser.

Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Okavango Delta.

Aerial view of Abu Camp and the lagoon.

About the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of Africa's greatest safari destinations and offers an incredible diversity and abundance of wildlife. The Okavango is an UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.

Often referred to simply as "the Delta", the Okavango is characterized by an ever-changing network of waterways that originate far to the northwest in the highlands of Angola. The Cubango River flows into northern Botswana and spills into the flat expanse of Kalahari sands, where it fans out into a shallow trough formed by tectonic faults beneath the sand.

The annual 'flooding' of the Okavango brings in rich sediments that provide nutrients atop the sands, which in turn creates a diverse ecosystem of permanent and seasonal waterways, deep-water lagoons, papyrus beds, palm-covered islands, seasonally flooded grasslands, and woodlands. The rich fresh-water environment changes year-to-year depending on the level of the floodwaters making it one of the most dynamic wildlife destinations on Earth.

Aerial view over guest tents at Abu Camp.

Wildlife in the Okavango Delta is diverse and includes all of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. Commonly seen herbivores include giraffe, plains (Burchell's) zebra, blue wildebeest, impala, tsessebe, common reedbuck, greater kudu, waterbuck, buffalo, elephant, and warthog. Both species of rhino are found, albeit in small numbers. The Delta is also home to red lechwe and sitatunga, both of which are water-dependent antelopes.

The abundance of herbivores means that predators are common in the Okavango. Commonly seen species include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, and African wild dog. Cheetah are sometimes seen in the larger grasslands like those on Chief's Island. Less frequently encountered predators include serval, caracal, honey badger, and various species of mongoose.

The abundance of water in the Okavango provides habitat for Nile crocodiles and hippos, both of which are seen easily at any of the safari camps located near the Delta's permanent water. Primates in the Delta include chacma baboon, vervet monkey, and bush baby (galago).

Birding is outstanding in the Delta, with over 400 species possible. A typical safari day can easily produce over 100 species for an avid birder.

Guests interacting with members of the Abu herd.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

6 guest accommodations in total comprising:

6 twin-bedded tented rooms, each with two three-quarter beds. Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a king-sized bed (to be arranged prior to arrival).

The camp's unique and luxurious canvas tents are built on a raised wooden deck with elevated wooden walkways leading to the main camp area (intermittent sections are on the ground to allow for wildlife movement).

Guest tent interior.

Each tent comprises en-suite facilities with an indoor shower, outdoor shower, outdoor copper bath, double-basin vanity, and separate toilet. The mesh windows have canvas blinds that roll up and down for all weather conditions. The explorer-style tents blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings and each has a tree-shaded deck with a private plunge pool overlooking a lagoon.

Other items and features in the guest tents include:

Writing desk and chair.
Plug-in mosquito repellent.
During winter months an electric blanket is provided.
Ceiling fan.
Electronic safe.
Hairdryer.
Tea and coffee making facilities.
Olympus binoculars.
Mini-bar.
Exercise mat and free weights (2x 1-kg and 2x 2-kg).
Multi-plug charging facilities for mobile devices.
In-tent Wi-Fi.
Two-way emergency radios to contact camp management in the event of an emergency only (radios are on a closed circuit and inter-tent communication is not available).
Personal amenities, including seasonal bathrobes, slippers, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellent, insect spray, mosquito coil, shower caps, vanity kit with cotton tip swabs and cotton wool pads, sewing kit, tissue dispenser, laundry bag and umbrella.

Abu Camp can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 6 guest units.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and local beverages including wines, spirits and liqueurs, but excluding premium imported brands and Champagne.
Twice-daily safari activities including game drives in open game-viewing vehicles, boating, mokoro outings, nature walks, and other scheduled camp activities (accompanied by experienced guides). Water-based activities dependent upon water levels.
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
Wi-Fi access.
Tourism Levy & VAT.

Excludes:

Premium imported beverages and Champagne.
Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement will apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Children aged 6 years and older are accommodated at Abu:

For families traveling with children between 6 and 12 years, private activities must be booked and paid for.
Children between 6 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same room.
The minimum age for boating activities is 6 years (water levels permitting).
The minimum age for mokoro activities is 13 years (water levels permitting).
The minimum age for walking (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide) is 13 years.

Facilities

The main area is situated along a beautiful lagoon, surrounded by open grasslands, waterways, and island sanctuaries.

Main guest area facilities include:

Pool in main area.
Lounge, dining, and bar areas on raised wooden platforms with a tiered deck.
All tents and main areas connected by raised wooden walkways.
Curio corner and library.
Gym (equipment includes a rowing machine, treadmill, stationary exercise bicycle, yoga mats and a range of free weights (between 2.5-kg and 20-kg).
Campfire area.
Pizza oven.
In-tent massage treatments (at an additional cost), entertainment area (for private dining, watching wildlife documentaries, hosting lectures).
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available for guests in The Elephant Library - including a laptop connected to the internet.
Guest toilet in main area.

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Day and night safari drives in 4x 5-seater open 4x4 Land Cruisers. Hot water bottles, blankets, and lined ponchos are provided on early morning game drives in cooler months.
Water-based activities in 6x 2-seater mekoro (traditional dugout canoe) and 2x 6-seater motorized boats (water levels permitting).
Fishing on a catch-and-release basis year round (except January and February when fishing is barred by law for breeding). The camp has a small stock of basic rods and reels, whereas all fly-fishing equipment is to be supplied by the guest.
Guided nature walks (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide, therefore pre-booking is essential).
Birding.
Wilderness Safaris and Olympus Photo Hub experience.

Abu elephant herd activity:

For over 20 years, Abu Camp offered its guests the unusual African experience of walking and interacting with a small herd of elephants that were part of a reintroduction project.
Guests may interact with the Abu herd via an immersive walking-based experience and learn about wildlife and habitat conservation from the camp's guides, and researchers (subject to their availability).
Elephant-back riding safaris were discontinued as of 2017.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked in advance).
Scenic helicopter flights ranging in duration from 30, 45 to 60 minutes - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 5 or 6 depending on the helicopter used (morning or afternoon).
Tsodilo Hills (UNESCO World Heritage Site) excursion to learn more about Botswana and the history of the San people - with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 10 (via scenic helicopter flights only).

Example of a typical day:

Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
Return to camp for a meal and rest period.
Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
Return to camp, freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a nightcap or discussion around the fire before retiring.

Great Good Fair Poor

WHEN TO GO

The Okavango Delta offers very good wildlife viewing opportunities all throughout the year, but there are seasonal variations in terms of weather that may be a consideration when planning your visit.

The high season in terms of tourist demand is during the dry months between June and October. The latter part of the rainy season is the low season.

The winter (June through August) is dry and cool and wildlife may be easier to find as rain water is evaporating and the rivers and deeper waterholes become more frequently visited by the animals.

During the middle and later stages of the rainy season, the grass becomes tall and the bush becomes lush and thick, which makes for lovely colors, but makes spotting wildlife more difficult.

Abu Camp is open year-round.

Summer / Rains

Northern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta receives most of its rain between December thru February, which is the summer season. November and December are wonderful months to visit the Delta, with only occasional rainstorms and most rain coming in short showers, which bring relief to the thirsty land after the dry season.

January and February typically experience afternoon downpours on most days, but all-day rain is very uncommon. By the middle of March, the rains become much less frequent and the grass and bush have grown long and thick. Mornings become cooler by the end of March.

In spite of being summer, the rains keep temperatures from becoming overly hot, although humidity and insect life are at their peak. Days are mostly overcast or partially cloudy, with dramatic skies and a lovely green color to the landscape. Afternoon temperatures average 88°F (31°C), but mornings are very comfortable at around 65°F (19°C).

Baby animals are in abundance, especially impala lambs and warthog piglets. Migratory birds arrive to breed and dramatically increase the number of species and overall numbers, particularly in the lagoons and pans, which are full of rain water and food for the aquatic species.

Unlike the dry months (May through October), when the middays can be very warm, causing wildlife to minimize activity and seek shade from around 10am til mid-afternoon, the overcast skies in the summer often mean that animals are active throughout the day, offering many more hours of game viewing.

Autumn

March, April and May are Fall season months and the beginning of the dry season in the Okavango, with rains very uncommon from around mid-March. The landscape is still lush and green, with sunny days and comfortable temps; afternoons average 84°F (29°C). Mornings are comfortable, but a fleece and base layer may be needed for the first hours on game drive.

Migrant birds fly north and water in the lagoons and rain pans is drying up. Permanent waterways in the Delta are however rising, as the 'flood' water from the Angolan highlands is now reaching the Delta.

Morning temps are around 54°F/12°C and afternoons average 79°F/26°C.

Winter / Dry Season

June through August is winter and the vegetation is drying and going dormant. The Okavango flood water is peaking but the surrounding landscape is mostly brown and yellow. Dust and sand particles in the air is on the rise. Game viewing is superb, with elephant and buffalo herds congregating along permanent water.

Mornings can be chilly to very cold at around 45°F (7°C). Warm clothes, including winter hat and gloves are needed for the open-air game drives. Dress in layers, as the temps do rise quickly during the day, with middays reaching 79°F (26°C).

Spring

September and October are the driest months as the landscape and animals eagerly await the coming rains. Game viewing is phenomenal, with all lagoons and rain pans completely dry and animals congregating around permanent waterways. The flood levels are down and the grass and vegetation mostly dried.

Days are warm, sunny and often cloudless and by mid-morning, most animals are seeking shelter in the shade and awaiting the evening temps to drop. October can be brutally hot and dusty and even smoky as sporadic grass fires can occur.

Safari camps are mostly full to capacity, with guests adhering to guide books saying this is the only tome to visit (not true of course!) Temperatures in October can easily reach 95°F (35°C) or even hotter.