Immersed in the serenity of the Okavango Delta, Sanctuary Stanley’s Camp is a classic and intimate safari camp set in a private concession adjoining the Moremi Game Reserve. Lush and green with flooded waterways after the winter rains, then dry savannah in the heat of summer, the Delta supports a huge variety of wildlife and prolific birdlife, seen on exciting game drives, gentle walking safaris or on tranquil mokoro boat trips when water levels are high. An extra attraction at Stanley’s Camp is walking with the three orphaned elephants, seeing the land through their eyes and enjoying a picnic lunch in their company.
There are just eight tented suites tucked in the shade of an imposing African ebony tree and a forest of smaller sausage trees, looking out of the Okavango floodplains.
Each spacious canvas tent is set on a wide wooden deck creating a private verandah complete with hammock and comfortable Morris chairs where guests relax and watch passing giraffe or elephants. Furnished with classic colonial elegance evoking the safaris of old, there are handcrafted wooden beds, warm carpets and cool ceiling fans with comfortable en-suite bathroom.
Excellent guides make the most of every drive seeking out the rare wild dogs, tracking leopard and hyena, and often splashing through shallow waters on adventurous expeditions through the concession viewing herds of elephant, Cape buffalo and hippos. Night drives are a feature and after a stop for sundowners, there’s the thrill of spotting glowing eyes of bushbabies, a genet on the prowl or many other nocturnal creatures. The Elephant interaction is a unique extra feature of this camp, spending a magical morning walking with semi-habituated young elephants and their adopted parents, Doug and Sandy. The friendly staff spoils guests with fabulous meals at frequent intervals from the delicious dinners served in the comfortable raised mess tent, to Pimms and snacks beside the swimming pool or home-baked cakes at tea.
Flying in low over the Delta to the private airstrip, the warm singing welcome and every moment immersed in pristine unspoilt nature, a visit to Sanctuary Stanley’s camp is truly memorable.
