If you’re staying at Stanley’s Camp, then access is by air to the strip near camp; you’re not allowed to drive yourself here.

When to visit
Like most of the areas on the edge of the Delta, the game densities are better during the dry season than during the rains. So whilst from June to October is the best time to visit for game, the birdwatching is usually more interesting during the rains – from around December to March.

Accommodation
Stanley’s was originally built by the maverick local character Alistair Rankin (the subject of a number of local bush myths – some involving mokoro trips, buffalo and uncomfortable nights spent in trees). It’s owned and was run for several years by Sarah Collins, of Planet Okavango. These origins explain why it may appear surprising rustic – and quite a contrast – if you arrive here from either of Sanctuary’s other lodges (Chief’s or Chobe Chilwero); it wasn’t (re-)built or designed specifically for Sanctuary.
The open-plan dining/lounge area is simply a large canvas tent (think of a ‘big top’ circus), on a slightly raised wooden decking – with a large jackalberry tree (Diospyros mespiliformis) that’s growing right through the centre and out the top. Under here are a couple of comfy sofas and a few leather chairs. The ‘library’ is slightly separate, and here you’ll find a leather sofa with a couple of old wooden suitcases into which is packed a slightly eccentric collection of novels, magazines and reference books. Beside this is a chessboard, with table and chairs – a thinking option to while away hot afternoons.
Stanley’s has a small curio shop with a couple of glass-fronted cabinets in which there’s a selection of various souvenirs, T-shirts and a basic selection of film. It also sells baskets made by the staff, which are hanging around – all very low key and in keeping with the generally relaxed, unpretentious feel of the camp.
Most meals are social affairs, taken with everybody eating together at a long table. That said, if you’re staying for a few days then you can take the opportunity to request a picnic lunch to be made up, so that you can stay out in the bush all day. After dinner in the evening, everybody usually retires for drinks and a chat to a small fire pit, outside in front of the big top.
The camp has eight tents on solid red-painted concrete bases, all of which are to one side of the main area, connected by bush tracks. These are fairly simple, and inside you’ll find a couple of beds, a desk with drawers and a chair, a couple of bedside tables and an old-style wooden wardrobe in one corner. Lighting is by electric ‘hurricane’-style lamps, and there are rugs on the floor – but no fans in the rooms.
Each tent has its own en-suite toilet and shower – complete with original and wood-and-canvas shower cubicles, a wooden dresser with sink and mirror (and the usual range of complimentary toiletries), and another electric lamp. Even the cracks in the floor seemed to somehow blend well with the ‘bush’ air of the lodge – helping to make this a very lovely, traditional old-style camp.

What to see and do
Activities at Stanley’s Camp usually revolve around 4WD game drives and night drives, though it’s usually possible to take mokoro trips for at least a few months a year – typically around June to September. The water’s not consistently deep enough to run motor boat trips. Aside from these normal activities, many people here will pay the extra US$210 per activity to spend time with Doug and Sandi Groves and their elephants…