Stanley's Camp in a Nutshell
Famously, Stanley’s Camp is well known for its unique (and ethical) elephant interaction experience. It is a classic-styled and elegant camp set in the seasonal floodplains on the Southern tip of Chief’s Island, offering a varied game viewing experience in a private community owned concession.
Fast Facts
- 10 luxury Meru tents on raised decks
- Good range of activities
- 20 guests Maximum
- Price range of USD635 – USD1210 pppn
- Swimming pool
- Borders Moremi Game Reserve
- Game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, night drives, seasonal mokoro
- UNIQUE ELEPHANT INTERACTION ACTIVITY
- Access by light aircraft
- Located in a private concession
- Good for Hyena dens
Child Policy
Children under 15 must share with an adult. Children under 5 must book a private guide and vehicle. Walking activities (12) and the elephant experience (9) have strict minimum age limits so do keep this in mind when booking. A great offer is a child minding service – you pay for this direct in camp if used. Also, they allow “triple rooms,” so small kids can share with an adult – this is only allowed on a limited basis (2 rooms in camp on any given night).
How to Get There
You can fly into the lodge’s own airstrip from just about any bush airstrip, Maun or Kasane.
Game Viewing and Activities
This camp is located on an island in seasonally flooded floodplains, however game viewing activities by vehicle are available all year. It is a sound area for productive game viewing, all congestion free mind, as Stanley’s is located in a private concession. There are varied activities available: game drives, night drives, walks and if enough water, mokoro rides. For those that want to boat, it would be best to locate to Stanley’s sister camp in the same area: Baine’s Camp. The concession is incredibly beautiful with genuine Okavango scenery. Further, it is genuinely wild and home to all the big game and predators.
This is one of the most reliable places to view hyena behaviour as there are known well-used hyena dens close to camp. Wild dogs are also known to den in the area (seasonally) and guides are free to follow them off road.
At an extra cost, you can book to spend time with two orphaned elephants that have been raised as wild as possible in the area:
“Sanctuary Retreats and non-profit charity Living with Elephants invite you to explore Africa from an elephant’s perspective. Guests are able to enjoy the incredible experience of walking with two orphaned elephants in the bush 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. 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 which is about four hours includes a leisurely paced walk with a pair of semi-habituated elephants, followed by a picnic lunch in their company. You must pre-book. The activity is offered to a minimum of two guests and available to children 9 years and older. Please note the elephants are on leave each year from 15 January – 15 February. (Pre-booking is essential.)”
In our opinion, this is the most ethical elephant interaction experience in Africa. Nothing is forced and certainly NO RIDING.
A further attraction is that there is a helicopter and pilot based at another camp close by…..scenic flights are easily arranged from Stanley’s
Camp Environment
Sanctuary retreats are the owners here and are a well established safari company with properties all over Africa, built and run to high standards.
Stanleys have stuck with the classic and “traditional” Meru-style tents (fantastic!), all raised on wooden decks, set in privacy with views out onto the surrounding floodplains. The tent interiors are each individually styled, while maintaining an understated elegance. Light colours brighten the tents and each is well appointed with an inside shower, large outside deck, ceiling fan, a small safe and even a hairdryer! The in-room experience has been enhanced with a compact gym comprising a yoga ball and matt. For those on another slant, the well-stocked minibar and coffee station is a real comfort. Wifi has also ben added to each unit.
The main area, and in fact the whole camp, is set on a shady island with massive sausage and ebony trees. Again, the tented main structure is designed to reflect the safari style of early century safaris in East Africa (Henry Morton Stanley’s time). You will find a great outdoor bar, a curio shop, small library and a welcome swimming pool with views across the open floodplains with the odd passing animal ! Again , the decor is light and earthy, with an old-African theme. Comfy sofas are never far away as well as a fireplace for social after dinner drinks.
We like this lodge because it is modern and extremely “green.” At great expense, it runs entirely on a large set of solar panels and storage batteries.
Why we like it
Th elephant experience might be the deciding factor in visiting here? remember that you need to book this activity in advance as space each day is limited.
Sanctuary retreats offer consistently high standards at all their camps – understated classy luxury.
Its in a community concession – fees go to villages living in the Southern part of the concession.
Good varied activities on offer.
Katia Haskins 
PO Box HA 74 HAK