Overview
Stanley's Camp is situated in a private concession, south of both Moremi Game Reserve and the Chitabe Concession. Although this concession is one of the furthest from the Okavango's Panhandle, the source of the Delta's waters, there is no lack of beautiful riverine forests and floodplains here. The camp is known for its superb elephant activity.
Accommodation
Sanctuary Stanley's Camp is built on a 260,000 acre private concession in the renowned Okavango Delta. This traditional safari camp has a large lounge area and dining area with incredible views over the floodplains in front of camp. The main area features a bar from where refreshing drinks are always served with a smile, a small library area and curio shop. From the swimming pool - a real treat after a hot day of game viewing - guests can watch giraffe and other plains game march across the savannah and sometimes catch a glimpse of rare wild dogs. Everything about Sanctuary Stanley's Camp is built to the highest ecological standards so that we don't damage this highly sensitive area.
Sandy pathways lead to the eight tented rooms at Stanley's, which are set in the treeline for maximum shade while overlooking the plain in front of camp. The rooms are structured tents with poles, raised on wooden decking. At the front of each is a large deck with a table, comfortable chairs and a hammock, the latter a playground for the tree squirrels that scamper across the decks.
The front of each tent is fully meshed with a central zip. Inside are two comfortable wooden beds with white cotton bedding, cheesecloth covers, bedside tables and built-in electric reading lamps, though the lack of rugs makes the floor slightly cold in the mornings! A tray table is set with an ice bucket, water and glasses, while opposite is a chair, and a desk topped with stationery and an emergency radio ? complete with details of procedures for fire drills and first aid. There's also a sturdy luggage rack.
The en-suite bathroom, reached through a roll-down canvas door, has an indoor shower kitted out with Africology shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, with insect repellent and insecticide also provided. The washbasin is set into a wooden cabinet with a framed mirror, while the toilet is separated from the rest of the bathroom by a canvas door, affording some privacy. The lights are electric.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
Each room has WiFi with its own password and signal strength. Every room has an emergency radio. There is email contact between camp and the Maun office but no cellphone reception.
Living & Dining Areas
The enormous main area at Stanley's Camp has a very high tented
ceiling (rather like a circus big top!), secured by large poles and guy
ropes. With the apex of the ceiling rising to about 10m, it's a
spectacular design.
The main deck is slightly raised off the ground
underneath the tented canopy. There are stairs up to the large dining
area, then a couple more steps to the smaller main sitting area. This is
decorated with local artefacts, including some fascinating
black-and-white photos of the area. You'll also find a small library,
and a shop with local arts and crafts, trinkets and books, plus useful
items such as clothes, camera film and batteries, all displayed in
glass-fronted cabinets. In front of the tent, steps lead down to a
grassy area with a campfire and directors' chairs, where drinks can be
taken before dinner.
Comfort & Amenities
| Children | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Baby crib |
High chair |
| Confort | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bed linen |
Pool towels |
Toiletries |
Towels |
| Equipments | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Hair dryer |
| Outdoor | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Beach chair |
Outdoor dining |
Outdoor furniture |
| Security | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Safe |
| Services | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
24-hour, multilingual Concierge |
All meals |
Laundry services |
Restaurant |
|
Transfers |
Welcome drink |
| Services extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Activities and excursions |
Car |
Driver |
| Staff | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Chef |
Concierge |
Maid Service |
Pool Attendant |
| Staff extra | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Private chauffeur |
Staff & Services
One of the greatest advantages of staying in Stanley Camp is the personalised service provided by dedicated staff.
Stanley Camp staff have been professionally trained and will do their utmost to please with their warm and friendly hospitality.
Manager
Your manager and staff provide you with a dedicated and highly personalised concierge service during your stay. Private transfers and other in-resort activities can all be organised via our team.
Concierge
From your first phone call right through until you get back home we're on hand to help with all aspects of your trip.
Housekeeping Staff
A discreet daily housekeeping service is provided at the Camp.
Chef
Sanctuary Stanley's Camp's meals are all freshly prepared. The camp
prides itself on its personalised service and this includes your
culinary preferences and needs.
*Wine list can be provide.
Pool Attendant
A full-time pool attendant ensure the pool look their best.
Pool
Swimming pool.
Location
Sanctuary Stanley's Camp has its own registered private airstrip.
During low water levels, the driving journey to the camp from the airstrip will take approximately 20 minutes. During higher water levels, there will be a 50 minute boat transfer followed by a five minute road transfer to the camp.
Flight times
The camp is accessible by air from:
- Maun (15 minutes)
- Kasane (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Sanctuary Chief's Camp airstrip (10 minutes)
Activities
Game drives
Game drives are not typical here, as water crossings are part of the adventure, and watching zebra standing belly-deep in water, grazing, is a sight to see. Even giraffe will cross water up to their hocks. During higher water levels, game drives will be combined with motorised boating excursions. Sanctuary Stanley's Camp is set in a private concession which means we can also venture out at night on exciting game drives to see the many nocturnal animals that live here. The evening drive starts after sundowner cocktails, using a spotlight to identify nocturnal creatures including the ones that are easier to catch a glimpse of in the dark, like hyena and leopard. Tiny fireball eyes that seem to levitate through the air and reappear again in different trees are bush babies, just one of several different creatures to be found.
Walking safaris
Our professional guides will show you the bush on foot. This is a chance to see the Delta from a different perspective, one that is up close and personal with the surrounding environment. Walks allow you to read the news of the night in the smooth sand of the road. Lion, leopard, elephants, genets and even millipedes are all part of the signs, each with their story to tell. A walking safari is about seeing the small five and the various flora in the area.
Mokoro excursions
The Okavango Delta is of course flooded for much of the year and when it is, guests can experience serene silence at the gentle pace of a poled mokoro excursion along the narrow channels. Sit back and relax as you glide through lily ponds on local dugout canoes while seeing eye to eye with a buffalo as it laps water from the river, watch crocodiles sunbathe on the banks or cruise past a pod of hippos as they lie in a pool. Fish eagles, frogs and fabulous lilies form much of this experience, but more frequently it is the quietness and gentle pace that makes its impression.
Living with ElephantS immersive experience
Thousands of elephants migrate through the area and here, as at the nearby Sanctuary Baines' Camp, you can have an astonishing experience walking with elephants in the bush. These orphaned elephants have been brought up in the area by their guardians Doug and Sandi Groves. Every morning the elephants go for a walk around their home range, foraging for food and checking that all is well. A few people each day are able to accompany them on their walk through the bush and see the wilds of Africa through the eyes of an elephant - a truly uplifting experience that makes a lasting impression on all who share their time with the elephants. This activity includes a leisurely paced walk with the semi-habituated elephants, followed by a picnic lunch in their company.
This activity is at an additional cost. Please enquire for rates.
- In order to avoid disappointment, pre-booking is recommended.
- The activity is available to a minimum of two guests and a maximum of ten.
- Children nine years and older are allowed to enjoy the activity with parents.
- Please note the elephants are on annual leave from 15 January to 15 February each year.
Scenic helicopter flight
These scenic flights involve flying west towards the permanent delta, exposing areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat and showcasing the sheer enormity of the Okavango Delta. There is the the option of the doors being removed for unrestricted photographic opportunities. Choose between 30, 45 or 60 minute tour in a one turbine Bell Jetranger helicopter with 3 seats. This activity is offered on a year round basis. Being a personalised activity, it's up to you what time of day you would like to do the activity, however we would recommend early morning and late afternoon as these times usually provide the best light for photography. Preferred flight times can be requested on booking.
This activity is at an additional cost.
Services included
Rates include
- All meals
- All drinks (excluding premium brands)
- Park fees
- Laundry
- Emergency medical evacuation
- Two daily shared game viewing activities. These include morning and evening game drives, mokoro excursions (seasonal), and walking safaris
- Return transfers to and from Stanley's Airstrip to the camp
- Premium alcoholic drinks
- Additional activities including scenic helicopter flights over the Delta and the elephant interaction activity
- Gratuities to driver / guides and staff
- All items of a personal nature, telephone calls and curio shop purchases
- Private vehicle and guide
Additional Notes
Children
Attitude towards children: Children are welcome.Property's age restrictions: Children of all ages are accepted.
Special activities & services: Guides and staff members teach weaving, and they lead exciting bush walks focusing on identifying mammal tracks. Board games are also available for children in the main areas.
Equipment: A highchair and baby bath are available for very young children, along with one cot. Children also receive a welcome pack with books and crayons.
Generally recommended for children: Best for 12+
Notes: We recommend that guests with children book a private vehicle and, of course, supervise them very closely as dangerous game will often wander through camp.
Dinning
Sanctuary Stanley's Camp's meals are all freshly prepared. The camp prides itself on its personalised service and this includes your culinary preferences and needs.Come dine with us in spectacular locations where scrumptious meals are served. Where would you like to be seated? In the company of three elephants or with your feet in the cool waters of the Okavango Delta?
Lunch with elephants
Wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee before indulging in a full English and continental breakfast before departing for your morning game viewing activity which could be a game drive, walking safari, mokoro excursion. If you decide to experience our unique elephant interaction activity you will enjoy a secluded bush brunch in the company of these gentle giants, Jabu and Morula - how many people can say they've had lunch with elephants in the bush? Afternoon tea is served just before your next game viewing activity and includes a delicious selection of warm scones, quiche's, biscuits and refreshing drinks. During your afternoon game viewing activity you might stop for sundowner drinks and snacks before heading back to camp for pre-dinner drinks and a three course dinner. If you are celebrating a special occasion we could arrange a special romantic private dinner right under the African sky.
Water lunches and private dinners
As Sanctuary Stanley's Camp is situated on a private concession we are also able to offer tranquil water lunches (seasonal). Indulge in a freshly prepared buffet style lunch while sitting with your feet in the cool shallow waters of the Okavango Delta as you immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the surrounding area and wildlife. If you are celebrating a special occasion we could arrange a special private dinner by the pool, complete with lanterns and candles for a romantic night under the African stars. The standard and selection of all our meals are of the very highest quality, making it hard to believe that the camp is in the middle of the African bush.
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