Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell
For over two decades the Mantis Collection has been redefining sustainable hospitality and living up to its mantra: Man and Nature Together is Sustainable. As we celebrate 23 years of passionate conservation, respect of the environment, exceptional experiences and luxury travel that broadens your mind and creates lasting memories … we’ve got a story to tell.
The Mantis Collection was founded by Adrian Gardiner in 2000, out of a profound love for nature and a deep desire to preserve the wonders of our planet for future generations, through sustainable tourism and community participation.
Our first game reserve was built on a drought-ravaged and degraded farmland in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The neglected land slowly came back to life, as did the animals. Soon followed by travellers. This location, now Founders Lodge, sparked the inspiration to create a collection of exceptional, individual, lifestyle experiences centred around the common purpose of preserving our natural world. It is what drove Adrian’s creation of Mantis.
Mantis has been a pioneer in eco-tourism, safaris and adventure holidays and has expanded into a collection of 17 hotels, eco-lodges and waterways located in nine countries. Mantis is a global hotel brand known for its positive impact on communities and conservation. It’s in our DNA and at the heart of everything we do.
Every Mantis property has a unique story to tell about its location, the people and culture. We celebrate this as part of the circle of life.
Each destination offers experiential journeys that delve deep into the heart of its locale. Guided by knowledgeable locals, you can immerse yourself in the culture, traditions and natural wonders of the region we call home.
We work closely with communities and support their livelihoods – including delicious locally inspired menus with ingredients sourced from onsite farm-to-table gardens and local suppliers.
Eco-design is key and, wherever possible, we implement sustainable practices and promote indigenous designers, artists and other local talent. All materials, art works and furnishings are carefully selected to represent the essence of the location, using subtle infusions of local textures, materials and decor.
Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow [Anita Desai]
Travel should not only be about the wanderlust and adventure but also about preserving the natural beauty, wildlife and cultures we encounter along the way. It is this sense of responsibility that drives every decision we make; from the locations we choose to the experiences we offer.
We are active stewards of the environment and embrace sustainability as a core principle, recognising that our actions today, shape the world of tomorrow.
Our bucket-list adventures and experiences are created in a way to not harm the environment. Whether you’re on a wildlife safari, river cruise game viewing, birding or bush trekking, each excursion is curated to help you connect with the natural world, touch your lives while ensuring minimum impact.
We believe that every decision, no matter how small, can make a positive impact on the planet. Our Impact projects are designed to support and uplift local communities and include interactive experiences from indigenous tree-planting and beekeeping to hotel literacy programmes and job creation. It is about having a positive impact on our guests, as well as the communities and spaces in which we operate.
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In April 2018, Mantis joined the Accor Group and together created the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA) in response to the urgent need for the tourism industry to play a greater role in conservation and community upliftment.
As a registered NPC, its goal is to create a conservation legacy, through projects that protect the environment and wildlife, by creating sustainable partnerships with communities. As the official foundation of Mantis, CCFA strives to ensure communities participate in and benefit from conservation. Together with other donors, CCFA has invested over R10 million to uplift communities and preserve our natural heritage.
We will do anything in our power to advance the cause of sustainability and to promote further appreciation of the land, its creatures and our communities. We believe that the truly rare needs to be looked after and protected for future generations. [Adrian Gardiner]
Mantis is not just a hospitality group, it is a way of life. Our destinations and properties are exceptional places to find yourself. Whether in Zimbabwe marvelling at the wonder of the majestic Victoria Falls, diving exceptional reefs around St Helena Island, tracking the Big 5 or bird watching from your luxury river boat on the Chobe River, we offer explorative, adventurous and respectful travellers an opportunity to experience the world in a way that leaves a positive impact on the land, wildlife and people.
For over 20 years we have invited you on a journey to connect with nature, celebrate locality and contribute to the wellbeing of our planet. This remains our purpose and passion and we look forward to unveiling eight new destinations as we continue to offer transformational travel experiences to inspire you.
Responsible travel is not only better for our world, it’s also more interesting and memorable. Responsible tourism is the future of travel. [Simon Reeve]
With the ability to adapt to all conditions, to flourish where there is little nourishment and blessed with a heart of a warrior, the African Praying Mantis has become one of African folklore’s most charming characters. It is our talisman, the symbol of the Mantis. All that this delightful creature represents can be found at our unique destinations spread across globe.
To celebrate 23 years, Mantis is spoiling guests who book the signature Mantis Journey between 25 July and 25 September 2023 for booking stays up until the end of December 2023 and enjoy a range of extras thrown in, compliments of Mantis! Claim this exclusive offer now!
