BOTSWANA - Sanctuary Stanley's Camp, Okavango Delta
Sanctuary Stanley's is a classic tented camp built around an imposing sausage tree on a private concession overlooking the Okavango floodplains. The area around the camp changes with the seasons - from lush green when the rain flows down from the Angolan highlands to dry savannah when the Kalahari Desert tightens its grip.
ACCOMMODATION:
The eight tented rooms are built around a large sitting and dining area which affords magnificent views over the floodplains of the Okavango Delta. Each room is en-suite and classically designed in understated elegance, with African antiques, carved wooden beds, reed mats, quality bed linen and traditional ceiling fans. Large private wooden decks with hammocks are a wonderful place to retreat in the heat of the day. A swimming pool and large deck provide good views over the active plains.
ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE:
This is one of the best places to see buffalo in very large numbers, with herds often exceeding 2,000. Game drives here are very rewarding and include day and night drives as well as many water crossings. Mokoro excursions are magical - fish eagles, frogs and magnificent lilies are guaranteed, but it is more often the quiet, gentle pace that makes its impression on guests after a mokoro morning. Walks with armed guides allow guests to "read the news of the night" as they track the spoor at close range. The flora of the Okavango is often best seen on foot.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES (must be booked prior to arrival at additional cost):
An elephant interaction - An extraordinary treat available at nearby Sanctuary Baines’ Camp is the opportunity to go walking in the bush with three semi-habituated elephants. Jabu, Thembi and Morula are elephants that were orphaned nearby and adopted by Doug and Sandi Groves. The elephants ‘take’ guests on long walks, foraging in the area in absolute safety. They show how they look for food, strip leaves from branches with their long trunks and take showers in the Delta lagoons. This activity includes a leisurely paced walk with the elephants and their handlers, observing and interacting with them, and a picnic lunch in their company.
Helicopter flights over the Delta - These scenic flights involve flying west of the game drive routes towards the permanent delta, exposing guests to areas which are unreachable by vehicle or boat. Guests have the option of the doors being removed for unrestricted photographic opportunities. This is done with the utmost consideration to guest safety. Guests are offered a 30, 45 or 60 minute scenic tour of the Okavango Delta in a one turbine Bell Jetranger helicopter with 4 seats which is offered on a year round basis. Guests have the choice of when to do the activity - early morning and late afternoon usually provide the best light for photography.