January 27, 2022by Sasha Ella

Experience the Romance of Africa

Romance under the African skies

Love in Africa

Fall in love with Africa. There is no place quite like it. It is a Continent of contrasts. From the vast and untamed savannahs to wilderness areas, the tallest mountains to dense forests, beaches to arid deserts, glorious sunrises to breath-taking sunsets, dry riverbeds, flowing rivers and thunderous waterfalls … Africa, unsurprisingly, captures all your senses. And your soul.

It is a Continent you fall in love with, moving to its own beat and rhythm, making it an idyllic destination for those in love. It has inspired romance novels, movies, poems and songs and, as a romantic destination Africa will captivate you.

Whether your idea of romance is a bush and beach escape (or a combination of the two) or the gentle undulating of an intimate floating boutique hotel, an adrenalin packed wildlife safari, long evenings under a starlight African sky or getting up close and personal with endangered rhino, the Mantis Collection of properties offer rare, intimate, wildlife encounters and experiences.

Let yours be an African love story.

Every Mantis Property is stylish and luxurious with personable, attentive but discreet service. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile to create authentic and personal experiences by adding those extra touches to make your stay unforgettable. After all, what would romance be without cherished, memorable moments with our loved ones.

There is a plethora of activities on offer. These include: Walking safaris and game drives, dinners illuminated by both the stars and lanterns, romantic picnics, award-winning spa treatments, cultural excursions, world-class fine dining and so much more. It is said that ‘Cooking is love made visible’ and this rings true of the cuisine which is a mouth-watering fusion of local fare, using home-grown fresh ingredients and spices, multicultural recipes with an international and contemporary twist. Our chefs combine heart and soul with deliciousness, serving exquisite meals that are good to look at …and eat!

As you escape from the hustle and bustle and explore the beauty of Africa with #MantisMoments – whether it’s in Botswana, Namibia, Zanzibar or South Africa – you’ll discover there’s no better place to celebrate love.

You will also discover us living up to our mantra: Man and Nature Together is Sustainable – to ensure a positive impact on the wilderness areas, the wildlife as well as the local communities in which we operate.

Spice up your ‘love’ life in Zanzibar

Nungwi Dreams by Mantis is a luxury resort-style boutique hotel situated on the northern tip of Nungwi, with the most pristine beach and crystal-clear blue ocean on the island of Zanzibar.

Known as the Spice Island, Zanzibar is an archipelago off the coast of Tanzania. It is steeped in history and also the birthplace of Freddie Mercury! Nungwi Dreams by Mantis offers barefoot luxury with direct access to the beach and a range of activities from snorkelling to world class diving, within a flourishing ecosystem that includes three species of dolphin, Humpback whales, Whale Shark, around 600 species of coral reef fish as well as migratory and resident shorebirds.

Zanzibar is famous for its tranquillity and biodiversity. Within walking distance is a community-based conservation project preserving the green turtle population. Enjoy the unique experience of feeding these gentle creatures or swim with them in their natural saltwater lagoon.

After long, lazy beach days, take a dip in one of the two large infinity pools, indulge in a couple’s massage, marvel at the sunset as you enjoy a romantic sundowner at the Sky Bar with 360-degree views of the island or an intimate candle-lit dinner for two under the stars.

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Queen of Hearts

An on-board stay on the Zambezi Queen by Mantis is a unique experience, offering a very different kind of safari. This floating boutique hotel gently navigates a 25km section of the Chobe River between Botswana and Namibia. The river attracts an incredibly diverse range of game including huge herds of elephant, buffalo, hippo and crocodiles. The birdlife is extraordinary and the distinctive cry of the Fish Eagle fills the air. The river is also home to around 90 species of fish.

The luxurious suites all have outer decks from which you can watch the sunrise or soak up the breeze and appreciate uninterrupted views of the beautiful African landscape. You get to choose and dictate the pace of your day, whether it’s a water-based safari or village tour, some tiger fishing, bird watching or simply relaxing on board as the luxurious Zambezi Queen glides along the banks of the river, providing you with a spectacular display of wildlife Even without all the birds and wildlife this backdrop is one of the most picturesque and tranquil places in Africa.

And, after a full day, you will be gently rocked to sleep by the ebb and flow of the mighty Chobe River that runs into the Zambezi River as it makes its way to the Victoria Falls.

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Desert Dreams in the Kalahari

Located in the heart of a truly spectacular and unique landscape, Feline Fields by Mantis is the ultimate private African safari experience. It embodies authenticity, luxury and simplicity – a camp that has been thoughtfully planned to be as environmentally sensitive as possible. It is located in Botswana’s Kwai-Kalahari which is semi-desert with abundant wildlife and indigenous plant life.

The suites are positioned on the woodland’s edge with expansive views over the savannah, giving you totally privacy. The Lodge operates in harmony with its surroundings with architecture designed for ecological conservation, materials from low energy and renewable sources, coupled with operational practices for efficient energy and water usage.

Feline Fields by Mantis is the ideal location to learn more about a forgotten part of Botswana that is absolutely pristine. This vast Kalahari Desert is alive with life. African elephant, leopards, gemsbok, brown hyenas and the occasional pack of wild dogs roam freely over the endless semi-desert planes.

It is also home to the Ju-Huansi and Kung! Bushmen – or San. These wise desert nomads and original occupants of this part of Africa have been here for thousands of years, living as their ancestors did. A bush walk, under their guidance, teaches you about veld foods and natural medicines, culture and folklore.

Other activities include a cycle through the Kalahari on fat bikes or you can ramp up the romance by spending a night under the desert sky on The Star Bed … a four-poster canopy that creates a dreamy experience in full view of the stars, while the desert air tickles your skin and you drift off to the sounds of nature.

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Finding Intimacy

Mantis Founders Lodge, an hour’s drive from Gqeberha in South Africa, is the birthplace of Eastern Cape conservation. Set atop a hill with panoramic views of the natural surrounds, the Lodge features a boma, gym, steam room and two swimming pools. From here you will reconnect with nature and your African roots.

The Lodge offers a pampered safari with an intimate, romantic experience for couples or an engaging, interactive social environment for families and friends.

Be inspired by the natural environment with experiences that include the Big 5 as well as smaller, lesser-known wildlife and ecology. Mantis Founders Lodge is both intimate in terms of hospitality and vast in terms of 4×4 guided game drives on 25 000ha of wilderness area.

The Game Reserve is a celebration of essential beginnings in sustainable tourism, culture, conservation and community inclusion. Conservation of animals and the environment is pivotal at all Mantis Collection properties. Mantis Founders Lodge is no different. It is the safe house for five white rhino and Munu, a blind black rhino who is cared for 24/7 by the rangers.

The newly renovated Honeymoon Pod – a plush, private cocoon – is designed for romantic getaway for two. Perched above the central lodge, the suite offers unobstructed views of the valley and has its own private entrance and verandah. Romantic turndowns can be arranged.

For additional pampering, book an in-room spa treatment (by our experience in-house therapist) that promises to leave you rejuvenated, relaxed and restored.

Mantis Founders Lodge has 6 additional luxury suites as well as a lovingly restored 5-berth Railway Carriage offering new, exclusive use accommodation. Stationed at a siding atop a hill, overlooking a magnificent valley, the charming carriage features an expansive outdoor deck, private swimming pool, dining area and boma.

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Whether it’s a wildlife safari, breath-taking landscapes or the barefoot luxury of island life you’re after, our romantic round-up of properties has it all.
We can’t wait to welcome you and help you discover love in Africa. It’s ‘an exceptional place to find yourself’, Africa changes you forever and will steal your heart!

When you leave you are reminded of the quote: ‘So Africa smiled a little when you left. We are in you, Africa said, you have not left us yet.’

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