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Stanley's Camp -
(Activities) - Okavango Delta - Botswana
Elephant Activities
(additional cost) - The emphasis on this activity is on
education.
Please note that there is no riding offered. -The
main objective is to initiate a relationship between the guests
and the elephants.
Game viewing in
the area is extremely good with excellent numbers of predators
and plains-game on offer. The area houses one of the largest
buffalo populations in the Okavango Delta, which, in the dry
season, can concentrate into a herd in excess of 2000 head.
Game-drives are conducted in open vehicles, which offer
unencumbered views. The vehicles have been custom built and
offer individual seating. Game drives are conducted early
morning and late afternoon or as otherwise requested. The
accompanying professional guides are among the best in Botswana.
Walking activities are offered throughout the year and are
conducted by qualified rangers who carry firearms at all times.
Mokoro (dugout canoe) activities are also offered 12 months of
the year, as are night game drives. These are usually combined
with the afternoon activity.
The activities
offered are done in two sessions: 1.) "Meet the Herd" and 2.)
"Join The Herd ".
The order in
which the sessions are conducted will depend upon time
constraints on the guests, that is length of stay and arrival
and departure times. It is likely however that the activities
will be conducted in the manner described below. That said we
must bear in mind that as this is a "new" activity there will be
a degree of trial and error. |
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SESSION 1:- MEET THE HERD
Elephant
Activity:
Duration: 2½ hours in the late afternoon
Outline: Basic intro, Mekoro (seasonal), Sun-downers
Orientation:
Guests arrive by vehicle at one of several alternative
prearranged venues
Elephants are feeding nearby but not obviously visible.
Elephant host meets guests, gives safety instructions
for elephants and wild animals, reassures regarding
radio communication, protection, first aid, and
refreshments
Chaperon guests to elephant as a group |
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Introduction:
Abbreviated Intro to the elephants ie. Give names, sexes
and ages and some brief background e.g. give Zulu Names
and English translation - Thembi, a common Zulu name
that means Trust and Jabu, short for Jabulani meaning
happiness. Invite guests to come up to touch one of the
elephants. (Normally guests are impressed with how
relaxed the elephant is and that it enjoys the
attention). General Characteristics:
Basic information is shared about the African elephant
that everybody is interested in. Just how big does the
largest living animal get? Which elephants actually get
that big? Guests feel dwarfed when standing next to our
elephants. When we indicate how much more they yet have
to grow, our guest feel smaller still! Not all our
guests remember the figures given to them for maximum
shoulder height, weight, tusk length, running speed,
gestation period, longevity, etc.. However the overall
feeling is of wonder and this is a good starting point
for their experience. |
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Foraging Walk:
We walk a short distance. As we set off we initiate some
informal chatting, which helps our guests relax. The
elephants may take a mud bath en route. Guests are
generally enthralled watching the elephants cavorting in
the water.
Mokoro:
At a water crossing the guests board a mokoro. As the
elephants churn their way through the water the guests
guide effortless alongside to the opposite island. This
activity is seasonal. The area where we conduct the
activity is away from the deeper water areas to the
north camp. Guests enjoy the elephants/mokoro experience
and it is a way of making the two activities distinct
and gives added value. Sundowners:
After arriving on the opposite island guests relax with
a couple of sundowners while enjoying the presence of
the elephants. For those who wish Jabu will even pour
the wine.
Guests will have the opportunity to take pictures with
the elephants.
Some elephant facts will be shared such as social
structure, form and function.
Just after sunset a game drive vehicle arrives and
transports guests back to camp. |
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SESSION 2:
JOIN THE HERD
Duration: +- 4 hours in the morning
Outline: Full introduction, foraging walk, and brunch
Orientation:
Guests arrive by vehicle at one of several alternative
prearranged venues.
Elephants are feeding nearby but not obviously visible.
Chaperon guests to elephants as a group.
Elephant host meet guests, outlines day ahead, gives safety
instructions for elephants and wild animals, reassures regarding
radio communications, protection, first aid, and refreshments.
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Introduction:
We quiz previous days guests on elephants names for benefit of
new guests.
Summaries each elephants history.
Point out elephants individual physical characteristics.
Highlight their own personalities.
Invite our guests to come up and touch each of the elephants.
Encourage the guests to recognize the elephants as individuals.
Relate to then on a personal level.
Elephant host meet guests, outlines day ahead, general safety
briefing.
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The elephants enjoy
interacting with guests and many structured channels have been
devised for this. We believe personal interaction between the
elephants and the guests is essential in developing the guests
sense of bonding and kinship with elephants e.g. Guests can lead
an elephant while it gently rests its trunk tip in their hand.
Guests are also, invited to experience an elephant kiss. Thembi
gently pinches the skin of the guests offered cheek while making
kissing noises. We will use different interactions than those of
the previous afternoon.
During the course of the day there is on-going discussion with
guests and numerous themes are explored. To what extent and in
what detail depends on the orientation and interest s of our
guests. We discuss physical elephant sensory systems, ecology,
management and conservation issues, the basis of our
relationship with the elephants, intelligence etc. we avoid
repeating information on themes covered in the previous
activity. |
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Foraging Walk:
Guests are very comfortable in the presents of the
elephants and are ready to start the days adventure.
After the previous afternoon activity it is like being
with old friends. We explain to our guests that we will
be walking at a leisure pace with the elephants,
observing their behavior, getting personally acquainted
with them, and discussing a few elephant issues.
Questions are encouraged. The previous days interaction
with guests has helped us understand who they are and
how best to tailor the information to meet their needs.
Some examples: medical people are interested in anatomy
and physiology; engineers seem particularly interested
in the skeletal system; physiologists and teachers are
particularly interested in elephant learning, behavior
and personalities, other are interested in more
emotional aspects. The elephants stop to feed and while
reviewing feeding strategies guests observe how the
elephant's trunk, feet and tusk work together to allow
amazing versatility in feeding. During the walk other
animals are encountered and are often approached
relatively close, due to the presents of the elephants.
Discussion on other animals, birds, the vegetation and
relevance to elephants takes place as we go along. |
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Picnic:
We reach our picnic spot, under large shaded trees, by a
lagoon before the hottest part of the day. A set table
waits in the shade. Guests are offered a seat and a
choice of cold refreshments. They relax a while before
brunch. Brunch is a luxurious affair with wine etc. The
elephants are fed pre-cut fodder close to the table so
their presence can be enjoyed.
While guests relax in the shade after brunch, we bring
our bull, Jabu, over and we have him demonstrate a
number of vocalizations on cue. We explain the different
noises that include rumbles, screaming, squeaking and
trumpeting and their significance. Our elephants produce
many vocalizations. By this time the elephants are
usually eager for a swim in the lagoon. Guests watch
from the cool of the shade or go down to the waters edge
for a closer look and enjoy the amusing display of
energy.
A vehicle then arrives to collect the guests and ferry
them back to the lodge. |
Elephant Safaris
(Monday through Friday, 9 AM
to 5 PM Pacific Time.)
Or leave a message after hours. We WILL return your call. Promptly.
TOLL FREE
1-866-733-4263
(1-866-SEE-GAME)
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