richardlondon

Are there vehicles 2 or 3 people per row?

Elephant interaction worth while?

Still deciding if I will need a private vehicle.

Thanks

Roccco

I was at both Baines Camp (near Stanleys and also Sanctuary) and Chiefs Camp last month. Although there are three rows, there were never more than three couples on any of my game drives...well, really, because I was solo, there were never more than two couples and myself.

Also, you are always free to take the front seat next to the guide.

The elephant interaction is really an incredible experience. Truly one of the highlights of my half dozen African safaris. Not only would I not miss it, but I would do it again if given the chance.

I did find my fellow guests at Sanctuary to be very nice, well traveled, interesting people. I think it would have been my loss had I not met my fellow guests while at Sanctuary's properties. My vote would be to skip the private vehicle, providing you are flexible and do not want to dictate the game drives.

Any reason you chose Stanleys over Baines? Stanleys is a very nice tented camp but I do like the fact that Baines only has 5 suites, overlooks the Boro River and has a resident genet that comes up to camp around dinner time.

cary999

What is "elephant interaction"?
rgards - tom

Roccco

Tom,

I believe Richard is referring to the Walk With The Elephants activity.

Did you happen to do this during your stay at Stanleys?

cary999

Me, Tom? I haven't been to Stanleys.
regards - tom

Roccco

Tom,

Sorry...I thought you had been to Stanleys Camp for some reason. Oh, I know, I was confusing you with another guy at the LA GTG who had been to Stanleys.

Well, here is a link to the Walk With The Elephants...it truly is worth a 2 night stop at Baines Camp (or Stanleys) to do this activity. Also, I did have very good leopard viewing in this area, as well:

http://www.abercrombieandkent.com/in...?navid=4.1.3.5

(Click on the video that is for Baines Camp and it does feature some footage from the Walk With The Elephants)

Here is the organization that runs the Walk With The Elephants:

http://www.livingwithelephants.org/

Also, Baines Camp was probably in the most scenic area I visited in Botswana...truly an amazingly beautiful area with both water and land activities.

richardlondon

Thanks Rocco. Appreciate your advice.

Lin

I didn't see this before. I just posted a report about my stay at Stanley's (incl. elephant walk) in the thread Namibia/Botswana trip report, which is currently active since I haven't finished reporting.

As Rocco says, in most camps the vehicle will FIT 3 people in a row, but the third seat is very rarely used or needed.

Lin

Just a note to say, I have now posted pictures of the elephant activity offered at Stanley's.

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...0&y=eey13b

atravelynn

Thanks for the video clip, Rocco and the album, Lin, and now I'll look for the report.