Abu Camp, Botswana

Abu Camp, Botswana

abu066_master-copy_7088468443_o-scaled.jpg

Well, I am in Botswana, and SO excited to be here!

To tell you the truth, before a few months ago I am not sure I could find Botswana (or the Okavango Delta) on a map, and now I don't want to leave!

We took a small jumper plane to Abu Camp, home to a family of elephants that have easily found a soft spot in my heart!

After we de-planed and made our way to the 4x4 waiting we were told we would go "meet" the elephants before making our way to camp. No problem! We cruised over the sandy and wet terrain until we came across a few more 4x4's waiting with a white-linen-dressed table packed with snacks in the middle of nowhere!

We jumped out, grabbed a drink, and turned around to see 3 elephants taking a mud bath about 100 feet away. Elephants are incredible! And it is so different to see them up close, wild, not in a zoo setting. The matriarch of the herd is named Cathy. Cathy is 52 years old this year, and you can feel her sense of calm. She knows she is the boss, and doesn't mind reminding you if you fall out of line. Her consists of Abu (son of the Camp's namesake), Shirheni, Paseka (who has a very special, heart-wrenching story), & the youngest, Wayrona, a precocious baby elephant that is still finding her feet.

Although the elephants are definitely the main attraction, I would be remiss not to talk about camp! I grew up camping in Montana, and let me tell you, camping means something very different on African safaris!

Although all the structures legally have to be able to be taken down and moved, they are full-on luxury! My room, I mean tent, has beautiful dark, hardwood floors, a writing table, a stocked complimentary mini bar, a huge bed with amazing linens, a full bathroom with a flushing loo, rain shower, sinks, safe, and a claw foot tub set up outside on a private deck overlooking the delta!

One wall of my tent is simply wall-to-wall screen sliding doors overlooking the delta, so you fall asleep to the view, and better yet, wake up to the sunrise and hippo sounds.

This place is remarkable!

 

Your Friendly Travel Expert,

Mindy Vanderhoof

 

Explore Adventures in this Destination

Related Posts

7 Reasons to Explore Croatia With Kids

Europe was the hot ticket for traveling families this summer.…

Top Reasons to Visit Kenai Fjords National Park, Alaska

Just over two hours south of Anchorage is one of…

Podcast: Kit Parks Talks to Brian Darer About His Austria Family Vacation

Kit Parks, from Active Travel Adventures, chats with Brian Darer,…

7 Great Adventures for Big Family Getaways

7 Great Adventures for Big Family Getaways 

What makes the best…

Best Places to Visit in Croatia

With a glimmering coastline of islands, abundant seafood, and historic…

Top Things to Do in Anchorage

The city of Anchorage and the nature surrounding it are…

Top 10 Outdoor Family Vacations

The 10 Best Outdoor Vacations for FamiliesOutdoor family adventures are…

Best Time to Visit Alaska

While we believe the best time of year to visit…

Best Time to Visit Yellowstone?

Have you been wondering...
When is the best time to…

Your Guide to Teen Trips

 Your Guide to Teen TripsTraveling with your children during their…

How to Plan the Perfect African Safari Vacation

When thinking of a "trip of a life time" many people…

The Power of Travel

The eminent travel writer Pico Lyer once observed: “Travel is…

Costa Rican Gallo Pinto

 

Bring the spice of Costa Rica to your kitchen with…

National Parks - 4 Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

In the United States there are 58 national parks--millions of…

Five Reasons for Spring travel in the American Southwest

Forget about spring break in Florida, the Southwest is where…

Experience the Differences Between the Rocky Mountains' Best National Parks

Rocky Mountain National Parks:

We live in a magical place. Our…

How to Explore Europe Like a European

Here's what we can learn from the way Europeans cherish…

The Value of Traveling with a Tour Operator

Top reasons traveling with a tour operator makes your life…

Austin Adventures Announced, Top 10 Travel Company by Silicon Review

We're always pleased to be noticed within the travel industry,…

9 Views You Can Only See in the Canadian Rockies

With glaciers crawling down from massive limestone peaks and pristine…

An Inside Look at Chico Hot Springs

Montana at its finest.Located thirty miles north of Yellowstone National…

Why Alaska is one of our Favorite Adventures

Why Alaska is one of our Favorite AdventuresAlaska, the name…

Paul's Africa Travel Journal

Paul's Africa Travel JournalInstallment 1: Zambia & Botswana Safari

Day 1We…

From Guest to Guide by Zach Kellman

As a stubborn teenager, being with my family on vacation…

How Do I Prepare for an Adventure Vacation?

After talking with hundreds of people about adventure vacations, I…

Can You Tell the Difference Between a Black Bear and a Grizzly Bear?

As a guide in Yellowstone National Park, it's very important…

Things to do in Bozeman, Montana

 

On all the Austin trips that I have led, I…

Things to do in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Today, I want to talk about one of my favorite…

South Dakota - History of the Old West

Who doesn't just love a good story of pioneer grit…