Sanctuary Stanleys Camp

GAME DRIVES: Game drives in this region are unique, 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 excursions in traditional dug out canoes called Mokoros. 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. (Night drives are seasonal, depending on water levels)

GUIDED WALKS: 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.

Other activities not included (please enquire for rates)

Living With Elephants:
Living With Elephants Foundation is devoted to providing rescued African elephants with a second chance and safe home in the wilderness of Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Currently under care are Jabu and Morula, two rescued elephants, saved from culling operations in which they were orphaned. Doug and Sandi Groves have dedicated nearly 30 years to providing world-class care and refuge to these orphans. The elephants thrive in a loving supportive environment and are provided with specialized care. Jabu and Morula live in expansive natural elephant habitat, which offers freedom for exploration, natural behaviour and wildlife interactions. Jabu and Morula cannot yet be released fully to the wild due to their traumatic starts in life and chronic injuries.
Low volumes of visitors to Sanctuary Retreats are given the rare opportunity to visit Jabu and Morula in the heart of the Okavango Delta. During their walk with the elephants, guests witness private moments as they forage, mud wallow and amble through the bush. This is an intimate and highly educational bush walk where you will learn about the status of the African Elephant, their role in the ecosystem and conservation in general. Doug and Sandi are renowned specialists in elephant biology, ecosystems and natural history. Having lived intimately with their herd in Botswana for three decades, they are your perfect guides for a “day in the life of the African Elephant” and help you connect to elephants and their environment.
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 over nine years are allowed to enjoy the activity with their 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.