January 24, 2024by Sasha Ella

An African adventure beckons

Investment in travel is an investment in yourself - Matthew Karsten

Vacations are good for you … they improve your mental health, help prevent heart disease, increase your productivity and creativity and strengthen relationships. Át Mantis we know that simply planning a vacation makes you smile and feel happy. Travel opens you up to new experiences and provides memories that last a lifetime.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step – Lao Tzu

Let us help you take that first step as you plan your next vacation. Our 16 properties include curated hotels, eco-lodges and waterways. Each is unique in its location, people and culture and designed to offer exceptional, sustainable, dream holidays and vacation experiences. Explore Botswana, Madagascar, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, St Helena Island, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

New kids on the block

Last year three new properties, in truly breathtaking locations, were added to our collection.

In Zimbabwe, under the thunderous spray of the largest waterfall in the world – Victoria Falls – is Mbano Manor Hotel Victoria Falls by Mantis. Set in an ancient teak tree forest, it’s just four kilometres away from the Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Across the ocean, Mantis Soanambo Hotel & Spa in Madagascar is an idyllic island retreat that blends relaxation with the exotic vibrancy of Sainte-Marie Island. It’s a biodiversity hotspot, best known for its lemurs, colourful chameleons, stunning orchids, white soft-sand beaches, tall palm trees, a glistening turquoise-ocean (perfect for snorkelling), forests and waterfalls.

Completing the trio, Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga, graciously glides across the fresh crystal-clear, predatory-free waters of Lake Kivu in Rwanda. The lake boasts countless islands, beaches, coffee plantations, mountains and spectacular sunsets.

It’s a big world out there, it would be a shame not to experience it – JD Andrews

Encounters with nature

At Mantis Founders Lodge in South Africa, you can enjoy 4×4 guided game drives across a 25 000ha game reserve. Open game vehicles bring you close to nature, adding to the excitement of getting close up to the Big 5 as well as smaller animals and birdlife.

Mantis Akagera Game Lodge is the only luxury hotel within the Akagera National Park in Rwanda, a park with an inspiring conservation story. It is the country’s only Big 5 reserve and game drives take you across rolling highlands, savannah plains and swamp fringed lakes. Despite being relatively small, the park is home to an impressive array of wildlife as well as nearly 500 bird species.

Set out on a walking safari, sharing paths with the natural inhabitants of the plains. On foot, you can get to see, smell, touch and experience the most precious parts of Mother Nature.

They say that life in Rwanda is best lived outdoors. At any of our four properties you can enjoy guided hikes into the countryside to take in the local fauna and flora, which provide beautiful photographic backdrops or you can interact with the local community.

Cycle through the Kalahari, on comfortable and sturdy fat bikes, at the exclusive Feline Fields Lodge in Botswana. Another ideal way of getting close to nature.

All of these conservation-based encounters ensure minimal disruption to the natural order of things … captured only by camera lenses, your heart and in lasting memories.

Fluff those tail feathers

Whether you are a leisurely observer or an avid twitcher, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding ‘elusive’ feathers on the African continent.

A cruise on the Chobe River is an all-year-round birding destination. While on board the Zambezi Queen by Mantis or the Chobe Princess, listen to and identify the calls of lesser-striped swallows and marvel at the majestic flight of fish eagles. There are over 450 bird species: From African skimmers, rock pratincoles and the African finfoot to cattle egrets, open-billed storks and pied kingfishers.

Akagera National Park has nearly 500 bird species and is one of the best birding environs in the world, with the highest recorded number of species per unit area. And, depending on the time of year, you might identify migratory birds returning after their long flight back from the northern hemisphere.

Travel because life is short and the world is huge – Anonymous

The Okavango Delta

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp you can journey through the Delta’s tranquil waterways in a traditional dugout canoe, known as a mokoro. This authentic African safari experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna up close as you glide silently to discover a variety of bird species, elephants, hippos, crocodiles and other wildlife which call this pristine wilderness home.

Based on the Khwai River in Botswana, the experienced guides and professional polers are passionate about the Delta, sharing their knowledge of the area’s ecology, history and culture with you.

Life is better in flip flops

Find yourself on a beachfront resort in Zanzibar with Nungwi Dreams by Mantis with the most pristine beach and azure blue ocean on the island of Zanzibar.

Known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. Steeped in history, it is the birthplace of Freddie Mercury. Kick off your shoes and enjoy barefoot luxury. Snorkel or dive within a flourishing ecosystem, which includes three species of dolphin, Humpback whales, Whale Sharks, around 600 species of coral reef fish as well as migratory and resident shorebirds.

Mantis Soanambo Hotel & Spa is on Sainte Marie Island a small, secluded island off the coast of Madagascar that boasts some of the most beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters in the world. Snorkelling is a must-do activity to experience the natural beauty and wonder of the coastline. It’s the perfect location to watch Humpback whales on their migratory path, dive coral reefs or explore the world’s only pirates’ cemetery.

We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us – Anonymous

Far from the madding crowd

The most remote coastline in the world is within your reach at Mantis St Helena, situated off the coast of South Western Africa. It’s characterised by black-sand beaches and rocky inlets teeming with marine life. The clear, warm waters around St Helena make for interesting diving as you explore the numerous reefs, caves and wrecks.

Awaken your pioneering spirit on this island with its long history, incredible landscapes and hiking trails through jungles of ferns, eucalyptus or woodlands, along sea cliffs and across arid red deserts. There are many unique species on St Helena, including the endemic ground-nesting wirebird (known for its thin, wiry legs) which is the national bird, featured on the flag and coat of arms.

No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell – Proverb

Tees with a view

Play your best game of golf on greens and fairways made fairer by rare backdrops. These go from the red-rock hills of St Helena, to ocean views or vineyards. Each course offers a uniquely challenging terrain and are exceptional places to play.

At Pearl Valley Hotel by Mantis you can enjoy 18 holes on the award winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, with majestic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes.

The only regrets I have are the trips I never took – Caren Merrick

Journey with Mantis

Safari is Swahili for ‘journey’. Join us as you journey through Africa and let the adventures unfold across vast and untamed savannahs and wilderness areas, mountains and forests, beaches and deserts, great lakes, rivers and the famous parks of Africa.

Wake up to stunning African sunrises, listen to the sounds of the wild and take in the beauty of the bush. Africa, unsurprisingly, captures all your senses. It’s an exceptional place to find yourself.

The Mantis Travel Desk will help you design and plan an itinerary just for you!

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things – Henry Miller