Best of Botswana
Botswana may be a small, landlocked country but its diverse landscapes (from the Kalahari desert to the Okavango Delta), rich wildlife and commitment to conservation, make it a sought after destination. A safari here is not just about spotting animals, it’s about adventure, unspoiled beauty, expansive night skies and connecting with some of the world’s oldest cultures.
Situated right in the heart of southern Africa, Botswana (near-triangular in shape) shares borders with Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia and Zambia. It is roughly the size of Spain, and is largely desert, with the Kalahari making up about 70% of the landscape. This arid expanse is home to an enviable diversity of wildlife, including the big five (lion, African elephant, leopards, cape buffalo and black rhino) and more than 450 bird species.
Botswana is also the world’s second largest producer of diamonds!
Mantis offer two distinctive safari experiences. Feline Field Vintage Camp, is a luxurious tented camp set on the banks of the Okavango Delta’s Khwai River, adjacent to the Moremi Game Reserve. Feline Fields Lodge, an off-the-grid, luxury lodge is located in the north, not far from Namibia and offers total seclusion.
Both locations have a range of activities, curated to elevate your experience and safari, without compromising on comfort and conservation playing a pivotal role.
At Feline Fields Vintage Camp, the tented accommodation offers a ‘glamping’ experience, combining luxurious modern hotel comforts, with the charm of the wilderness. Wooden decks overlook the river banks, where hippo and elephant are regular visitors. Wildlife sightings in the Khwai area are exceptional, with experienced local guides leading morning and dusk games drives, where you are likely to encounter everything from zebra (the national animal), giraffe, lion, leopard, hyena, buffalo, impala, kudu, warthog and more.
Other activities include:
Feline Fields Lodge features suites designed for privacy, set at the end of a woodland with panoramic views across the savannah. All are on raised platforms to take advantage of the incredible views. Each has an open, upper deck, ideal for an afternoon read or nap or the opportunity to fall asleep beneath a million twinkling stars, listening to the sounds of the African wilderness.
You can enjoy a spa treatment, cool off in the 25m lap pool or choose from a range of activities, including: Desert biking, game drives, horse rising, guided walks, tennis and even golf!
But, what sets this Lodge apart, is its deep connection with the San communities.
The Kalahari is the ancestral homeland of the San Bushmen, Africa’s first people, whose cultural traditions, beliefs, mythology and rituals are intertwined with nature. At the Lodge you can enjoy fireside storytelling or join the San on a guided walk, learning about their ancient survival techniques, traditional way of life and the flora and fauna that sustains then.
Rituals and ceremonies are an important part of their centuries-old culture, a way of communicating and honouring their ancestors. You can also witness the mesmerising spiritual ‘trance dance’, a ritual that involves rhythmic chanting and dancing.
Feline Fields is built on a foundation of conservation, community partnerships and biodiversity. The Feline Fields Trust supports ecotourism through initiatives that focus on education and social responsibility. Projects include:
Every guest at Feline Fields plays a role in these conservation efforts, contributing to a sustainable future for Botswana’s communities, wildlife and fragile ecosystems. Read more about the Trust and how responsible travel benefits local communities and wildlife.
Feline Fields is not just a safari lodge, it’s an experience. From exquisite sunrises to the starlit night skies, it offers the perfect balance between nature and comfort. With no fences, wildlife roams freely, creating unforgettable encounters: Herds of elephants gently moving in procession, lions sprawled in the shade, zebras with their unique stripes (like our fingerprints), hippos honking and the unmistakable ‘clicking’ sounds of the unique San language.
Botswana: A small, beautiful oasis that will change your life. See it. Experience it. Be part of it.
