Wilderness Abu Camp offers the extraordinary privilege of immersing yourself in a herd of African Elephants; to walk with them, to ride them, to join in whatever they are doing; mud bathing, training or veterinary care; even to spend an astonishing night with them. This is truly a life changing experience.
Maun Airport (MUB)
Guests at Wilderness Abu Camp are invited to interact with the resident elephant herd in what is, without doubt, the ultimate elephant education safari. This unique elephant experience offers so many magical moments whilst interacting with the resident herd of eight elephants that by the time you come to leave you will feel quite emotionally attached to them; you will get to ‘know’ the different characters of the herd; the naughty and playful youngsters, the stately Matriarch, Cathy, with her unfaltering, calm leadership and the delinquent teenagers only too eager to upset the proverbial applecart at any given opportunity; it is difficult not to be anthropomorphic! The focus here is very much on the elephants but of course the more ‘usual’ Okavango Delta activities of game drives, Mokoro trips, boat trips and walking are also on offer. In-tent massage treatments available. Library & Gym, scenic helicopter flights
Accommodation at Wilderness Abu Camp is in 6 stunningly designed canvas ensuite constructions; think mini Sydney Opera Houses made of canvas! It is one of the most beautifully designed camps in Africa and being west facing across a huge lagoon is one of the most stunning locations. Each suite has a comfortable lounge area, both indoor and outdoor showers and a large deck raised high above the lagoon with private plunge pools. The main areas include both indoor and outdoor dining areas, a gym area, a communications area for those wanting to stay in touch with the outside world, a pool and a well stocked library. One of the most unique offerings at Abu is the star-beds overlooking the elephant boma which enables guests to spend the night being lulled to sleep by the gentle snoring of the elephant herd below; nowhere in Africa is this offered.
We’ll meet at 4 p.m. at our hotel in Luzern (Lucerne) for a “Welcome to Switzerland” meeting. Then we’ll take a meandering evening walk through Switzerland’s most charming lakeside town, and get acquainted with one another over dinner together. Sleep in Luzern (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.
Enjoy an orientation walk of Zurich’s OLD TOWN, Switzerland’s center of banking and commerce. Then, leave Zurich and start your Swiss adventure. You’ll quickly discover that Switzerland isn’t just home to the Alps, but also to some of the most beautiful lakes. First, stop at the foot of the Jura Mountains in the picturesque town of Biel, known as Bienne by French-speaking Swiss, famous for watch-making, and explore the historical center. Next, enjoy a scenic drive to lakeside Neuchâtel, dominated by the medieval cathedral and castle. Time to stroll along the lake promenade before continuing to stunning Geneva, the second-largest city in Switzerland, with its fantastic lakeside location and breathtaking panoramas of the Alps.
Our morning drive takes us from Swiss lakes to Swiss Army. At the once-secret Swiss army bunker at Fortress Fürigen, we’ll see part of the massive defense system designed to keep Switzerland strong and neutral. Afterward, a short drive into the countryside brings us to the charming Alpine village of Engelberg, our picturesque home for the next two days. We’ll settle into our lodge then head out for an orientation walk. Our stroll through the village will end at the Engelberg Abbey, a Benedictine monastery with its own cheese-making operation. You’ll have free time to wander back before dinner together. Sleep in Engelberg (2 nights). Bus: 1 hr. Walking: light.
An unforgettable trip to the high Alpine wonderland of ice and snow is the true highlight of a visit to Switzerland. Globus Local Favorite At an amazing 11,332 feet, the JUNGFRAUJOCH is Europe’s highest railway station. Jungfrau’s 13,642-foot summit was first ascended in 1811 and in 1912 the rack railway was opened. There are lots of things to do here: enjoy the ALPINE SENSATION, THE PANORAMA 360° EXPERIENCE, and the ICE PALACE. Also receive your JUNGFRAU PASSPORT as a souvenir to take home with you. The round trip to the “Top of Europe” by MOUNTAIN TRAIN will take most of the day.
