Stanley's Kopje: Our full report

Previously known as Foxes Safari Camp, Stanley's Kopje was rebuilt following a fire and opened again in 2011.

The camp is located in Mikumi National Park, a protected wildlife area to the north of Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve.

Stanley's Kopje is one of a number of properties in southern Tanzania that are owned and run by the Fox family, including Rufiji River Lodge in nearby Selous; Ruaha River Lodge in Ruaha National Park; and Vuma Hills, which is also in Mikumi.

As the name suggests, Stanley’s Kopje sits on top of a kopje, or rocky outcrop, overlooking the Mkata floodplain in one direction and the Mwanamboga waterhole in another. The panoramic views all around the camp are stunning and, depending on which the side of the property you are, you can watch both sunrise and sunset.

The main area is a huge quatrefoil thatched structure with open sides to maximise the views of Mikumi National Park. In the centre, the octagonal stone bar surrounded by wooden stools is a very sociable place to meet in the evening. Two of the semi-circular 'corners' feature lovely deep leather sofas, wicker armchairs, a small bookcase and a selection of board games such as backgammon and the local bao. The other two form the restaurant, with wooden tables and directors’ chairs.

The small swimming pool down a stone path is a great feature of Stanley's Kopje, and a very pleasant place to spend the afternoon.

The camp is relatively small, with only 12 tented rooms. All named after famous explorers and chiefs of tribes, the rooms are spread around the hillside, facing in different directions, making them feel very private.

Each of the safari tents is set on an extensive wooden deck, built up on stilts with a thatched roof. They are larger than at most other tented camps and feature polished wooden floors, solid wood-framed beds, a writing desk and a couple of directors’ chairs with comfortable safari-print cushions. But by far the best aspect of the rooms is the huge veranda at the front.

At the back of the tent, a part-canvas, part-wooden wall, separates the bedroom from the en-suite bathroom. Here you’ll find a wardrobe, an electronic safe, his and hers basins, a flush toilet, and a shower.

Although the amenities are the same in each tent, the configuration does differ. Three are family units (with a double bed and two singles), two have twin beds, six are doubles (although they can also easily be used as triples), and one is specifically set up for honeymooners. One of the tents is also designed to allow wheelchair access. Ask us for more information.

Activities at Stanley’s Kopje focus on game drives and walking safaris in Mikumi National Park. It's worth noting that the main park gate, which is near to the best game-drive routes, is about a 45-minute drive from camp, with half-an-hour of that on a main road. This main road runs right through the park, so although you can't hear or see it from camp, the knowledge that it's there does detract from the feeling of being out in the wild.

There is a decent variety of wildlife in Mikumi, but nowhere near the same numbers as in other parts of Tanzania. So safari enthusiasts will be better off looking at a different wildlife area to Mikumi.

Our view

Stanley's Kopje has a great location, and for the style of camp it is excellent value too. However, the safari experience here is not as rewarding as in some of Tanzania's other national parks, so we would probably not recommend Mikumi for experienced safari goers.

Chris McIntyre

Tanzania expert

Geographics

Location: Mikumi & Udzungwa Mountains, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights
Directions: It is a six hour drive from Dar es salaam.
Accessible by

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: When we visited in June 2016 we did not get a chance to try the food, but we understand from speaking to the management that in the morning you have a choice of full English or Continental breakfast, there is also a selection of muesli, fruit and yoghurt.

Lunch tends to be a light meal – often pizzas and salads.

Dinner is a three course meal and guests are invited to help themselves to the main course which is laid out as a buffet.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Not possible
Drinks included: Drinks are not included – beer costs about $4, a glass of wine $4 and sodas are $2.

Children

Attitude towards children: Stanley’s Kopje welcomes children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions: None

Communications

Power supply notes: There are plugs in the rooms which can charge batteries between, 9.00am–1.00pm, and 6.30am–10.30pm.
Communications: There is no Wi-Fi available in camp.
TV & radio: There is no TV.
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Bottled water is provided for drinking.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There are first aid kits in the main areas and in all of the vehicles and the staff are also trained.
Dangerous animals: High Risk
Security measures: Askaris are on hand to walk you to and from your tent at night.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in all of the tents and a fire break around camp.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching

Extras

Disabled access: In Place
Laundry facilities: A complimentary laundry service is available.
Money: There is a safe in the main area
Accepted payment on location: Stanley’s Kopje accept payment in cash (USD, TZS, EUR, GBP) and Mastercard and Visa. Please note that there is a 5% surcharge.