Mantis – A leading, conservation-focused hotel group
Borne of Africa and inspiring the globe
Mantis is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with eco-lodges, curated eco-escapes and waterway experiences located all over the world. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.
Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, beach-side escape or bustling city, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective obsession to be extraordinary, to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.
A hotel group focused on the future of travel and sustainability
Mantis is a boutique hospitality group that was founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner in 2000, with its main focus predominantly in Africa and the Middle East. Mantis grew from Adrian’s vision to restore and rewild degraded farmland which he developed into a widely-acclaimed private game reserve. This was the first private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and the beginning of eco-tourism in a poverty-stricken province that had few opportunities outside of commercial farming. Adrian and the Mantis team successfully created a place where man and nature could co-exist sustainably.
From this initial success, the Mantis model was then developed worldwide, understanding that consumers could use the Mantis portfolio as a mark of quality, consistency and character. Today the diverse portfolio of handpicked properties links up to create travel journeys, which offer guests the opportunity to experience the essence of the location in a setting of tailored luxury.
Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.
What sets Mantis apart, from other hotel brands?
The ‘impact’ element that sets Mantis apart is intricately linked with our brand passions. Mantis has an Impact division dedicated to making a significant difference in conservation, sustainability, and community development.
Committed to making a difference through legacy conservation projects and throughout the Mantis footprint, with initiatives that focus on sustainable conservation of wildlife and wilderness through community partnerships.
Impact Experiences
When travelling with Mantis, guests inherently travel with purpose and become part of a conservation legacy. Focused on ecotourism and sustainable travel, Mantis offers immersive opportunities for guests to make a real and lasting impact for wildlife and communities. Mantis guests are invited on this journey through unique impact experiences – sharing in the efforts, lessons and successes of our impact projects. Mantis philosophy of sustainable ecotourism is even reflected in our name, MANTIS: Man And Nature Together Is Sustainable.
A unique portfolio of hand-picked, experience-focused hotels
Mantis offers a portfolio of hand-picked, unique travel experiences across the globe. The Mantis properties are experience-centric, giving guests access to rare encounters and destinations: wildlife safaris, community and culture immersion, remote destinations, and bustling city centers. Due to their vast differences in experiences, our hospitality offerings are categorized into 3 divisions; curated eco-escapes, eco-lodges and waterways.
Curated Eco-escapes
With no two alike, our curated hotels blend traditional hospitality and rich novel experiences. Guests are hosted in boutique hotels and resorts that are stylish yet homely, discreet yet personable.
Eco-lodges
Our eco-lodges offer responsible explorations of destinations that are often off the beaten track. From savannah plains to ocean views and close encounters with wildlife; our guests enjoy luxurious interiors with an assurance that the world around them is preserved for the future.
Waterways
Our waterway experiences are eco-sensitive houseboats that allow guests to see a spectacular display of wildlife on Africa’s Great Lakes while enjoying the comforts one can expect from a luxurious hotel
Mantis Brand Passions
Mantis has three main brand passions which can be seen throughout all our hospitality offerings and can be felt through all of our staff. These passions encapsulate our ethos and form the golden thread which set Mantis apart in a world of sameness.
Passionate Conservationists
We foster a human and nature connection and inspire our guests to adopt our philosophy, by providing experiences that connect guests to nature, educate and enhance their perspective on life.
We care about our natural world, our wildlife and our communities, and we look for ways to help and educate others about conservation, wherever possible. We aspire to do better. We inspire our guests to do better.
Celebrating Locality
We celebrate the authenticity, heritage and culture of a destination through food, service and design. We are inspired by culture and diversity.
We believe in conserving tradition. We aim to introduce our guests to authentic destinations. We highlight and amplify the uniqueness of our lands. Our properties may differ in appearance and offering, but we are all linked through our passion of celebrating locality. This is our golden thread.
Sustainable Adventures
Luxury hospitality, but never at the expense of our planet. We promote adventures that have been carefully crafted and made available, without harming the natural world.
We upskill and employ local community members, support community projects that drive upliftment, and promote indigenous designers, artists and other local talent.
Guests enjoy a taste of sustainability through our environmentally-friendly amenities and experiential dining offerings.
