Feline Fields

Two ecosystems, one extraordinary lens

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:25:04 GMT

Feline Fields provides exceptional opportunities for keen photographers

There’s a moment that serious photographers know well. It happens when light, subject, atmosphere and composition align simultaneously, when everything you’ve been waiting for arrives at once and the only thing standing between you and a remarkable image is the presence of mind to make it. At Feline Fields, that moment doesn’t come around once. It comes around repeatedly, in two completely different ecosystems, in two completely different qualities of light, offering two completely different creative worlds.

Feline Fields Vintage Camp sits in the Okavango Delta, an endlessly alive landscape of channels, floodplains, reed beds and palm-fringed islands. Feline Fields Lodge lies far to the west, in the open semi-arid savannah of the Kalahari. The contrast between them isn’t merely scenic - for a photographer, it’s transformative and moving between the two, you’re not just changing backdrops, you’re changing everything: the light, the mood, the subjects, the creative vocabulary, the very way you think about a frame.

Wildlife, water and the art of reflection

Feline Fields Vintage Camp is located in one of the finest wildlife photography destinations in the Okavango Delta. The Khwai Community Concession sits alongside the Moremi Game Reserve, and the extraordinary biodiversity of this riverine and floodplain ecosystem means that compelling subjects are never far away. Big game moves freely through the area, undisturbed and unhurried, and the intimate scale of the Khwai and the Mbudi Channel in front of camp means that encounters feel genuinely close and personal.

Water defines the photographic experience here, and water does extraordinary things to light. Mist hangs low over the floodplains in the early morning, producing layered, almost painterly scenes. Reflections double your subjects and add depth to compositions that would be merely good without them. Wildlife interacts constantly with water, which adds movement, energy and atmosphere to almost every frame.

Elephants wade belly-deep across channels, their reflections rippling beneath them. Hippos surface from the Mbudi Channel with concentric rings spreading outward in the morning stillness. Leopards move through the riverine forest with a fluid, unhurried grace. Painted wolves, when they pass through, do so at a pace that demands quick, decisive shooting.

Birdlife is exceptional and relentless. Malachite kingfishers, all jewelled precision, hover and plunge... African jacanas pick their way across lily pads... Fish eagles call from high branches and then drop in a controlled arc to the water... Herons and storks stand motionless in the shallows, all patience and concentration... For photographers who love behaviour, flight shots and intimate wetland scenes, Feline Fields Vintage Camp offers a genuinely extraordinary concentration of subjects in a single morning.

Mokoros glide at water level past lily pads and reeds, offering a perspective on the Delta that most visitors never experience and photographers almost never want to leave. And the camp itself, canvas, lantern-lit and nostalgic, the aesthetic of the golden age of safari done with real flair, is photogenic in its own right. The interiors, the details, the guides and staff at work, the atmosphere of early morning before the first drive: these lifestyle and documentary images add context and narrative to wildlife work, and Feline Fields Vintage Camp has them in abundance.

Landscaes, light, culture and the small stuff

Feline Fields Lodge offers a fundamentally different photographic experience, and one that rewards those who are willing to see beyond the conventional safari brief. This is landscape photography country, pure and expansive, and the Kalahari’s semi-arid savannah gives you something that dense bushveld rarely can: space.

Sight lines are long and uncluttered. Backgrounds are clean. The horizon goes on and on. You spend considerably less time battling branches and considerably more time thinking about composition, storytelling and the quality of the light you’re working in.

The light here is something to reckon with. The Kalahari’s dry air produces a clarity and contrast that transforms even ordinary scenes. Mornings begin with a soft, silvery coolness that warms rapidly into deep gold. Evenings stretch into amber and burnt orange, and the sunsets linger with an almost theatrical generosity. Shadows fall long and sculptural. Even mid-morning, when most photographers pack away their cameras, the Kalahari can surprise.

Time with the Ju/’hoansi San opens up an entirely different photographic world. These are faces of extraordinary character, hands that carry decades of knowledge, expressions of a culture with tens of thousands of years of this landscape written into it. Photographing the San at work, tracking through the scrub, demonstrating their knowledge of plants and soil and sky, is portraiture with genuine depth. These are images that carry weight and story long after the safari is over.

The smaller subjects reward those who look beyond the obvious from sociable weaver nests the size of haystacks in the upper branches of camelthorn trees to raptors on stark branches with the whole Kalahari sky behind them. Tracks and textures in the sand that tell stories a conventional wildlife portrait never could.

The nocturnal residents, leopard, brown hyena, civets, genets and honey badger, reveal themselves on the trail cameras and occasionally on night drives, offering the kind of intimate, low-light encounters that take real skill to capture well. Feline Fields Lodge is a place for telling fuller, stranger, more personal photographic narratives.

The gift of time and the private wilderness advantage

What sets Feline Fields apart from more crowded safari destinations is pace and privacy. There are no queues of vehicles at a sighting, no pressure to grab a hasty frame and move on. If a leopard settles into a comfortable position in reasonable light, you stay. If the morning is producing exceptional atmosphere over the floodplains, nobody is suggesting you hurry back for breakfast.

Guides at both properties understand that photographers often need behaviour and patience rather than a quick look and a tick in the register. They’ll wait for the head turn, the interaction, the decisive moment, and that patience is often the difference between a snapshot and a photograph worth keeping.

Night skies at both properties are extraordinary. With almost no light pollution in either location, astrophotography after dark is a very real and very worthwhile pursuit, and the Kalahari’s open horizon makes it particularly spectacular.

What to bring

A versatile kit is the foundation. For wildlife at Feline Fields Vintage Camp, a telephoto in the 100–400mm or 200–500mm range covers most situations comfortably. Those serious about birds or smaller mammals will find a longer prime, 500mm or 600mm, particularly rewarding. Wider glass earns its place too: a 24–70mm or 16–35mm is essential for landscapes, the big Kalahari skies, environmental portraits with the San, and atmospheric camp scenes at both properties.

In the Delta, wider lenses come into their own in reflections, floodplain vistas and the intimate scenes that water creates around the edges of channels and lagoons.

A second camera body is strongly recommended. Swapping lenses in the field means missed moments, and in the dry Kalahari, dust is a consideration worth respecting. One body carrying a telephoto and one with a mid-range or wide lens is the practical answer.

Beyond that: a beanbag for stability on the vehicle rail, spare batteries, generous memory card capacity, a cleaning kit, and a lightweight tripod for low-light work and astrophotography back at camp. A cloth to cover gear on dusty Kalahari drives will save considerable cleaning time.

Why it matters

There’s a kind of photography that happens when you’re rushing, and a kind that happens when you’re not. At Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields Lodge, the pace is always the latter. You’re watching the land breathe, waiting for the light to shift, letting animals and people settle into their natural rhythms rather than reacting to your presence. That patience produces more considered images: fewer frantic frames, more photographs that actually mean something.

You’ll leave with two sets of images as different from each other as the two landscapes that made them. And both, if you’ve paid attention, will be worth every frame.

The art of doing nothing — and why Feline Fields has perfected it

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 06:54:16 GMT

Sometimes it's the best thing you can do on safari!

There is a particular kind of traveller who arrives at a safari camp with a list. Not a written list, necessarily, but a mental one: the Big Five to tick off, the sunrise drives to squeeze in, the sundowners to photograph, the mokoro trip to book before someone else does. They are not wrong to want these things. They are all magnificent. But somewhere between the relentless pursuit of the next experience and the quiet miracle of simply being in a place, something rather precious gets lost.

At Feline Fields, we have quietly, and with some considerable charm, made the case for doing nothing. Or at least, for doing a great deal less than you think you should.

It begins, as most revelations do, unexpectedly. You return from the morning drive, breakfast is waiting, and then — nothing. No schedule. No itinerary pressing at your elbow. Just the long, golden sprawl of an African afternoon and the particular silence that settles over the bush when the heat is at its height and the animals have retreated to the shade.

At Feline Fields Lodge, in the breathtaking solitude of the Kalahari, this silence is something close to physical. This is a vast semi-arid savannah, not a desert in any conventional, bare-dunes sense, but a scrub-covered, wildlife-rich landscape of ancient sands that absorbs every drop of rain and gives nothing back to the surface. But it has a quality of stillness that cities actively suppress, a hush so complete that you become aware of sounds you had forgotten existed: the dry rustle of a hornbill in the acacia, the distant call of something you cannot name, the soft creak of your own chair as you shift to follow the shade.

The Lodge’s huge lap pool gleams in the afternoon light, and the temptation to do nothing more ambitious than float in it, gazing up at a sky of improbable blue, is one you should absolutely surrender to. Or just immerse yourself in your Pool Suite's own, private sanctuary of turquoise and calm, cool water!

A lagoon unlike any other

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp the afternoon invitation is rather different, and arguably even harder to resist. The camp sits on the banks of the Mbudi Channel, an offshoot of the Khwai River that offers something you will find almost nowhere else in the Okavango Delta: the chance to actually get in the water in a croc and hippo-free lagoon.

The lagoon is shallow and crystalline, its colour a beautiful deep tea, the tannins from the surrounding vegetation lending it that warm, amber quality you see in the best single-malt whisky. To wade in slowly, to feel the cool of it against the afternoon heat, to stand in a channel of the Okavango Delta with nothing between you and the African sky — this is not nothing, of course. But it's the kind of something that requires no effort, no planning and no ticking of boxes. It simply requires you to be there.

The philosophy behind the stillness

Our founders, Raphael and Marjan del Sarte, have built both properties with this quality of unhurried experience very deliberately in mind. There is a European sensibility at play here, one that understands the profound difference between a holiday and a rush, between travelling and arriving. Feline Fields Vintage Camp’s canvas aesthetic is a love letter to the explorers of old, men and women who moved slowly through Africa because there was no other way and who, in that slowness, saw everything. Feline Fields Lodge, with its architectural confidence and its extraordinary sense of place in the Kalahari, invites a different but equally contemplative mood: the ancient savannah demands patience, and rewards it magnificently.

What you notice when you stop looking

Here's the curious thing about doing nothing in the African wilderness. The moment you stop actively searching for the experience, the experience tends to find you... A herd of elephant coming to the waterhole at Feline Fields Lodge, quiet and purposeful, spotted not from a game vehicle but from a chair on your private terrace with a glass of something cold in hand... A family of hippos surfacing in the Mbudi Channel at dusk, their enormous heads catching the last of the light, seen from the camp where you had decided to stay for sundowners, simply because it felt like the right things to do...

These are not lesser sightings for their accidental nature. If anything, they carry more weight. They belong to you entirely, unshared with a vehicle full of fellow guests, unannounced by a guide’s radio. They are the reward for stillness.

The other activities are still there

None of this is to suggest that Feline Fields is shy about its more energetic offerings. At Feline Fields Vintage Camp the game drives are exceptional, the walking activities transformative, the mokoro trips on the Mbudi Channel quietly magical. The San Bushmen experience at Feline Fields Lodge is one of those rare encounters that changes how you think about human beings and their relationship with the natural world. Horse riding, fat-bike cycling, bush golf and the extraordinary sleepout on the Kalahari’s ancient, scrub-covered dunes are all there as well, waiting. The point is simply that at Feline Fields, you are never made to feel that you ought to be doing any of them. The choice, and the pace, are always yours.

Come and do nothing beautifully

Botswana is one of the world’s great safari destinations precisely because it has refused to be hurried. Its wild places are enormous and largely undisturbed, its conservation ethic serious and deeply held. Feline Fields, with its two extraordinary properties in two of the country’s most iconic landscapes, understands this perfectly. We have taken the best of the old-fashioned safari spirit — the slowness, the attentiveness, the willingness to sit with a landscape and let it reveal itself — and wrapped it in something genuinely beautiful and genuinely fun.

So come. Bring your list if you must. But leave room in it for the long afternoon, the tea-dark lagoon, the chair in the shade, the sky above the Kalahari, and the particular, irreplaceable luxury of doing absolutely nothing at all.

A place defined by water and time

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:47:10 GMT

Discover the magic of Khwai with Feline Fields

The Khwai Community Reserve is one of Botswana’s true gems, a place where the wilderness feels intimate, yet vast enough to stretch beyond the horizon. It's a land defined not by human lines, but by the patterns of water and earth, by channels that ripple with life and by floodplains that shift with the seasons. Here, Feline Fields Vintage Camp sits quietly on the Mbudi Channel, a permanent waterway that threads through the reserve, providing both a lifeline for wildlife and a mirror to the sky, where guests step into a landscape that has been alive long before the first tracks of safari vehicles pressed into its sand...

Morning begins gently at Feline Fields Vintage Camp. A soft mist often rises from the Mbudi Channel and folds over the riverine woodland, softening the shapes of trees and reeds. Hippos return to their lagoons to laze, ears twitching, nostrils flaring, and the occasional grunt punctuating the stillness. Waterbirds are already on the move, gliding along the channel or perched at its edges, calling to one another in a language that's both immediate and enigmatic.

On their short walk from their tents to morning coffee in the lounge, guests often pause at the edge of camp to take it all in. The staff point out the subtle signs that reveal more than the eye can see. Tiny footprints in soft mud hint at nocturnal visitors, broken reeds show where animals have crossed unseen, and the angle of light tells a story of the day ahead.

Walking or driving along the surrounding floodplains in these early hours is a lesson in patience and observation. Large herds of buffalo graze quietly, moving in a slow, deliberate rhythm that is mirrored by the smaller antelope nearby. Red lechwe, distinctive with their reddish-brown coats and elegant, angled horns, favour the edges of the channel where water meets grass. You may even spot a shy sitatunga standing almost motionless in the reeds, its presence betrayed only by the ripple of water as it shifts position.

Every turn of the vehicle or step on the sand brings something new into focus, and the Mbudi Channel provides a constant backdrop. Its gently flowing waters reflect the movement of the sky and the shapes of trees while also dictating where animals congregate and how they behave.

Beyond the water’s edge, the reserve unfolds into a mosaic of habitats. Riverine woodland gives way to open floodplains where grasses sway in the breeze, and these merge into thicker patches of mopane and acacia that characterise the Khwai scrublands. Each habitat supports different species and offers different opportunities for observation.

Lions often patrol the woodland edges, their golden coats blending seamlessly with grasses, while leopards favour the more intricate cover of thickets and riparian forest. Elephants move slowly across the floodplain, ears flapping, trunks curling around the grass and young shoots, leaving behind enormous footprints and a trail of broken vegetation. Guides teach guests how to read these signs, explaining the rhythms of the land and the way that seasonal water shapes behaviour across the reserve.

The Khwai Community Reserve is more than a collection of habitats and species. It is a community in the truest sense, where conservation, local livelihoods and wildlife coexist. The reserve carries a layered human history. The BaBukakhwe people, known as the River Bushmen, lived in Khwai for generations, following a traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle. Life was shaped by the rhythms of the land, the availability of water, and the movement of animals.

When the Moremi Game Reserve was established in the 1960s, many Khwai villagers were displaced and relocated to what would become the Khwai Concession. It was a challenging transition, but the community eventually embraced a new way of living in harmony with the wildlife around them.

The Khwai Community Concession is one of the most rewarding areas for immersive wildlife experiences and is managed by the Khwai Community Trust, a model of community-based natural resource management. Ownership and management rights are held by the local community, and tourism revenue directly benefits its members. What was once a hunting concession has transformed into a sanctuary for photographic safaris, with wildlife able to move freely across unfenced borders into Moremi Game Reserve and, ultimately, Chobe National Park.

Camps here operate in harmony with the land, taking care to minimise footprints and impact, being managed sustainably, with daily routines that follow the natural patterns of light and movement rather than imposing rigid schedules. Guests notice this, sometimes without consciously registering it. There is a calmness to the experience that comes from being in a place where life has been unfolding on its own terms for centuries.

Observing the small details can be as rewarding as witnessing the large. Birds, for example, provide a continuous soundtrack to life on the Mbudi. Malachite kingfishers flash along the channel banks, pied kingfishers hover with pinpoint precision before plunging into the water, and African fish eagles call out from the treetops, their cry echoing across the floodplain. Tracks tell stories too. The marks of a civet crossing the soft sand, the tiny paws of a genet, the rounded impressions of a hippo leaving the water at night. Our guides show our guests how to follow these signs, offering glimpses into the lives of animals that are often rarely seen but always present.

As the sun climbs, the pace of life shifts. Shadows lengthen and fade, water ripples in response to the breeze, and wildlife adjusts to the warmth. Guests enjoy a leisurely lunch and take the opportunity for a siesta before heading out into the wilds of the reserve once more, pausing for sundowners and quiet reflection, often noticing patterns that repeat day after day — the ebb and flow of water, the cycle of feeding and resting, the subtle interplay between species that reveals the balance of the reserve.

This place is not a stage for dramatic encounters alone. Its power lies in the quiet continuity, in the way life persists and adapts across floodplains, channels, and scrubland. Feline Fields Vintage Camp allows guests to immerse themselves in this living, breathing wilderness. Every sighting, every track, every movement of water and wind contributes to a deeper understanding of the ecosystem. It is a place where observation becomes learning, learning becomes appreciation, and appreciation transforms into a lasting connection to the land.

A towering return

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 11:56:12 GMT

Welcoming giraffe back to the Kalahari at Feline Fields Lodge

There are moments in conservation that feel quietly important, and then there are moments that stop you in your tracks. The arrival of four giraffe at Feline Fields Lodge is one of those moments. Two males and two females stepping cautiously into the Kalahari, tall silhouettes against an endless horizon, was more than a release. It was the culmination of years of belief, persistence, and a deep commitment to bringing life back to this part of Botswana.

The pride felt in witnessing these giraffe arrive is immense. Feline Fields deliberately chose this remote area of western Botswana with a long-term vision in mind. Not only to create meaningful opportunities for the local community, but also to restore wildlife to a landscape where it once thrived. This is a place where giraffe, lions, leopards and countless other species once roamed freely. Over time, that abundance faded, leaving behind a silence that felt both unsettling and unnatural.

When the first tent was pitched at what is now Feline Fields Lodge in 2012, the quiet was striking. There were few birds, little visible wildlife, and almost no signs of the vibrant ecosystem described in historical accounts of the Kalahari. Yet those stories spoke of lions moving through the grasslands, leopards in the trees, and game spread across the plains. The potential was there, waiting to be unlocked.

One of the greatest challenges was water. Years of effort followed, with seven boreholes drilled at significant cost, only to find salty water each time. Refusing to give up, the team drilled again, this time 15 kilometres away. Finally, sweet water was found. A 15km pipeline now supplies water to Feline Fields Lodge, its guests, and crucially, the surrounding wildlife. That single breakthrough marked a turning point.

With water came life. Waterholes began to fill, supported in the dry season and replenished naturally by summer rains. Slowly, almost quietly, the landscape started to respond. Kudu appeared. Then painted wolves (African wild dogs). Leopards began visiting water points in the early morning hours. The ecosystem was waking up again. But one of the most iconic species was still missing. Giraffe.

Reintroducing giraffe to this part of the Kalahari was never going to be simple. Permits, planning, and suitability assessments took years. Infrastructure had to be carefully designed, including a new boma, cutlines and temporary game fencing. It was a significant investment, made without certainty, but driven by conviction. Feline Fields believed this land could once again support giraffe, and that belief never wavered.

Three months ago, the final approval came through. The wildlife department identified four young orphaned giraffe who could be relocated to Feline Fields Lodge. They travelled a long distance to reach their new home and, as with any reintroduction, time and patience are essential. For now, they are being carefully monitored in a boma as they acclimatise to their surroundings. Their wellbeing comes first. Once the team is confident that they are settled and ready, they will be released fully into the Kalahari wilderness.

Giraffe play a vital ecological role. As selective browsers they shape tree growth, open up feeding opportunities for other species, and contribute to seed dispersal across wide areas. Their return brings balance, movement and energy back into the landscape. With both males and females present, the foundations are now in place for future generations.

For guests staying at Feline Fields Lodge, the opportunity to eventually witness giraffe moving through this open Kalahari terrain will be deeply special. These are not fleeting sightings. They are moments rooted in purpose. Knowing that your safari experience supports real conservation makes those encounters all the more meaningful.

Feline Fields has always believed that conservation and tourism should work hand in hand. Revenue generated through carefully considered safari experiences directly supports projects like this giraffe reintroduction. In return, guests gain something far richer than luxury alone. They become part of a story of restoration and resilience.

There is also a powerful impact beyond the wildlife itself. For staff and local communities, the return of giraffe is a source of pride. These animals are part of the natural heritage of the region. Seeing them once again against the Kalahari horizon reinforces the idea that positive change is possible, even in the most challenging environments.

Monitoring and protection will continue long after the release. Conservation does not end when the gates open. It evolves, adapts, and requires constant care. Feline Fields remains deeply committed to ensuring these four giraffe thrive, that their habitat remains protected, and that this reintroduction becomes a lasting success.

The Kalahari of western Botswana is coming back to life. Slowly, steadily, and with intention. To have played a role in that recovery is a privilege, and yes, a pioneering achievement. The return of giraffe to Feline Fields Lodge is a celebration, but it is also a promise. A promise to the land, to the wildlife that belongs here, and to future generations who deserve to experience this wilderness as it once was.

This is conservation in action. And at Feline Fields, it is only the beginning.

The elusive hunter

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Meet the magical leopards of Feline Fields...

Leopards are the quiet ghosts of the African wilderness, their presence felt more often than it is seen. They move through the landscape with a fluid grace, a combination of strength and subtlety that allows them to slip through the bush almost unnoticed. At both Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields Lodge, the leopard is never far away, though it rarely announces itself.

It is their elusiveness that makes leopards so captivating. Unlike larger or more gregarious species, they do not gather in herds or make themselves obvious. Instead, they weave silently through trees, tall grass, and scrub, watching, listening, and waiting. Their eyes, adapted to low light, are the key to a life lived in shadows, and even when a guide or tracker points the way, spotting one can require patience, attention, and a little luck.

Leopards are adaptable, inhabiting the riverine forests along the Mbudi Channel as easily as the open, semi-arid scrub of the Kalahari. At Feline Fields Vintage Camp, they may climb into the branches of the trees that line the permanent channel, using the vantage point to rest, survey the surroundings, or stash a recent kill.

In the Kalahari, they navigate low trees, dense thorn thickets, and open grasslands, blending perfectly with the muted tones of the scrub and plains. Across both regions, their presence shapes the behaviour of other wildlife: impala pause, duiker listen, and even birds take notice when a leopard moves nearby.

Part of their appeal lies in the mystery that surrounds them. Leopards are seldom predictable. They hunt alone, sometimes by night, sometimes by day, and their patterns shift with seasons, prey availability, and the subtle pressures of the ecosystem. Seeing one is never guaranteed, yet the possibility is woven into every drive or walk through the bush. That uncertainty transforms a safari into an exercise in observation, patience, and appreciation of the environment as a whole.

Watching a leopard move is a lesson in restraint and precision. The muscles beneath their spotted coats ripple without a sound, their tails balancing each step, their heads low and ears alert. Even when resting, they seem aware of everything around them - a flash of movement in the grass, the distant call of a hornbill, the scent of a passing antelope. Every moment with a leopard is a glimpse into a life lived entirely in tune with the natural world.

Yet the magic of leopards extends beyond the animal itself. Their presence shapes the landscapes of the Delta and the Kalahari, giving structure and tension to the ordinary moments. Watching impala graze, zebra drift across the plains, or a lilac-breasted roller flash through the canopy becomes richer when you know a leopard could be nearby. The bush takes on layers: sounds, shadows, and signs that speak of something hidden but alive.

At Feline Fields, the leopard reminds us that the essence of a safari is not in ticking off species from a list. It is in the stillness, the listening, and the slow accumulation of awareness that comes from being present. The thrill is in reading the landscape, noticing spoor, observing behaviour, and imagining the unseen predator moving just out of sight. Leopards teach patience and attentiveness, two qualities that reveal the subtler, quieter rhythms of the bush.

In the end, a leopard is never simply a sighting. It is an atmosphere, a tension, a whispered presence that enhances every ordinary encounter - the grazing impala, the running wildebeest, the fluttering birds. Whether on the Mbudi Channel in the Delta or in the scrub and grass of the Kalahari, the leopard is a constant reminder of the intelligence, adaptability, and beauty that permeates Africa’s wilderness.

It is the rare, elusive, and often hidden elements of the bush that give it its magic - and the leopard embodies that magic more completely than almost any other animal.

Making a lasting difference

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:18:07 GMT

The Feline Fields Trust - our commitment to Botswana

In the heart of Botswana’s wild, beautiful landscapes the Feline Fields Trust quietly goes about its work. Backed by the safari-expertise of Feline Fields Lodge and Vintage Camp, the Trust brings meaningful social development and educational support into the communities we work in. What follows is a window into some of those initiatives looking at the people, the places and the progress...

Nurturing early learning in Tsau

In the village of Tsau, a small but powerful project is underway: the creation of a community-led early-learning playgroup. The Trust partners with local municipalities, and under the leadership of principal Vepeua Kazenambo, a unique programme takes shape. Community members with no prior teaching experience are selected and provided with foundational early-childhood training and in return they commit to working within the community for two years. The logic here is simple yet far-sighted: invest in local people, build local skills and provide stability so that the impact is long term.

Today the playgroup boasts 13 trained community teachers. It has grown from 30 children to more than 80. With limited space, the children attend in two rotating groups each day ensuring everyone gets access to a safe, supportive, stimulating environment. The curriculum covers shapes, colours, number-alphabet, days of the week, and more, all designed to build foundational skills and confidence before the children move into primary school.

This is education embedded in community, with local people at the helm. By choosing trainees with no prior teaching experience, the model opens opportunities where previously none existed. The trainees gain both training and work-experience; the community gains local educators invested in its children and future.

Learnership programme with real-world benefit

Education doesn’t stop at early years. The Feline Fields Trust also supports a two-year diploma programme in partnership with the Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education (FCTVE). Students nearing the end of their studies complete a six-month attachment at Feline Fields, gaining hands-on experience across lodge operations featuring guest-facing roles, office administration, procurement, supplies, back-of-house operations and the full hospitality spectrum.

Current students include Oratile “Ratie” Angel Gaborone (studying Travel Management) and Sembaranda “Simba” Moronga (studying Hospitality Management) - both in their second year.

During the attachment the learners receive a monthly allowance from Feline Fields (not required by the college but provided because the Trust values fair-practice). The goal: a CV-ready practical experience, strengthened confidence, and clear pathways to future employment or further study. For Feline Fields the benefit is equally clear: these young people could become strong candidates for roles within the team, reinforcing the connection between community investment and sustainable business.

Safe school transport in rural areas

In many rural communities accessing education is a major hurdle. Walking long distances each day is exhausting and unsafe. The Trust has addressed this through a dedicated school transport initiative for villages surrounding the lodge area. A long-standing and trusted member of the team, Gaokgakala “Gao” Mapodisi, drives three morning pick-up routes and three afternoon drop-off routes for children attending Sexaxa Starter Primary School.

Prior to this initiative many children were forced to walk up to 11km each way. Today they are collected by Gao, arrive on time and return home safely. This simple intervention allows children to focus on learning rather than the burden of the journey.

Supporting partner schools – culture, computers and classrooms

The Trust works closely with partner schools in the region. At Matlapana Primary School a Cultural House – built to preserve and celebrate local heritage with woven elements, clay, and thatch – was supported by the Trust. That building has sadly suffered storm damage and is being rebuilt through a shared effort by school, parents and community tradespeople, reinforcing ownership and dignity in the process.

The Trust also provided computer-room support for Matlapana: repairing several machines so learners can rotate through and access digital learning resources.

At Gxhabar Primary School a donated weather station (wind vane, thermometer/humidity gauge, rain gauge) has been installed and formally opened during a visit by the Trust. These projects may differ in scale but the common denominator is local need, community partnership, and meaningful outcomes.

Putting wildlife on the curriculum

The Feline Fields Trust runs a twice yearly Wildlife Talks programme at five schools in Maun as well as at Nokaneng and Tsao Primary schools for children who are attending the schools' wildlife clubs.

It's often hard to assess how many children in Botswana have never been into the bush, have not seen wild animals in their natural habitat and have not yet learned about the very special environment they are living in. Wildlife Talks are designed to make children feel more connected to the nature around them and teach them about the wildlife they share their environment with, as well as showing them the career possibilities that exist within the conservation and tourism industries.

From garden to table – community garden with heart

The Trust’s community garden is another great example of embedding sustainability and wellbeing. Under the guidance of long-standing staff member Oyapo Gotshajwang, the garden supplies fresh vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, peppers, mint, with watermelon and herbs coming soon) for staff and community programmes. Oyapo previously worked as a guide and brings bush-wisdom, patience and a warm “hakuna matata” spirit to every seed planted and every harvest shared.

The produce is shared and used, bringing health, nutrition and connection back into the community.

Why this matters – the bigger picture

The model of the Feline Fields Trust demonstrates a simple principle: sustainable tourism should create benefit that extends beyond the boundaries of the lodge and touches the lives of surrounding people. The Trust focuses on education, local employment, community ownership, and partnerships rather than one-off hand-outs. It invests in local people at various levels, from the early years to youth vocational training, providing school access, infrastructure, and food security, creating a ripple effect that builds stability, skills and dignity.

For guests at Feline Fields the impact is tangible: on certain packages there is a US$30 per person per reservation donated directly to the Trust that links your safari stay to community impact. Also, when you visit us you may have the chance to meet community members, see the garden, hear about the projects and learn more, enhancing the meaning of your stay. Talk to us if you would like to include this aspect in your next safari.

Looking ahead

The Trust is not simply ticking boxes. It aims to deepen and broaden its reach. Trainees from the playgroup will progress into leadership roles. Learnership graduates will enter the workforce or further study. Transport services may expand. Schools may benefit from upgraded infrastructure. Community gardens may grow into full-scale food programmes. Each initiative builds on another, a web of support rather than isolated interventions.

When you stay at Feline Fields you experience wild Botswana – but you also become part of something larger. The Feline Fields Trust channels the energy of safari tourism into genuine community impact. It is about giving children access to learning, youth access to opportunity, families access to transport, and communities access to ownership. And in doing that, it builds legacy.

If you would like to come and stay at Feline Fields, or learn more about how the Trust uses funds and perhaps visit some of the projects, get in touch to find out more. Your support helps make the difference.

The San Bushmen - an enduring presence

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 07:07:48 GMT

For Africa's First People the Kalahari is home

Life in the Kalahari is measured by the slow passage of the sun across endless skies, by the wind in the scrub and the low hum of insects that never seem to rest. For tens of thousands of years, this semi-arid land has shaped the people who call it home. The San Bushmen are perhaps the most enduring presence, their culture entwined with the rhythms of the plains, the sparse trees, and the hidden waterholes that sustain life in this vast, open scrubland...

In the north-western Kalahari, around the area of Feline Fields Lodge, the Ju/'hoansi represent a vibrant, living heritage – a true First People whose knowledge of the land, its flora and fauna, and its seasons is unparalleled.

The San are extraordinary because they have mastered the art of living lightly on the land. Their knowledge is encoded in the tracks of animals, the timing of seasonal blooms, the subtle signs of shifting weather. Every footstep across sand and grass tells a story; every plant has purpose, whether for medicine, nutrition, or ritual. It is a culture built on observation, patience, and an intimate understanding of the landscape that outsiders often overlook.

They are master trackers, following the subtle impressions left by animals in soil and sand. They know which grasses indicate the presence of water beneath the surface, which trees yield edible nuts or tubers, and how to gather plants without exhausting their source. Their expertise is quiet, meticulous, almost invisible and yet it's the key to survival in an environment where resources are scattered and the climate can be harsh.

Storytelling and art are central to San life, forming a bridge between past and present. Rock engravings and paintings, some tens of thousands of years old, are found across the Kalahari, depicting hunters, animals, and spiritual figures. These images are not merely decorative; they are a language, a record of what was observed, what mattered, and what could be passed to future generations.

The rhythms of the wilderness, the patterns of stars in the night sky, and the migration of animals are all reflected in these silent yet expressive marks.

Music and dance also carry meaning far beyond entertainment. Clapping hands, drumming on the earth, and the low hum of voices form intricate patterns that accompany storytelling, ritual, and communal gatherings. These are not performances staged for visitors; they are living traditions, continuing practices that have endured because they are functional, spiritual, and deeply connected to the land itself.

The San worldview is rooted in respect for the land, for the animals, and for each other. Decisions are made collectively, informed by centuries of accumulated knowledge. Their practices exemplify a sustainable, non-intrusive relationship with the environment, one that has persisted despite centuries of external pressures.

Even today, walking in the north-western Kalahari with a Ju/'hoansi guide is less about ticking off sights and more about noticing what might otherwise go unseen. Tiny spoor in the sand, the sudden burst of a hornbill, the delicate flower of a wild grass... These are the cues that reveal the life of the land. The Ju/'hoansi see patterns in these details that outsiders might miss entirely. Their connection is not flashy; it is patient, quiet, and constant, and it teaches visitors a different way of seeing the world.

In a landscape often thought of as barren, the San demonstrate that richness is not measured by abundance alone. It is in the subtle interplay of life, the careful balance between taking and giving back, and the depth of understanding that comes from generations living in harmony with place.

To spend time learning from the Ju/'hoansi is to understand that culture and landscape are inseparable here, and that endurance, observation, and respect are as vital to life as water itself.

The Kalahari may appear still, open, and unchanging to the casual eye, but through the eyes of the Ju/'hoansi it is alive with history, knowledge, and subtle energy. Their culture reminds us that the ordinary can hold extraordinary meaning when seen with attention and care.

In this way, the ancient traditions of the San at Feline Fields Lodge are not relics of a distant past, but a living, breathing testament to the intelligence and resilience of people attuned to the rhythms of one of Africa’s most challenging landscapes.

Discover the everyday magic of Khwai

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 13:09:05 GMT

Turn ordinary into spectacular at Feline Fields Vintage Camp

The Khwai floodplains are not a place you have to search for life. It is simply there, stitched into the grasslands, moving across the open ground in a steady, unhurried rhythm. This is where the familiar lives - impala, zebra, wildebeest, red lechwe - animals so common that the eye can skim past them without meaning to. But it is worth slowing down, because this is where the heartbeat of the bush lies.

Impala seem to be everywhere. Their herds dot the plains in loose clusters, the movement of one animal triggering a ripple through the rest. They are graceful but never still for long - a flick of the tail, a sudden pivot, ears turning to catch the slightest sound. Spend a little time watching them and you begin to notice the hierarchy in the group, the subtle interactions, the quick, springing bursts of energy that have nothing to do with fear and everything to do with the joy of being alive in open space.

Zebra graze here too, their stripes shifting in a way that can almost dazzle when they bunch close together. They are never in a hurry unless they have to be, and there’s a calm assurance in the way they move from patch to patch. In the sharp morning light, their outlines stand clean against the floodplain, and when the heat rises, you can see the shimmer of warm air between you and them, turning the scene into something almost dreamlike.

Wildebeest are less showy. They stand broadside in the grass, tails swishing, their calls low and gruff, as if commenting on the day’s progress. But watch long enough and their quirks start to emerge - the sudden gallop for no reason at all, the way they seem to be thinking about moving long before they actually do. Their gatherings can seem chaotic, yet somehow the whole group shifts direction as if on an unspoken signal.

Then there are the red lechwe, scattered in loose groups further out on the wetter reaches of the plains. They keep to the firmer ground where the grasses are still lush, their golden coats catching the sun. They do not hurry through the marshy edges - their long legs are built for it - but it’s the bounding leap across a shallow channel that draws the eye, the smooth, arching motion that carries them forward without breaking rhythm.

Occasionally you'll be lucky and find a herd of sable moving across the floodplains. Their glossy black coats and sweeping scimitar horns cutting an unmistakable silhouette against the floodplain woodlands. These regal antelope favour the edge of the riparian forests and grassy clearings near water, moving in small herds led by dominant females while lone bulls stake out territories.

On morning and afternoon game drives, you can watch these herds drift and merge, splitting apart again, always on the move but never in a rush. This constant presence means you are never really alone here. Even in the quieter hours, there is the flicker of movement on the edge of vision, the call of a hornbill passing overhead, the soft chatter of doves somewhere in the trees.

The magic is in the ordinariness. These animals are not here to give you a perfect photograph or a dramatic chase. They are here because this is their home - the grazing, the water, the space to move. And that, more than anything, is what makes the Khwai floodplains feel alive - the slow, steady pulse of the everyday.

It is this constancy that gives the more dramatic moments their weight. A lion crossing the plain means more when you have seen the zebra grazing there an hour before. The sudden alarm calls of impala carry further when you know their usual sound. Even the quiet stretches, when the sun is high and the heat makes the air hum, have a richness because you know that somewhere out there, life is still moving.

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp, the floodplains around us are never empty. The so-called ordinary animals are the ones you will see again and again, from dawn to dusk, in the shifting light of morning or the long glow of evening. And each time, there will be something different - the way the herd bunches tighter before nightfall, the playful skirmish between young males, the easy companionship of mixed groups sharing the same ground.

Boring? Not at all. The everyday is the foundation of what we do, and it is what turns a passing visit into something far deeper - a sense of being part of a landscape that is quietly, endlessly alive.

The magic of a real safari

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 13:16:49 GMT

Nature sets its own pace out in the Botswana wilderness

A safari in Botswana is often imagined as a whirlwind of sightings - lions padding across the floodplain, elephants bathing in the shallows, leopards draped over tree branches. Wildlife documentaries and glossy brochures can make it seem as if these moments are just waiting, guaranteed, as soon as you step out in an open safari vehicle. The truth is far more subtle and, for many, far more rewarding.

In the wild, nothing is promised. This is not a staged production but a living, breathing landscape where animals follow their own rhythms, unaffected by our expectations.

There will be days when sightings of large, iconic species are thrillingly close and clear. There will also be days when the big predators remain elusive, moving under cover of darkness or resting far from the track. It is this unpredictability that keeps each safari genuine and unrepeatable.

You are not watching a carefully edited highlight reel, but experiencing nature as it is - sometimes dramatic, sometimes quiet, always real. This is where the true magic lies, in learning to appreciate not only the headline moments but the countless smaller ones that give the wilderness its depth and character.

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp the scenery itself can become the star of the day. The water of the Mbudi Channel is constant here, part of the Khwai River system, so even when the annual Okavango floodwaters shift elsewhere, this channel remains alive with activity.

The stillness of dawn may hold nothing more than the distant call of a fish eagle and the soft mist rising from the river. Yet in those moments, the sense of place - the papyrus fringing the water, the reflections of acacia branches, the earthy scent of damp soil - becomes just as memorable as any animal sighting.

Even when wildlife is present, the experience is rarely about spectacle alone. A small splash near the bank might be a fish breaking the surface. A shape in the reeds could be a heron, perfectly still, waiting for the right moment to strike. It is in slowing down to notice such details that the richness of the delta reveals itself. The play of light on water, the sound of a breeze moving through the reeds, and the ever-changing patterns of clouds drifting above all remind you that a safari is as much about being in a place as it is about seeing certain animals.

At Feline Fields Lodge, the Kalahari wilderness tells a different story. This is not a desert of towering red dunes, but a semi-arid realm of open grasslands, low scrub, and scattered trees stretching beneath an immense blue sky. The landscape has a quiet beauty that rewards patient exploration.

Wildlife here adapts to a harsher climate, and sightings can be more spaced out. This does not diminish the experience - it deepens it. You become attuned to signs that life is present even when it is not immediately visible. Tracks in the sand hint at nocturnal wanderings. The distant bark of a jackal carries over the plains. The warm air hums with insect life.

On drives, walks or while riding through the bush on horseback, the most memorable moment might be the sight of rain falling in the distance, turning the air silver against the horizon. At other times, it might be the shifting colours of the sky as day gives way to night, the first stars appearing in a place untouched by artificial light.

The Kalahari teaches you to appreciate space and silence, to find beauty in the way light moves across the land, and to value the smaller movements that break that stillness - a bird lifting from a thorn bush, the flick of a lizard’s tail as it darts across your path.

The value of this approach is that it frees you from the pressure of a checklist. When you arrive expecting to see every animal you’ve read about or watched on screen, you risk overlooking the many other wonders unfolding around you. Nature does not work to our schedule, and the most powerful moments are often the ones that happen unexpectedly - the ones you cannot plan for. By letting go of expectations, you make space for genuine surprise and discovery.

A safari without a lion sighting can still be unforgettable if you notice the early morning dew on spiderwebs, the scent of wild sage crushed underfoot, the glow of the first sunlight spilling across the plains. These moments are not lesser because they are smaller. They are the threads that make up the larger tapestry of the wild.

Real life in the bush is not edited into a tight sequence of dramatic encounters. It unfolds at its own pace, in ways that can be slow, surprising, and endlessly varied.

By shifting your focus from chasing the Big Five to embracing everything the landscape offers - from the vast skies of the Kalahari to the mirrored waters of the Delta - you open yourself to the true essence of safari. It is an experience shaped not by what you see, but by how deeply you notice, and it is that awareness that will stay with you long after you leave.

Come with us to birding paradise...

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 07:58:39 GMT

Two stunning destinations & hundreds of species!

There are few places in Africa where birders can explore two dramatically different landscapes in one journey and find both equally captivating. At Feline Fields, the combination of two distinct camps offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in both the wetland abundance of the Khwai River and the semi-arid sweep of the Kalahari. Between them lies a world of seasonal contrast, species richness and ecological rhythm, where birds move with the rains, the insects, and the water that shapes everything.

Feline Fields Vintage Camp sits quietly along the Mbudi Channel, part of the Khwai River system and one of the few places in the Okavango Delta where water flows year-round. This isn’t an area defined by the great seasonal inundation that transforms other parts of the Delta. Here, the presence of permanent water ensures that birdlife is always close, always active, and always astonishing. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that this is a place where birding takes centre stage.

The landscape surrounding camp is a mix of riverine woodland, open floodplain, and scattered groves of leadwood and sausage tree. Each morning, as the light spills across the channel, African jacanas can be seen tiptoeing over lily pads while white-fronted bee-eaters dive from their bankside nests. Fish eagles perch in sentinel above the river, calling across the water with a sound that seems stitched into the soul of the Delta. And beneath the canopy, in the shaded heart of the forest, one of the Delta’s most elusive birds waits for dusk – the Pel’s fishing owl.

This shy, chestnut-brown owl is rarely found without help, and never by chance. Roosting in dense riverine trees during the day, it hunts silently at night, swooping low over the water in search of fish. Spotting one is a highlight for any birder, and in Khwai, the chances are better than most. With the guidance of experienced trackers and naturalists, it becomes not just a possibility, but a focused, respectful pursuit.

While residents like saddle-billed storks, slaty egrets, goliath herons and African skimmers lend a year-round rhythm to birding here, the summer months – from November to April – bring a different kind of excitement. This is when both intra-African and Eurasian migrants arrive in their thousands. Woodland kingfishers return to their breeding territories, filling the canopy with their piercing calls. Carmine bee-eaters streak across the skies in vibrant clouds. European rollers, cuckoos and waders from as far as Central Asia join the spectacle, drawn to the abundance of food and nesting space created by the rains.

With its mix of open channels, swamp edges and dry woodland, Khwai offers birders a shifting mosaic of habitats that hold something new with each outing – by mokoro, open safari vehicle or on foot. It is an immersive experience, where the birds are part of a wider ecological story and intimately connected to the water on which everything depends.

From here, the journey continues south and slightly east to Feline Fields Lodge – a camp set within the vast semi-arid expanse of the Kalahari.

This is not desert in the traditional sense, but a flat, open country of low acacia woodland, seasonal grassland and scrub. It is a landscape shaped by water scarcity, where the presence of a permanent waterhole at the lodge becomes not only a lifeline but a stage for some of the region’s most fascinating birdlife. The Kalahari features sand dunes, especially in the west, as well as ancient dry riverbeds and vast salt pans like the Makgadikgadi Pans, which when the rains come, turn into exceptional wetlands attracting a variety of birdlife.

At Feline Fields Lodge, birding is a slower, more deliberate experience. You sit quietly on a shaded deck, and the bush begins to reveal itself. White-browed sparrow-weavers chatter in the branches, busy with their grass-woven homes. Crimson-breasted shrikes flash from thickets in brilliant contrast to the dun-coloured scrub. Sociable weavers construct enormous communal nests that sag from trees like haystacks, often shared by pygmy falcons or pearl-spotted owlets.

Unlike Khwai, where water guarantees consistent sightings, the Kalahari unfolds with the seasons. During the long dry months from May to October, bird activity is concentrated around water sources. Sandgrouse, doves, glossy starlings and hornbills all appear in waves at first light, mingling at the lodge’s waterhole before the heat builds. Raptors, including gabar goshawks and chanting goshawks, circle high above the flat horizon, scanning for rodents and reptiles in the low grass.

Then, with the first rains in November, the transformation begins. What was muted becomes vibrant. The thornveld greens, ephemeral pans fill, and insects burst into life. With this flush of food come the migrants – southern carmine bee-eaters in shimmering flocks, European rollers, and waders that follow the line of temporary water across the plains. Flamingos sometimes descend on distant salt pans, while kestrels, harriers and other raptors drift in from further north, joining resident species in the renewed bounty. As the grasslands turn to seed towards the end of the summer, the seed-eating birds arrive in force - waxbills, larks, finches, buntings, red-billed queleas in huge flocks.

What makes the pairing of these two camps so rewarding for birders is the contrast in experience. Khwai offers consistency, lush surroundings, and the chance to see wetland species in a setting that remains productive even in the driest months. The Kalahari, by comparison, is about patience and timing – about being present when the rains return, or learning to read the dry season through the quiet persistence of resident birds.

Yet together, they form a perfect rhythm. A visit between December and March captures both regions in their summer glory – Khwai alive with migrant activity, and the Kalahari transformed into a mosaic of life and colour. In the cooler months, you can track the shift: from the fish-rich waters of the Mbudi Channel to the waterholes of the scrubland, where survival depends on adaptation and resilience.

In the end, birding across Feline Fields is not just about species counts or sightings, though those will be many. It’s about observing the seasonal choreography of life – the way birds move, adapt, and thrive between water and wilderness. It’s about contrast and connection, silence and sound, and about knowing that in Botswana, the most rewarding birding journeys often take place in the quiet moments, when everything seems still – and then wings take flight.

Elephants - our wilderness architects

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:41:54 GMT

These gentle giants are important landscape managers!

In the quiet wild places of Botswana, elephants shape the land in ways few other creatures can. They are not simply visitors here. In the Okavango Delta and the far reaches of the Kalahari, they are architects of the wilderness itself. Their size and presence alter the earth, the waterways, the very air. To watch them move slowly through the mopane woodland or wade chest-deep in the Delta’s floodplains is to witness life unfolding as it has for thousands of years.

It is impossible to separate elephants from these landscapes. Their footprints press deep into the soil, their tusks scrape at bark and strip leaves, their trunks break branches that fall and rot and nourish the ground. As they feed, they change the structure of the vegetation, opening pathways, clearing dense thickets, creating space for sunlight to reach the forest floor. These clearings become home to insects, birds, antelope. Lions follow, and leopards too, slipping silently along elephant-made trails. The life of the land depends on this quiet work.

In the Delta, where seasonal floods arrive from far-off Angola, elephants play an essential role in shaping the flow of water. As they cross channels and dig for hidden springs, they help to keep water moving. Their movements open new routes, prevent old ones from closing and ensure that the floodplains do not dry out or become choked with reed beds. Without elephants gently managing the land in this way, large parts of the Delta and the Khwai region around Feline Fields Vintage Camp would shift toward swamp and dense woodland, reducing the variety of life these places can hold.

They are gardeners as well as engineers. Elephants feed on fruits and nuts that few other animals can reach. As they walk, they carry seeds in their bellies, depositing them far from the parent trees in rich dung that nourishes the growing seedlings. This simple act spreads life across huge distances. Trees like the baobab, marula and sycamore fig owe their wide range to the wandering habits of these gentle giants.

At Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari, where water is scarce and the land naturally dry, elephants dig into the sand, reaching for moisture below the surface. In doing so they can create waterholes that other animals depend on. These small acts of survival become gifts to the whole ecosystem. Animals of every kind gather to drink from these wells in the sand. Once again, the elephant’s presence changes everything.

They move between these regions with the seasons, walking old paths known to their herds for generations. From the northern rivers of Chobe and Linyanti to the southern edges of the Delta and the fringes of the Kalahari, their migrations connect the land. As they travel, they carry seeds, disturb the soil, spread nutrients. They remind us that no part of this wilderness stands alone.

Of course, their numbers shape the land too. In places where herds are large and food is plentiful, elephants can thin the woodland, breaking more trees than the forest can regrow. This may seem destructive, but it brings balance of a different kind. Where trees fall, grasslands grow. Where grasslands stretch wide, grazing herds appear – zebras, wildebeest, impala. And where these gather, predators follow. The entire web of life shifts around the elephant’s needs.

Yet this relationship is fragile. In a world of fences, roads and fields, elephants can find their paths blocked. They follow ancient routes to water or salt pans and come face to face with human settlements. Conflict can follow – a broken fence, a raided crop, a frightened farmer. In places like Khwai, careful work is being done to ease this tension. Community tourism brings income and pride in wildness. Tracking teams and early warning systems help people avoid unexpected meetings with wandering bulls. Small things make a difference.

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp, you may meet an elephant in the golden light of morning, standing quietly at the water’s edge. He lifts his head, turns an ear to the breeze, watches you with calm, ancient eyes. In that moment you understand his role here. Not as an animal on display, but as a keeper of this wild space, a force that keeps the bush open, the water flowing, the life around him in balance.

Even the Kalahari feels his touch. As elephants return to the drier landscape around Feline Fields Lodge, they bring change. New paths are pressed into the sand, new trees spread, old waterholes are rediscovered. Their presence hints at old patterns and new possibilities – that this land can be open and whole again, if only given the space.

Their story and the story of the land are the same. To keep elephants safe is to keep the wilderness alive. Not for the photographs or the wonder of visitors alone, but because without them these ecosystems would slowly change, closing in, losing richness, losing breath. The Delta would thicken. The Kalahari would harden. The herds and hunters that depend on open spaces and scattered woodland would fade.

But with elephants moving freely, the rhythm holds. The waters shift. The grass grows. The trees rise and fall and rise again. Life circles on, simple and perfect.

It is this truth that stays with you, long after you have left the wild. The elephants do not belong to the land – the land belongs to them.

The best time to visit Feline Fields...

Thu, 22 May 2025 11:38:14 GMT

...And why there really isn’t one!

We’re often asked when the best time to visit Feline Fields might be. It’s a reasonable question, one that suggests the person asking already senses something special waits for them out here in the wild. But it’s also a question that’s impossible to answer in the usual way – because time, at Feline Fields, behaves a little differently...

Ours are not places defined by seasons, but by the rhythm of the wilderness.

Out on the edge of the Okavango Delta, where Feline Fields Vintage Camp breathes in the scents of the Mbudi floodplain and exhales golden light across the Khwai River system, time folds in on itself. It’s not about what’s best, but what’s unfolding. And the truth is – there is always something extraordinary happening here.

In January, the rains arrive with a soft urgency, soaking the earth and waking up the bush. The air smells of new beginnings, and the floodplains begin to fill. Elephants wander through shimmering puddles. Carmine bee-eaters streak the skies like brushstrokes. The drama of nature is bold, unapologetic, and intimate.

February and March bring the fullness of the green season, when the bush is thick and vibrant. This is a time of plenty – of predators thriving and plains game calving. Lions lounge in the shade, their bellies full. Birds sing into the evening. You wake to the sound of doves and fall asleep to the hum of frogs. It’s lush, it’s alive, it’s deeply restorative.

By April and May, the air begins to dry. The grass thins just enough to offer glimpses of giraffe legs beneath acacia trees and the flick of a leopard’s tail across the riverbank. The light changes too – more amber, more deliberate. Days are warm, nights begin to cool. You take your coffee slowly, wrapped in a blanket, listening to the calls of fish eagles lifting over the water.

June through August is crisp and clear – the so-called "dry season", though that word does little justice to the wild theatre at play. With less water in the bush, wildlife gathers near the remaining channels and lagoons. This is when the game-viewing can feel utterly cinematic. Wild dogs on the hunt. Buffalo moving in great, dusty columns. The sky, cobalt and endless. The stars close enough to touch.

Come September and October, the earth begins to crack again. The sun is bold, the bush is raw. It’s a time of tension – of animals waiting, weather watching, instincts sharpening. This is nature’s high drama. And it’s intoxicating.

And then, with almost no announcement, November rains arrive once more. The scent of petrichor dances on the breeze. Frogs sing again. The land breathes. A cycle completed, and begun anew.

And then there is Feline Fields Lodge.

If Vintage Camp is about immersion – swimming in the Mbudi Channel and sleeping with only canvas between you and the wilderness – then Feline Fields Lodge is about stillness. Space. Sand and silence and soft-spoken luxury.

Here, in the heart of the Kalahari, time stretches. The world slows. And instead of the flood pulse of the Delta, the rhythm is written in wind and shadow and starlight.

In the green season from November to April the Kalahari surprises you. Rain arrives quietly and disappears just as quickly, coaxing green shoots from red sand. The bush flushes with life. Butterflies drift through camp. Everything feels gentle. A little miraculous. Unexpectedly lush.

This is the season for shade and solitude. For reading by the pool and riding at sunset. For long, lingering lunches and open-air spa treatments, for slow-paced drives where you have the landscape – and the silence – all to yourself.

From May to September, the Kalahari strips down to its essence. The mornings are clear and cold. You wrap your hands around mugs of coffee and watch the world warm. By midday, it’s sun-soaked and glowing. The bush becomes a canvas of gold and ash, and wildlife moves through it like brushstrokes. Ostrich. Brown hyena. Leopards padding across a sandy track at first light.

It’s also a time for play –tennis, fat biking, sharing a bottle of rosé by the firepit as the first stars appear. Evenings drop quickly into darkness. The Milky Way stretches overhead. And somewhere in the distance a jackal calls. This is the perfect time for a sleepout under a canopy of starlight, falling asleep to the magical mystery of the universe overhead.

October brings dust devils and dry thunder. The bush holds its breath. And then – always suddenly – the rains return, and the cycle begins again.

So, when is the best time to come to Feline Fields?

Perhaps the better question is: how do you want to feel?

Do you want to slow down and sink into the quiet rhythm of a green world waking up? Or do you want to be swept up in the raw, dry electricity of winter? Do you want birdsong and thunderstorms? Or firelit evenings and starlit walks?

The best time to come is any time... When you crave space. When you long for quiet. When you want to remember what it feels like to wake up in a place that hasn’t changed in thousands of years – and yet feels entirely your own.

Come for the silence. Come for the heat and the thunder and the echoing stillness. Come when the wild calls.

There is no best time. Just your time.

We’ll be here. Waiting.

The healing power of the wild

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 08:20:26 GMT

Reboot body, mind and soul with Feline Fields

There is a stillness in the African wilderness that speaks louder than any words. Out here, under Botswana’s vast skies, the rush and roar of modern life falls silent. The ticking clocks, crowded inboxes, endless to-do lists - they all dissolve into the hush of the breeze moving through countless leaves and the rhythmic rising and setting of the sun over ancient Kalahari sand. At Feline Fields, we believe in the restorative power of safari not as a luxury, but as a necessity. It is a return - not just to nature, but to yourself...

On the western edge of the Okavango Delta, where the Mbudi Channel snakes its way through the breathtakingly beautiful Khwai region, Feline Fields Vintage Camp offers a raw and intimate connection to the wild. This is safari pared back to its purest form - an unfenced camp under a canopy of trees, surrounded by some of the most abundant and unspoiled wildlife territory in Botswana.

There is healing in this simplicity, borne of immersion in the wilderness around you. Mornings begin with golden light spilling across the water, the scent of wild sage on the breeze. Moving through the bush on a morning game drive, you don't chase the next sighting, but pause to notice - to truly see. The flick of a lion’s tail in the tall grass, the stillness of a heron on the banks, the low rumbles of elephants passing just beyond the trees. Everything here invites presence. Everything asks you to slow down. The bush itself seems to exhale. The rhythm of the day is dictated by nature, not a schedule. And in this fluidity, the mind softens. Anxiety lifts. You start to listen again - not just to the calls of the wild, but to the quieter voice within.

The wild provides its own wellness rituals: the rhythm of walking barefoot on warm sand, the comfort of firelight after dark, the recalibration that comes from hearing nothing but nature - and your own heartbeat. Add to this natural "spa menu" the wonderful massages offered in our Bush Spa and the experience of relaxing in a traditional hot tub on the edge of the channel, and you have the recipe for a wilderness reboot.

A safari with Feline Fields is not simply a holiday. It is recalibration. A shift from doing to being. From looking outward to turning inward. Stress lives in the spine, the shoulders, the chest. The wild unwinds all of it. The body relaxes. The mind clears. Priorities realign. Somewhere between the laughter around the fire and the stillness of a lion’s gaze, something clicks into place. The return to yourself begins.

This is wellness without walls. This is therapy led by elephants, guided by stars, anchored in earth.

Out in the remote calm of the Kalahari, Feline Fields Lodge sits with views of an unbroken horizon stretching for what seems like forever. Days here unfold in a slow, unhurried way, and the light has a softness that seems to reach inside the soul. This is not a place that overwhelms -it steadies. It grounds.

Feline Fields Lodge doesn’t impose itself on the land; it belongs to it. Organic textures and open spaces echo the tones of the savannah. Suites spill into nature - open-air bathtubs, private decks, and star-filled skies make you feel part of something far bigger and older than yourself.

Out here, wellness isn’t a programme. It’s the natural result of living differently. Deep sleep comes easily. Breathing slows. Time loosens its grip. Guided walks with San Bushmen reconnect you not only to the land, but to ancient knowledge that understands the value of stillness, of simplicity, of paying attention. It's a different kind of healing - one that returns you to your natural state.

Spacious suites offer sanctuary without severance from nature. Think open decks, earthy materials, long views and soft light. Think rest as ritual.

But the Lodge is more than comfort - it’s perspective. From the elevated pool, you might watch a bird of prey circling on thermals, or hear the bark of a kudu in the distance. The Kalahari teaches slowness. It teaches listening. It reminds us that not all movement is progress, and not all stillness is idle.

There’s a reason people return from safari changed. It’s not just the wildlife, though that’s part of it. It’s the way the wild reflects back what we’ve forgotten in the noise: how to be quiet, how to be fully present, how to feel deeply and honestly alive.

At Feline Fields, the wilderness is not curated or choreographed. It’s real. Raw. And in that authenticity lies its power to heal. Your nervous system resets. Your body softens. Your thoughts clear. And slowly, gently, you begin to remember what really matters.

This is not a digital detox. This is a soul detox. A stripping away of the unnecessary. A soft landing into something elemental.

Come as you are - overworked, overtired, overwhelmed. Let the silence of the Delta, the vastness of the Kalahari, and the rhythm of the wild do what they’ve always done, because healing doesn’t always happen in hospitals or studios. It can happen under the skilled hands of a masseuse out on your private deck surrounded by wilderness... But sometimes, it happens by a fire, under the stars, surrounded by wild Africa and the echo of your own breath returning to its natural pace.

At Feline Fields, we don’t just offer safaris. We offer space to breathe. Come and breathe with us!

Falls, Delta and Desert - the perfect combo

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 12:27:55 GMT

Embark on an epic journey with Feline Fields

Three wildly different landscapes, one seamless journey. Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, and the Kalahari may seem worlds apart, but together they form an intoxicating contrast of water, wilderness, and wide-open space. They also combine perfectly in our amazing Falls, Delta and Desert package. More than a journey, this package offers an immersion into Africa’s extremes, where roaring torrents give way to meandering channels, and lush floodplains fade into vast, arid horizons. Let's find out more...

It all starts at a small town in Zimbabwe, named for the epic wonder of the natural world that marks its border with neighbouring Zambia - the Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders” the falls are more than a marvel to witness; they're a force to be felt!

You'll spend two nights at the beautiful Mbano Manor - enough to give you a taste of what makes Victoria Falls such a special destination. Locally owned and owner-run, it's a testament to Zimbabwe's enduring spirit and wonderful brand of hospitality and provides an excellent base from which to discover the magic of this place.

It was legendary explorer David Livingstone who honoured his queen by giving the falls her name. He was the first European to lay eyes on them on 16 November 1855. The sight of them has not changed - they are every bit as impressive!

The largest body of falling water in the world, the sheer volume of water surging over the basalt cliffs, more than 500-million litres per minute at peak flow, creates a roar that resonates through the bones. Towering sprays of mist rise into the sky, forming rainbows that dance in the sunlight. The rainforest at its edge, nourished by this perpetual mist, is an anomaly in this part of the world - a lush green oasis where trees reach skyward, and the air is thick with birdsong.

Vervet monkeys leap through the canopy, and bushbuck step cautiously through the undergrowth. Just beyond, the Zambezi River draws in elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, reminding visitors that this spectacle of water and power is only part of a larger wilderness. We've included a guided tour of the falls as part of the package!

Of course, while the falls command attention, the Zambezi offers more subtle magic. A cruise along the Zambezi at sunset reveals a different side of the landscape - serene, golden, and brimming with life. Hippos surface with theatrical snorts, crocodiles glide by, and elephants wade through the shallows, silhouetted against the dying light. A helicopter flight over the falls delivers an entirely new perspective, where the full scale of this natural wonder becomes apparent - a vast chasm cutting through the landscape, with torrents of whitewater crashing into the abyss.

From here, the journey shifts from thundering falls to the hushed beauty of the Delta. After a road transfer from Victoria Falls to Kasane in Botswana, you'll take a short flight into the breathtaking Khwai region that reveals an entirely different world, where water moves not in a furious cascade but in gentle channels that cut through sprawling floodplains. Feline Fields Vintage Camp offers a front-row seat to this ever-changing wilderness, where the rhythms of the Delta dictate each day.

Morning game drives might bring sightings of lions moving through the open savannah or elephants crossing the Mbudi Channel in a slow, deliberate procession. Mokoro excursions glide through lily-covered lagoons, where jacanas tiptoe across floating vegetation, and malachite kingfishers flash brilliant blue in the sunlight. At night, the wilderness comes alive with the sounds of frogs and distant roaring lions, and the sky unfurls into a dazzling canopy of stars.

Then comes the transition - perhaps the most exhilarating part of the journey. A scenic helicopter flight between the Delta and the Kalahari offers an unrivalled view of Botswana’s shifting landscapes. Water gives way to dry earth, floodplains transform into the vastness of the semi-arid heart of Botswana, and the expanse of the desert stretches endlessly towards the horizon.

In the middle of this spectacular wilderness, Feline Fields Lodge sits in splendid isolation, a retreat surrounded by silence and space. Here, the landscape is stripped back to its raw essence, sculpted by the elements and the soft sands of the Kalahari basin - endless vistas that seem to swallow time. The Kalahari is not empty but alive with movement, from the stealthy tread of a leopard to the flitting of a myriad birds amongst the dry, low scrub dotted with small trees. Evenings unfold around a fire, where stories are shared, and the vastness of the desert night presses in, a reminder of how small and fleeting human presence is in this ancient land.

While here, you'll explore with Africa's First People - the fabled San Bushmen, learning more of their culture and animistic beliefs... You'll sleep out under a canopy of starlight where the silence is almost deafening and discover the secrets of this incredible place that's alive with possibility and purpose.

When it's time to say farewell, we'll drive you back to Maun in time for your connecting flight, bringing this amazing journey to its end. But we know you'll be back!

How we celebrate beautiful Botswana

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:59:07 GMT

We are proud to be part of this incredible country's future

Botswana is a country where tradition plays a deep-seated and critical role in its unwavering commitment to conservation. From the sun-scorched sands of the Kalahari to the wildlife-rich floodplains of the Okavango Delta, the people of Botswana stand as custodians to some of Africa’s last great wildernesses. At Feline Fields, we celebrate not just these landscapes but the human stories that shape them, because Botswana’s greatest strength is its incredible people...

A proud heritage

Botswana’s cultural identity is deeply rooted in the traditions of its diverse ethnic groups, each contributing to the country’s rich heritage. The Tswana people form the majority, with their communal way of life and long-standing respect for nature. Meanwhile, the San Bushmen, Africa's First People and the country’s oldest inhabitants, carry knowledge passed down through millennia, understanding the land and its rhythms like no other. Their ancient survival skills - tracking wildlife, gathering medicinal plants, and reading the desert’s signs - offer an invaluable perspective on living in harmony with nature.

The nation’s pride is evident in its cultural expressions, from the intricate basket weaving of the north to the rhythmic storytelling and dance that echo through its villages. Language is equally diverse, with Setswana serving as the lingua franca, though the San’s click languages and other indigenous dialects remain integral to Botswana’s identity.

Conservation: a way of life

Unlike many other nations, Botswana has embedded conservation into its national ethos. With nearly 40% of its land designated as protected areas or wildlife management zones, the country has set the benchmark for responsible tourism and environmental stewardship. Poaching is met with zero tolerance, and communities actively participate in anti-poaching initiatives and sustainable land management.

Tourism plays a vital role in reinforcing this conservation mindset. By adopting a low-impact, high-value approach, Botswana ensures that its wilderness areas remain unspoiled while directly benefiting its people. The safari industry provides employment, supports community-run conservancies, and funds wildlife protection efforts.

At Feline Fields, we engage with local communities, ensuring that tourism revenue translates into tangible benefits, from education to healthcare and sustainable livelihoods. The Feline Fields Trust was established to provide a critically important flow of benefits to our local communities, and reflects our own commitment to Botswana's people and to ensuring everything we do remains truly sustainable.

Luxury with purpose

In alignment with Botswana's high-end, low-impact tourism model, Feline Fields takes pride in delivering exceptional safari experiences that protect and preserve the environment. Our sustainable practices aim to minimise our ecological footprint, from energy-efficient lodges to waste reduction efforts, all while ensuring that the surrounding communities share in the prosperity created by tourism.

We embrace a philosophy of tourism that is restorative rather than extractive, reinforcing that conservation and human development go hand-in-hand. By prioritising both luxury and sustainability, we offer guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in Botswana’s beauty while actively contributing to its long-term preservation.

A world of opportunity

For many Batswana, the safari industry represents opportunity - offering careers as rangers, guides, hospitality professionals, and conservationists. Beyond employment, it fosters a deep-seated appreciation for wildlife and the environment. In particular, the involvement of the San Bushmen in tourism has provided a platform for preserving their cultural traditions, offering immersive experiences where guests can learn from their ancient wisdom.

Yet, the rapid growth of tourism also comes with challenges. As Botswana’s luxury safari industry expands, there is an increasing need to balance economic gains with environmental and cultural sustainability. Over-commercialisation risks diluting the authenticity that makes Botswana so unique, which is why operators like Feline Fields champion ethical, sustainable experiences. From eco-friendly lodges to cultural exchanges that respect and uplift local communities, we believe that safari must be a force for good.

Building for the future

Botswana’s people are justifiably proud of their country’s achievements. With a stable democracy, a thriving economy, and an international reputation for conservation leadership, the nation stands as an African success story. But this success must be nurtured, particularly in the face of climate change, human-wildlife conflict, and the pressures of a global tourism industry.

At Feline Fields, we see ourselves not just as safari operators but as partners in Botswana’s future. Through responsible tourism, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to conservation, we stand with the people of Botswana in safeguarding their heritage, wilderness, and way of life for generations to come.

Discover the secret safari season!

Mon, 27 Jan 2025 08:57:55 GMT

Summer is one of the best times to be in the Botswana bush

If you're looking for an exceptional safari experience, summer in Botswana delivers and then some, with Feline Fields offering two extraordinary bases from which to explore. This time of year is a verdant and wildlife-rich spectacle and both Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the Khwai region and Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari offer contrasting yet complementary escapes, each showcasing a unique facet of Botswana’s natural beauty and biodiversity. Let's find out more...

It's summer! Also known as the green season, the emerald season and the secret safari season, this is the time of year when the Botswana bush is filled with life when the rains paint the landscape in vivid hues of green dotted with shimmering waterways, lagoons, waterholes full to overflowing and seasonal rivers full of life. It's a season that draws a wealth of bird and animal activity that is nothing short of mesmerising.

For those who have yet to experience a summer safari, a journey with Feline Fields is a revelation. The rains breathe new life into the bush of the Khwai region and the usually dry Kalahari, creating landscapes teeming with vitality and wonder. The interplay of dramatic skies and lush greenery creates a stunning backdrop for photography, while the abundance of young animals adds a heartwarming element to game drives.

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp - an intimate and authentic safari haven overlooking the Mbudi Channel of the Khwai River - the summer landscape is a lush paradise filled with activity. Seasonal rains rejuvenate the area, filling floodplains and turning the dry bush into a thriving wilderness overflowing with new life.

The verdant plains and woodlands are alive with activity as antelope give birth to their young, predators follow in their wake, and migratory birds arrive in droves, adding a kaleidoscope of colour to the scenery. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise, with countless resident and migrant species to marvel at.

Game drives at this time of year are remarkable; the Khwai region’s mosaic of habitats supports an extraordinary diversity of species. Elephants traverse the water channels, leopards stalk through the undergrowth, and lions roam the open grasslands. Night drives offer a thrilling chance to spot elusive nocturnal species, from bush babies to African wild cats.

The camp itself captures the spirit of classic safari adventure while providing the comforts needed to fully savour the experience. With its small number of tents, the focus remains firmly on exclusivity and immersion in the wilderness.

In contrast, Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari offers an entirely different, yet equally captivating safari experience. During summer the Kalahari transforms into an unexpected Eden. The rains bring an explosion of greenery, turning this semi arid region into a fertile wonderland filled with wildlife. This transformation attracts numerous species of plains game, including springbok, oryx, and zebra, which in turn draw predators such as leopards, lions and hyenas.

The Kalahari’s summer skies are equally alive with birds, with an influx of migrants joining resident species to create a symphony of calls and colours. The southern carmine bee-eater makes another stunning appearance here, alongside the lilac-breasted roller and European rollers.

The lodge is a masterpiece of design and sustainability, offering an oasis of luxury in the remote wilderness. Built with natural materials and an emphasis on blending with the environment, it’s a retreat that redefines the concept of safari indulgence. Guests can unwind in spacious suites overlooking the vast expanse of the Kalahari or take a dip in the pool after a morning of exploration.

Activities here go beyond traditional game drives; walking safaris; guided cycling and horse safaris allow for a deeper connection with the environment, where you can appreciate the smaller wonders of the Kalahari’s ecosystem. From the enchanting bark of a gecko to the intricate patterns of a beetle’s shell, every detail contributes to the region’s magic.

Spending time at Feline Fields — whether marvelling at the Delta’s wildlife-rich floodplains or discovering the Kalahari’s hidden treasures — is more than just a safari. It’s an invitation to connect with nature in its most vivid and unfiltered form. In every sunrise, every animal encounter, and every birdsong, the magic of Botswana’s green season comes alive, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to experience it.

Want to go?

Combine the awe-inspiring beauty of Feline Fields' properties in Botswana and the magic of The Victoria Falls with our Falls, Delta and Desert package. This bespoke nine-night package has been crafted for couples seeking unforgettable moments.

Begin with two nights of indulgence at Mbano Manor, a luxurious retreat near Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of this natural wonder. Then, head out to Feline Fields Vintage Camp for four nights before taking a helicopter transfer to Feline Fields Lodge for three nights.

This package includes all the essentials: road transfers from Victoria Falls International Airport to Mbano Manor and onward to Kasane, a scenic flight from Kasane to Khwai, and the spectacular helicopter transfer between the Delta and the Kalahari. End your adventure with a road transfer back to Maun.

This is the perfect escape if you're looking for romance or the chance to reconnect with your partner, all for just $11,600 per person, sharing.

Soul food in the wilderness

Tue, 10 Dec 2024 08:17:10 GMT

A Feline Fields safari is a culinary experience par excellence!

At Feline Fields, food is more than just sustenance — it's an expression of the wild beauty and rich culture of Botswana. Our culinary experience is defined by a deep connection to the land, a passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients, and a commitment to creating memorable meals that surprise and delight. Whether it’s homemade bread, indulgent cakes, or flavourful main dishes, our chefs embrace both local traditions and global influences to craft dishes that tell a story of creativity, skill, and a love for cooking in two of the world’s most extraordinary settings...

Each meal at Feline Fields is a celebration of food, community, and the spirit of the bush, encapsulating everything that makes a safari with us so special with a real farm-to-table ethos where possible.

At our Sithatunga Farm on the banks of the Thamalakane River we work with local horticulturalists to grow a range of fresh vegetables that supply both Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields lodge. The surplus goes to the communities we work with. This means that every meal you enjoy with us has a home-grown flavour!

Wilderness cooking

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp, in the heart of Botswana’s Khwai community reserve, the food is nothing short of extraordinary. Here, dining becomes an experience that perfectly complements the beauty of the environment. The camp's small, tented kitchen might be humble in size, but the flavours that emerge from it are anything but. Every dish is a masterpiece crafted with care and passion, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities of cooking in the bush.

The focus here is on fresh, seasonal ingredients, with everything from sourced locally from Maun, ensuring the highest quality. The chefs, although working in a remote location with limited resources, have perfected the art of transforming these ingredients into delectable meals.

Take, for example, the array of freshly baked goods that are a staple at Feline Fields. Whether it’s homemade bread and rolls, baked with love by the kitchen team, or indulgent cakes and pastries that are a constant feature at both Feline Fields Lodge and Feline Fields Vintage Camp, there’s a comforting familiarity to the flavours, paired with the excitement of new ideas.

For Feline Fields Vintage Camp head chef Moss, baking is a particular joy. She’s especially fond of crafting cakes, drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including the popular Great British Bake Off! Her love of cake-baking shines through in every bite, with guests often treated to moist, perfectly baked treats that feel both familiar and special.

While baking may be her passion, Moss also excels at creating bold, inventive dishes that incorporate local flavours. The menu at Feline Fields Vintage Camp is a delightful fusion of traditional Botswana cuisine and international influences. Each meal is crafted to reflect the diverse influences that inspire Moss and her team. Cooking here is about more than just following a recipe — it’s about connecting with the land and the people, and using food to tell a story.

Just deserts!

At Feline Fields Lodge, chefs Pauline and Gao brings their own flair to the kitchen, with a deep love for cooking that began in their respective childhoods. They are both experts at creating mouthwatering meals from scratch. Gao, like Moss, has a particular fondness for baking, with her peppermint chocolate cake being a guest favourite. Gao and Pauline also takes pride in the homemade breads and rolls that accompany every meal, adding a touch of comfort to the experience.

But it’s not just about the food itself—it’s about the entire dining experience. Guests at Feline Fields are treated to meals that are both nourishing and exciting, prepared with the freshest ingredients available and served with a side of warmth and hospitality. Whether dining under the stars around the campfire or next to the pool or in the cozy atmosphere of the dining tent or Pauline's Restaurant, every meal becomes a celebration of good food and good company.

The culinary team at Feline Fields works together seamlessly, creating menus that surprise and delight with every course. There’s a clear focus on keeping things fresh and seasonal, while also introducing new ideas and flavours. The chefs are encouraged to experiment and contribute their own ideas, ensuring that each meal is as exciting as it is satisfying.

For the chefs at Feline Fields, cooking is not just a job — it’s a passion. Every dish they create is a reflection of their love for food and their deep connection to the land they work in. And when you visit Feline Fields, you’ll be treated to the fruits of that labour — delicious, thoughtfully prepared meals that are as memorable as the African landscape itself.

Just come hungry! We'll take care of the rest!

Caught on camera - the secret wildlife of the Kalahari

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 10:10:47 GMT

Feline Fields Lodge's new camera trap is capturing amazing footage

The Kalahari may seem barren at first glance, but a closer look reveals an ecosystem pulsing with life and resilience where each species plays a critical role in a finely tuned environment. And our brand-new camera traps at Feline Fields Lodge are showing us just how much goes unseen, revealing new facets of this incredible place. Exploring the Kalahari with us is more than just a journey into an untamed land - it’s an invitation to witness survival at its most raw, and encounter wildlife that thrives against the odds. Let's find out more...

When we built Feline Fields Lodge, we knew that it would never compete with the rich diversity of life found in the Okavango Delta or other, more wildlife-dense regions of Botswana. We created what we believed would be a remote haven of tranquillity, packed with activities and experiences that you struggle to find elsewhere. But (and it's a big BUT!) the moment we created our permanent waterhole and supplied it with fresh water (as opposed to the local, brackish desert water that's high in salt) we noticed a huge change in the amount of species we were seeing in and around the lodge.

Over the last year guests have been seeing regular sightings of leopard and honey badger in and around Feline Fields Lodge, and the birdlife has been outstanding. We wondered what else may be out there in the vast Kalahari, paying us secretive visits? Installing camera traps at our waterhole was the only way we'd find out, so that's exactly what we did, just a few short weeks ago. And the results have been astounding, to say the least!

The area around the lodge is bursting with life, and as animals and birds become more and more used to our human presence and enjoy the taste of fresh, clean water, they are becoming easier to spot. So, Feline Fields Lodge may yet give Feline Fields Vintage Camp a run for its money when it comes to wildlife sightings!

This, then, is a guide to the more common animals you might see during your stay with us and that we've been seeing with our own eyes and picking up regularly on our cameras...

Painted wolf (African wild dog)

Once seen as a nuisance and persecuted across much of their range, painted wolves are now treasured symbols of Botswana’s conservation success stories. These social hunters thrive on teamwork, with each member of the pack playing a unique role during their high-speed chases. Characterised by their large, rounded ears, mottled coats, and relentless endurance, they’re capable of covering vast stretches of desert in search of prey, typically kudu or impala.

Sightings of painted wolves in the Kalahari often happen during the cooler parts of the day, when they are strategising and preparing for their next co-ordinated hunt. These packs are a thrill to watch, exemplifying intricate social dynamics and remarkable intelligence, a reminder of the vital role they play in maintaining the delicate balance of this ecosystem.

Kudu

With their striking spiral horns and sleek, striped coats, kudu are among the most graceful antelopes in Botswana. Moving through the Kalahari’s acacia woodlands and scrublands, they navigate their territory with fluid ease, browsing on vegetation beyond the reach of most herbivores.

Known for their impressive agility and their ability to jump the highest of fences, kudu are also quick to disappear at the faintest hint of predators, which makes spotting them a particular treat. Often found at the waterhole in the early morning or late afternoon, kudu demonstrate how even the Kalahari’s dry landscape offers sustenance to those with the skill to find it.

Leopard

Leopards are the silent, elusive predators of the Kalahari. Unseen until they want to be, these big cats roam the arid terrain with remarkable adaptability. Unlike their counterparts in lusher regions, Kalahari leopards are slightly smaller and lighter, which helps them survive on the limited resources available.

At our estimation, there are at least two leopards regularly traversing through the lodge grounds. They've been seen mostly at night, under cover of darkness, and even in broad daylight on the drive into the lodge and are definitely getting more relaxed to the constant human presence around them.

Brown hyena

Distinct from their more famous cousins, the spotted hyenas, brown hyenas are often misunderstood and underappreciated. These stocky, shaggy scavengers are solitary foragers, relying on an array of desert adaptations that allow them to travel long distances to find carrion, insects, and small mammals.

They play an important ecological role as nature’s cleanup crew, keeping the desert ecosystem healthy by reducing waste. Despite their reputation as mere scavengers, brown hyenas are efficient hunters when the opportunity arises, and supplement their diet with insects, birds' eggs and wild fruits. We've been getting regular sightings on the camera traps of them in and around the waterhole.

Honey badger

The honey badger’s reputation precedes it; this small yet tenacious creature embodies fearlessness in the animal kingdom. Armed with sharp claws and a thick skin, the honey badger takes on challenges few others dare face — venomous snakes included. We've been seeing honey badgers regularly in and around the lodge, mostly at night and have to say they are one of our favourite animals.

Their remarkable immunity to venom and their fierce nature are legendary and make them virtually indomitable, and they’ve rightfully earned a reputation as one of the Kalahari’s most extraordinary survivalists.

Bat-eared fox

Equipped with oversized ears and sharp senses, bat-eared foxes are the Kalahari’s insect specialists. Their distinctively large ears serve as both a hearing aid and a cooling mechanism, allowing them to detect and dig out insects from beneath the sand with ease. Primarily nocturnal, bat-eared foxes spend their days sheltering from the heat and emerge at dusk to forage.

Despite their small size, these foxes are essential in controlling insect populations, keeping pests in check and contributing to the ecosystem’s health. Spotting them is a rare treat and while we haven't yet captured them on camera, we know they're out there so it's just a matter of time!

Ostrich

The ostrich is easily Africa's most iconic bird, and the world’s largest! With long, muscular legs built for sprinting across open plains at speeds up to 70 kilometres per hour, it's adapted to endure extreme temperatures, going for long periods without water, gleaning hydration from the vegetation they consume.

They thrive in the open expanses of the Kalahari, often in small groups, kicking up dust clouds as they run. We spot them regularly on the drive into the lodge from Maun, as well as on game drives and walks out into the wilderness around it.

Elephant

We've experienced regular sightings of elephant both on the drive into the lodge and in and around the lodge over the years. It's always spectacular when they pay us a visit, sometimes drinking from the pools and moving through the bush around and in front of the lodge. We are hoping that the waterhole will attract them more regularly as they constantly move between water sources.

We know they're out there but not seen yet...

Lion

We've had frequent reports of lion in the area around the lodge, so we are hoping that it's only a matter of time before they discover the waterhole and start to become more regular visitors. As the number of prey species increases, most notably zebra, which we see from time to time, we are quite sure they will eventually grace us with their presence.

Gemsbok (Oryx)

With their dagger-like horns and sleek, two-toned coats, gemsbok are among the Kalahari’s most elegant and resilient residents. Perfectly adapted to their arid surroundings, gemsbok can go days without water, drawing moisture from the grasses and shrubs they consume. They are truly desert dwellers, capable of withstanding scorching daytime temperatures and surviving in areas devoid of permanent water sources. We hope to add them to our tick lists soon!

African wild cat

Often mistaken for domestic cats, African wild cats are far from tame. These small but formidable hunters are ancestors of the modern housecat, their survival skills honed by the desert environment. With a tawny coat that blends seamlessly with their surroundings, they are patient hunters, preying on small rodents, birds, and insects under the cover of darkness. Elusive and highly secretive, African wild cats are a rare but rewarding sight for those with a keen eye, representing a link to both the past and present in the feline lineage. We remain optimistic that we'll start seeing them soon!

Botswana's best-kept secret!

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 06:21:46 GMT

Come with us on a green season safari!

It's lovingly called the green season - a time of year when Botswana is possibly at its finest, thanks to seasonal rains and an abundance of life everywhere you look. From December to April each year, rain creates unique and altogether enchanting experiences across the country, turning the dry, barren landscapes of winter into every shade of green imaginable. Also known as the secret safari season - this is an incredible time of year to be on safari in Botswana, with lush, verdant grasslands bursting with new life and the skies filled with migrant birds...

Any colour, as long as it's green...

Often overlooked by travellers who prioritise the dry season for its famed wildlife concentrations around water sources, the secret, green season offers an entirely different perspective on the country’s landscapes and ecosystems. The transformation that takes place during these months is profound, with lush greenery, dramatic skies, and a wealth of life everywhere you look. This is a time when Botswana reveals a softer, more intimate side, and if you come to visit us during these months, the rewards are plentiful.

The most immediate and striking aspect of the green season is the remarkable change in the environment. The parched, dusty landscapes of the dry season give way to vibrant, verdant expanses, with grasses growing tall and trees regaining their foliage. Seasonal rains replenish the land, turning it into a mosaic of rich greens that contrast beautifully with the deep blues of the skies and the amber tones of the evening light.

The vast floodplains of the Okavango Delta and the surrounding areas fill with lush grasses, pans fill with water, and the rain brings new life into the network of permanent channels and lagoons, including the Khwai River and the Mbudi Channel which runs past Feline Fields Vintage Camp. This lush backdrop is a photographer’s dream, with the bright colours and dramatic contrasts providing endless opportunities for capturing the beauty of Botswana’s wilderness.

A sea of tranquillity

One of the key advantages of visiting us during the green season is the quietness! Outside of peak tourism season the Botswana wilderness becomes somehow more tranquil, offering a sense of real solitude and exclusivity. This quieter atmosphere allows for more intimate wildlife encounters, giving you the ability to observe animals at their own pace, undisturbed by human presence, creating a more immersive experience, giving you the sense that you have the wilderness to yourself.

Wildlife viewing during the green season is as rich and diverse as during the dry months, albeit in different ways. With the rains come an abundance of fresh grazing opportunities, and herbivores such as zebras, impalas, and wildebeest take full advantage of the lush pastures.

The Kalahari, in particular, becomes a hotspot for these species, as large herds migrate to the area to graze on the fresh grasses. At Feline Fields Lodge we see an increase in plains game around the lodge during this time, and lots of leopard activity. We fully expect lions to return to the area in the near future, thanks to the rich supply of prey species which is steadily increasing, year on year.

New life everywhere

Of course, the green season is also the time of year when many species give birth, creating a remarkable wildlife spectacle. The influx of new life across the landscape is a highlight of the season, with young zebras, wildebeest, and impalas frolicking alongside their mothers. This baby boom is particularly attractive to predators, who take advantage of the vulnerable newborns, leading to intense hunting scenes that are often more dramatic than those witnessed in the dry season.

The abundance of prey during this time ensures that predators like lions and hyenas are well-fed, and their activities can be observed at close range, making for thrilling game drives.

In addition to the mammal population, birdlife flourishes during Botswana’s green season. This period coincides with the arrival of migratory birds, adding to the already impressive list of resident species. Southern carmine bee-eaters, woodland kingfishers, and a variety of raptors make the green season a birdwatcher’s paradise.

The lush vegetation and availability of water create ideal conditions for breeding, with many species showing off their vibrant plumage and engaging in courtship displays. The sound of birdsong fills the air, providing a serene soundtrack to the safari experience. For those who are passionate about ornithology, this season offers the chance to observe rare and elusive species in their natural habitats, often accompanied by the dramatic backdrop of Botswana’s flourishing wetlands and savannahs.

Spectacular skies

The weather during the green season adds a dynamic element to the safari experience. The rains are typically short but heavy, with dramatic thunderstorms lighting up the skies in the afternoons. These storms are often brief, leaving behind clear skies and refreshed landscapes that sparkle in the sunlight. The sight of a thunderstorm rolling across the horizon, with towering cumulonimbus clouds casting shadows over the plains, is a spectacle in itself. The air feels cleaner, the colours more vivid, and the scent of damp earth enhances the sensory connection to the environment. These fleeting storms create an atmospheric quality that is often lacking in the drier months, making the landscape feel more alive and constantly shifting.

The green season also presents an opportunity to witness Botswana’s landscapes in their most pristine and natural state. The dry season often leaves behind landscapes that, while dramatic, can feel harsh and unforgiving. In contrast, the green season reveals the country’s softer side, with blooming wildflowers, lush grasses, and heavy foliage creating a more vibrant and inviting environment. This period allows visitors to appreciate the full spectrum of Botswana’s natural beauty, from the stark contrasts of the Kalahari to the verdant floodplains of the Khwai region. The diversity of landscapes on offer during the green season is staggering, providing an ever-changing canvas of sights and sounds that captivate the senses.

A photographic paradise

In terms of photography, the green season offers unparalleled opportunities to capture Botswana at its most beautiful. The interplay of light and shadow during the rainy months creates dramatic contrasts, with stormy skies providing a moody and atmospheric backdrop to wildlife and landscapes.

The vibrant greens of the vegetation, the reflections on the water, and the soft golden light of the early morning and late afternoon make for stunning photographs. For professional and amateur photographers alike, the green season provides an abundance of subject matter, from the wildlife to the landscapes, with every detail magnified by the freshness and vitality of the environment.

Ultimately, a safari in Botswana during the green season is about embracing the unpredictability and vitality of nature. It is a time when the wilderness feels more untamed and alive, where every game drive brings the potential for surprise and discovery. While the dry season is often touted as the best time for safari due to its concentrated wildlife sightings, the green season offers a more immersive, intimate, and rewarding experience for those willing to explore beyond the traditional safari calendar.

It is a time when Botswana’s landscapes are at their most vibrant, its wildlife at its most active, and its atmosphere at its most dynamic. For travellers seeking a deeper connection with the natural world, a safari during Botswana’s green season offers a truly unforgettable adventure and from the minute you step into Botswana’s lush green world, you feel something different in the air. The sound of the rain softens the landscape, the smell of fresh earth rises with every step, and everywhere you look, life is bursting forth. You'll be surrounded by a sense of wonder that only nature, in its most fertile and flourishing state, can provide. It’s not just a safari, but a rare opportunity to see a vibrant wilderness spring back to life.

Get in touch today to talk about your green season options and we hope to see you soon!

Top 10 things to do at Feline Fields Vintage Camp

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 14:19:32 GMT

The ultimate tick list of amazing safari activities

When it comes to immersing you in the wilderness of Botswana's incredible Khwai region on the edge of the Okavango Delta, Feline Fields Vintage Camp has got it nailed! One of the most authentic safari camps in Southern Africa, your stay at this fantastic (and luxurious) little camp on the banks of the Mbudi Channel is an adventure of note, offering lots of different ways to experience the magic of wild Botswana. Here's our Top 10 things to do during your stay...

Every day at Feline Fields Vintage Camp offers up a fresh opportunity to explore and discover more about the incredible wilderness around you. Regarded as one of Botswana's premier wildlife destinations, the Khwai region is filled with phenomenal wildlife and jaw-dropping vistas, especially around the Khwai River and its channels and lagoons. Making the most of your stay is made easy, thanks to the variety of different ways you have of experiencing this beautiful wilderness.

1. Game drives

Get out and about in the early morning and late afternoon on our specially adapted open game vehicles with an experienced, professional guide like Thapelo at the helm! No two days are the same on a Feline Fields Vintage Camp game drive. The adventure begins before dawn with a wake-up call and the delivery of hot water at your tent so you can freshen up camp-style!

As dawn begins to break and the air is filled with birdsong, you'll walk up to the open lounge for coffee and rusks before heading out into the wilderness to see what's going on! Early morning is a magical time in the bush, as diurnal animals wake up and nocturnal ones prepare for sleep. You have a great chance of spotting elusive nocturnal predators like leopard in the early hours and finding lions on fresh kills.

Stopping for coffee and muffins halfway gives you the chance to experience the thrill of being truly remote and far from anywhere, in the middle of the wilderness. You return to camp for breakfast and head out again in the late afternoon.

Afternoon/evening game drives give you a fresh perspective on life in the wilderness as the day begins to wind down and the sun sinks towards the horizon. This is when predators like lion become active and you might even spot them hunting. You'll explore new areas and hidden nooks and crannies with a break for sundowners before returning to camp for dinner.

2. Walking safari

You have the option of walking directly from camp, or driving for a while and then walking for an hour or so, returning to the vehicle to continue your drive. Walking usually takes place in the mornings, before the daytime heat kicks in, and allows you to find out all about the small, fascinating things you sometimes miss on a game drive.

Your guide shows you interesting plants, explaining all about their cultural significance and the medicinal properties they possess, as well as some of the folklore that's built around them. You'll learn about termites and ants, and the intricate interconnected nature of a thriving, natural ecosystem. And there's always the chance of spotting game along the way, which is a thrill all of its own.

The walking around Feline Fields Vintage Camp is not strenuous, thanks to the generally flat nature of the topography, so it does not require a high level of fitness to enjoy this activity.

3. Mokoro

There's little to beat the feeling of gliding gently through the reed-lined Mbudi Channel in a mokoro, encountering hippos and a host of birdlife and other fascinating species along the way. Poled by one of the exceptional local poling guides who have grown up in the area and understand the ecosystems of the Khwai River and its channels intimately, you'll be exposed to a side of the Botswana wilderness you never knew existed. From tiny reed frogs no bigger than a thumbnail to elephants grazing on the lush grasses that grow in and around the channel, a mokoro puts you in a front-row seat to all the action.

With just the sound of the water lapping at the side of the mokoro as it is expertly propelled through the reeds and the feeling of the gentle breeze moving across the surface of the water (which you are almost level with) - this is without doubt the best way to connect with the spirit of wild Africa. The tranquillity is overwhelming as you become part of the environment, watching it pass by with each move of the pole.

Afternoons are the best time for mokoro rides, as the sun begins to sink low in the western sky and the channel is bathed in a soft, golden light.

4. Wilderness sundowners

The perfect end to a mokoro ride, you will find a fresh fruit cocktail floating in the middle of a remote lagoon, and the Feline Fields Vintage Camp team waiting for you at the water's edge with a makeshift bar loaded with drinks options so you can toast the setting sun and the end of another fabulous day in Botswana.

Raising a glass to the sunset is an African tradition and allows you to give thanks for the incredible experiences the day has given you and acknowledge the majesty of true wilderness. It's also a great way to have fun with our team!

5. Picnic lunch

There's nothing like al fresco dining in the middle of the African bush! We love to surprise you with a fabulous picnic lunch as the perfect ending to your morning game drive, by setting up tables in a picturesque spot by a lagoon or along the river and dishing up some fabulous fare for your delectation and delight!

Accompanied by a selection of wonderful wines and drinks, enjoying a tasty lunch in the shade of a tall riparian tree, with wild Africa all around you is something to be truly savoured.

6. Lagoon swim

When water levels permit, we love to take you swimming wilderness-style in one of our secluded lagoons where we know there are no hippos or crocodiles. That's right - you get to swim in the waters of the Okavango Delta in a quiet pool off the Mbudi Channel. The water is clear, warm and the colour of tea, thanks to the tannins from the surrounding wilderness. And there is soft sand beneath your feet, and a myriad fish, frogs and other aquatic life swimming around you.

Accompanied by our guides, we've also got a wonderful selection of pool noodles, beach balls and other things for kids to have fun with, and even a soft sandy beach or two for that perfect family time together!

7. Moremi day trip & boat cruise

Depending on the length of your stay with us, it is possible to arrange a full-day safari to the Moremi Game Reserve, with the chance (time permitting) of a gentle boat cruise on the Xakanaxa Lagoon, admiring the rich bird and aquatic life of this region.

You head out at dawn with a picnic breakfast and lunch to enjoy en route and experience a variety of different biomes and ecosystems along the way. You also drive through local settlements on the perimeter of the Moremi, giving you a glimpse into Botswana community life.

8. Helicopter safari

Taking to the skies over the Okavango Delta in a helicopter gives you a fresh appreciation of the magnitude of this phenomenal African wilderness. Flying low enough to spot game and take photographs from the air, these flights also give you the opportunity to see areas that are otherwise completely inaccessible. This is the ultimate way to experience wild Botswana!

9. Fishing

Grab a rod with our guides and head out to the best fishing spots along the Mbudi Channel and Khwai River and see if you can catch some bream, barbel or even the legendary tiger fish, renowned for its strength and razor-sharp teeth! It's a wonderful way to spend a morning or afternoon, and we have rods and fishing tackle available in camp. You don't have to be experienced, as our guides will show you the ropes and the ideal places to cast.

10. Spa and relaxation

Enjoy a relaxing full-body massage in the wild at our spa tent overlooking the Mbudi Channel and let expert hands sooth away the stresses and strains of your safari adventure! Or soak in our wonderful hot tub and watch the world pass by! The choice is yours. Of course, the final choice is to do absolutely nothing at all and just relax in camp, either in our wonderful lounge area or in our central dining area with views of forever and feel a part of this incredible place!

Living up to a famous name

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 11:34:14 GMT

Meet Mandela - safari guide extraordinaire

Being named for an African icon is something Feline Fields Lodge guide Mandela Lekelandi is exceptionally proud of, along with carving out a stellar career in the tourism industry and doing something he absolutely loves. This go-getter is one of the founding members of the Feline Fields team and the reigning Feling Fields Lodge tennis champion! Let's find out more about him...

So, how did he get that famous name? "It was all because of my grandfather," Mandela muses. "He used to work on the mines on South Africa and one day he met the one and only Nelson Mandela and actually had lunch with him. He made a huge impression on my grandfather, and when he returned home and found out his daughter was pregnant, he said there and then that if the baby was a boy, he was to be named Mandela.

"My mom had a scan that showed I was indeed a boy and so I was named before I was even born!" He laughs easily, sharing the evolution of a name that he's been exceptionally proud to carry for what must be the umpteenth time. "Guests do generally ask about my name, but it's fine, I love telling the story," he smiles broadley.

Born and raised in Maun, Mandela always knew he wanted to work in tourism and as soon as he left school he got a job at a local safari lodge where he spent the next eight years learning all aspects of running a lodge. "I did a bit of everything, from plumbing to electrical work and general maintenance, and it gave me a very good grounding in what it takes to keep a lodge functioning," he explains.

"That's where I met Marjan and Raphael del Sarte (Feline Fields' founders) almost 10 years ago, and was inspired by their plans for what was to become Feline Fields, so I started working with them in 2015 on the construction of Feline Fields Lodge here in the Kalahari." He looks around the lodge's main lounge area with a satisfied smile on his face and explains that there was absolutely nothing here before construction began. "It was a huge undertaking to create this out of nothing, but here we are, nearly a decade later, welcoming guests from all over the world.

"When construction finished I worked in maintenance for a while, again doing a bit of everything and helping wherever I could. I have always loved meeting people and three years ago was given the chance to move into guiding, with Marjan and Raphael sending me back to 'school' in Maun to learn how to be a professional guide," says Mandela. "So here I am, a qualified guide, absolutely loving what I do helping guests to get the best out of their stay here with us, sharing information, accompanying them on activities like horse riding, cycling and walking, playing tennis and taking them on nature and game drives."

Mandela loves learning about people and learning from them in the process, seeing the Botswana wilderness for the first time again through their eyes. "It's a wonderful profession because you learn so much about so many different things and you are learning every day, about eco-systems, about people, about how the world works," he says.

Another aspect of his job is exceptionally close to his heart... "I helped to start up the horse-riding here," he explains. "I love horses and have worked with them since I was a small boy, looking after my grandfather's horses. I used to ride to and from school and spent my free time along the river in Maun, riding and grazing the horses with my friends. So, when the chance came to work with the horses here at Feline Fields I jumped at the chance and still help our groom Lucas Ndjarakana, taking guests out on rides and overseeing the care of the Feline Fields herd."

Mandela is very active and encourages guests to get out and enjoy everything Feline Fields Lodge has to offer. "I love physical excercise so going out walking, riding and cycling with guests is an absolute pleasure. I am also a tennis fan and love playing with our guests and am the reigning Feline Fields champion!

While he loves the Kalahari, occasionally he gets the opportunity to spend some time at Feline Fields Vintage Camp in Khwai. "I love the contrast of being in the Delta where it's wonderful and green and lush, but I do love it here in the Kalahari which has its own, special brand of beauty," he says.

"I love working here. The company is fantastic and takes care of us so much. It's like being part of a huge family, one that gives you so much opportunity to make the most of yourself and reach your full potential. Being given the chance to prove myself as a guide has been life-changing for me and has opened up so many possibilities for my future.

"My ambition is to one day have my own safari company and welcome guests from all over the world to this wonderful country I call home. Until that time comes, I am proud to be part of the Feline Fields team and continue to contribute everything I can to making it truly special to everyone who spends time with us."

The spotted hyena: everything you need to know

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:27:32 GMT

Learn more about this misunderstood mammal

YThe spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) is not the sneaky, snide and somewhat cowardly ne'er do well that Disney's "The Lion King" would have you believe it is. Given a bad reputation by popular fiction, this fascinating carnivore is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and despite its reputation as a scavenger, hyenas are surprisingly adept hunters with a complex social structure and play a critical role in helping to maintain healthy ecosystems.

Let's find out more...

First of all, when it comes to hyenas, the females rule the roost! They live in large, matriarchal clans of up to 80 individuals, with a single dominant "queen" overseeing their social hierarchy. Communication is key to their success, and their vocalisations are diverse. Also known as the "laughing hyena", the iconic "laugh" isn't amusement at all, but a complex social signal used for territorial defence, dominance displays, or excitement during a hunt. Body language and scent marking further enhance communication within the clan.

Pack hunters

Hyenas are skilled hunters as well as scavengers. Their powerful jaws, with the strongest bite force relative to their size among land mammals, can crush bone with ease. This allows them to not only scavenge every last morsel from a carcass, but also to take down large prey. Hyena hunts showcase remarkable teamwork. Working in synchronised packs, they use speed, stamina, and powerful bites to wear down prey.

The cleaning crew

Their scavenging behaviour is important though. They are the refuse removal experts of the bush, efficiently clearing away decaying carcasses that would otherwise attract flies, spread disease, and pollute the environment. Their role in keeping the wilderness clean is critical for the health of entire ecosystems.

Hyenas exhibit a surprising level of co-operation during scavenging events. Clan members share food, ensuring even low-ranking individuals receive sustenance. This altruistic behaviour, unusual among carnivores, contributes to the overall health and success of the clan.

Additionally, their digestive system is remarkable, breaking down bones, hooves, and even hair – leftovers many other predators leave behind. This not only provides vital nutrients but also plays a crucial role in nutrient recycling within the ecosystem. Their scat is white as a result of the amount of calcium they consume in the bones they eat.

Hidden contributions

The spotted hyena's contribution to the health of Botswana's wilderness areas extends beyond predation and scavenging. Hyena dens, often abandoned aardvark burrows, provide vital shelter for a variety of smaller mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates, creating a microcosm of biodiversity. Research suggests hyenas regulate prey populations, keeping herbivore numbers in check and promoting savannah health.

Their predation can also influence the behaviour of other predators like lions, creating a complex web of interactions that maintains ecological balance.

Clever and complex

Research reveals a remarkable level of intelligence that rivals some primates. Hyenas navigate complex social structures within their clans and studies have shown that they are adept problem-solvers, both individually and collaboratively. They've been observed figuring out how to open complex containers to access food rewards. In some cases, hyena clans have even outsmarted chimpanzees in tasks requiring co-operative problem-solving.

Understanding hyena intelligence is a work in progress. Scientists continue to investigate their problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and the cognitive processes underlying their social behaviour. As we learn more, we gain a deeper appreciation for these remarkable creatures and their vital role in the African ecosystem.

Socially savvy

Hyenas are also masters of social manipulation. Lower-ranking hyenas may use deceptive tactics like fake alarm calls to gain an advantage or avoid conflict. They understand the importance of social alliances and can strategically build relationships within the clan for greater access to food and resources.

Brain size isn't everything, but it offers some insight. Hyenas have relatively large brains compared to their body size, particularly in the frontal cortex, which is associated with complex decision-making, planning, and social intelligence.

Conservation

Habitat loss due to human encroachment and competition with lions for prey are significant threats to spotted hyenas. Negative perceptions can also lead to persecution from local communities. Understanding their vital role is crucial for conservation. Long-term research efforts in Africa are providing invaluable data on hyena behaviour, ecology, and population dynamics, informing strategies to protect hyenas and ensure their continued presence in the wild.

Top 10 things to do at Feline Fields Lodge

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:19:45 GMT

Make sure you tick these activities off your list during your stay

You've arrived! And Feline Fields Lodge is so much more than you anticipated - spread across an achingly vast Kalahari landscape that's had you fascinated on your inbound journey, mostly because of its lack of a clearly visible human presence. So now you're here, and settling into your gorgeous accommodation, it's time to plan what you're going to do during your stay, and there's a lot to choose from, as this handy guide will explain...

It's a lot to take in all at once, so let's map out some of the best things to do while you're with us at Feline Fields Lodge so that you can plan ahead, in good old-fashioned organised traveller fashion...

1. An evening with the Bushmen

Spend an evening around the firepit listening to the stories of our local San Bushmen - the Ju/'hoansi. Working through an interpreter, you are free to ask questions and learn all about their fascinating and ancient way of life as hunter gatherers and the First People of Africa. Charming, engaging and wonderfully welcoming, the Bushmen are completely at home in the Kalahari and will share some of their intricate knowledge of life in this challenging environment that's been passed down over the generations.

2. Cycling expeditions

Every guest at Feline Fields Lodge gets a "fat bike" with super-wide tyres to help navigate the soft Kalahari sand. This makes the Kalahari your oyster as you can venture out on your bike to explore the area around the lodge, following roads and game paths as you go. A guide will accompany you if you like to interpret the environment around you and show you interesting endemic plants and animals. Go out for the morning, or make a day of it, stopping en-route for lunch and refreshments.

3. Horse riding

Saddle up for some real excitement and head out into the rolling savannah and scrubland that makes the Kalahari so special. Our horses have been hand-picked for their quiet temperament and adaptability to the semi-desert environment and are responsive to people of all competency levels, from complete beginners to experienced and more advanced riders. Children are led on leading reins on short circuits around the lodge while the more adventurous can head out with a guide to explore further afield. You can ride for an hour, a morning or a full-day - the choice is yours. Plan your trail with our guides and we can include a stop for lunch or sundowners en-route.

4. Tennis

Channel your inner Roger Federer and take to Feline Fields Lodge's Kalahari Centre Court for some hot tennis action! See if you can beat our resident champion, guide Mandela Lekelandi, and claim the FFL title - we may not have a fancy trophy but we do provide wonderful refreshments and impartial umpires! Bring your own racquets or use the selection we have at the lodge. Don't forget your hats and sunscreen, and we'll make sure you stay hydrated in between games!

5. Spa therapies

Take advantage of our in-house masseuse and indulge in some soothing massages in the comfort of your room, using Africology's range of exceptional essential oils, all made ethically from local African plants that have grown here for countless millennia. Choose to enjoy your massages and wellness rituals out on your private deck overlooking the wilderness or inside - the choice is yours! Just relax and let the healing hands of our wonderful therapist work their magic, restoring body, mind and soul in the process.

6. Walking

Head out into the wilderness of the Kalahari with the San Bushmen as your guides, learning some of the ancient knowledge they have accumulated over the ages with regards to finding water in underground tubers, making fire with only dry sticks and grass and tracking animals, reading the signs they leave behind as they move through this magical environment. Stop and spend time learning their traditional games, digging for roots and discovering the healing properties of plants. We usually walk in the early mornings to avoid the heat of the day. Remember your hat and sunscreen, and we'll supply you with refreshing water and your drinks of choice en-route so that you stay hydrated.

7. Game drives

Explore further afield on a guided game drive, venturing out into the Kalahari to learn more about the geology and eco-systems around you. Stop to find out about specific plants and trees, to identify and watch a myriad birds and spot local wildlife, such as common duikers, gemsbok, impala and zebra. We occasionally see elephant, as well as ostriches and even the odd leopard and honeybadger, especially on evening drives. The birding around the lodge is also good, especially close to our waterhole. If you'd like to do a full-day drive, let us know and we will pack a picnic lunch for you.

8. Kalahari sleepout

During your stay you simply have to experience the magic of sleeping out under the stars. We set up a special sleepout camp not far from the lodge and head out in the late afternoon, enjoying sundowners out in the Kalahari before having a bush dinner. After dinner it's time to freshen up and retire to wonderful beds set up under sheer mosquito nets, giving you the chance to marvel at the Milky Way before falling asleep to the sounds of the African night. We wake at dawn the following morning for coffee around the fire before heading back to the lodge for breakfast.

9. Golf & Gym

That's right! You can practice your swing while staying at Feline Fields Lodge, thanks to our Kalahari mini driving range. We have clubs and balls available for use during your stay so you can keep things on par while you are on vacation! And if all of our wonderful food and relaxation is making you feel a tad guilty, we have a fabulously equipped gym just behind the lodge that's available for guests to use to keep in shape and work off the holiday excesses!

1 0. Visit the Feline Fields Trust playgroup at Kaure

Take a drive through the Kalahari to the village of Kaure and visit the playgroup established by the Feline Fields Trust to help pre-school children from the remote communities we share the Kalahari with. Learn how we are helping to improve the opportunities for these children by giving them an excellent grounding before they go to "big" school, laying the foundation for the next generation and possible future leaders of Botswana.

The final thing, which isn't officially part of this list but is a must, is to do absolutely nothing! Just sit back, relax, take in the incredible surroundings and soak up the marvellous energy of this amazing place. Swim, sunbathe, sleep and enjoy. And come back and see us again for more of the same!

Bring your kids on safari!

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:43:31 GMT

Amazing experiences for the whole family are the norm at Feline Fields

Yes, you can bring your kids on safari with you! What's more - we absolutely recommend it! There's nothing like sharing magical wilderness experiences with your children, exposing them to the wonders of Mother Nature and allowing them to see iconic African wildlife species in their own habitat, all while spending quality "we" time with your family.

There's an old adage that goes along the lines of travel broadening the mind and, in our experience, nothing could be more accurate, especially when it comes to children! We allow children of all ages at Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari and children of eight years or older at Feline Fields Vintage Camp (unless you take the whole camp out, in which case we drop the minimum age to six years old). And we absolute LOVE hosting kids and making their safari truly special.

We're frequently asked if a safari is safe for children. The answer - as safe as them staying at home! There are a few important rules to follow but with our team working with you, as parents, your kids will be well taken care of. Yes, there are wild animals, and yes, bugs and snakes. But we go the extra mile to make sure we make your experience as secure as possible, minimising risks and maximising fun.

Curiosity unleashed

It's highly probable that your children have watched wildlife documentaries on TV or their devices and have a good idea of the animals they're likely to see. However, it's good to know that an African safari isn't just about ticking lions and zebras off a list; it's an immersive learning experience that can ignite a child's curiosity and spark lifelong growth. Beyond the thrill of seeing magnificent animals in their natural habitat, a safari offers a treasure trove of benefits that extend far beyond the wilderness that combine to have a lasting positive impact on a child.

For a start, everything they've learned from school textbooks and seen on television comes alive! Your kids have the opportunity to have close encounters with African wildlife that will change the way they view the world, witnessing iconic species in wild, observing behaviour that you can only see in a wilderness environment.

Our guides help to transform these sightings into interactive learning experiences and true adventures, making game drives and activities enormous fun. From tracking animal footprints, identifying bird calls, and even learning about animal poop, kids find out about the delicate balance of ecosystems in the process.

Creating conservation ambassadors

Witnessing animals in their natural habitat can be a transformative experience for children. Seeing animals threatened by habitat loss or poaching firsthand can spark a passion for conservation. These experiences can nurture a sense of responsibility for the environment and inspire children to become lifelong advocates for wildlife and protecting wilderness areas.

Safaris are inherently adventurous! Each day brings new discoveries: the excitement of tracking animals on their morning rounds, the anticipation of spotting a rare bird, the exhilaration of witnessing a pride of lions on the hunt. This sense of adventure fosters a love of exploration and kids discover a newfound appreciation for the outdoors and a yearning to delve deeper into the natural world.

Meeting fascinating people

Of course, a Feline Fields safari isn't just about animals and plants as we incorporate experiences that go beyond wildlife viewing. Your kids can learn about local communities, traditional beliefs and customs and sample new and exciting foods.

At Feline Fields Lodge they will also meet Africa's First People - the San Bushmen - and spend time exploring the Kalahari with them, learning about their ancient culture and acquiring bush skills along the way. They can also visit our local playgroup at the nearby village of Kaure and, if you'd like to bring much-needed supplies with you, share these with the children and teachers.

Spending time together

A safari provides a unique opportunity for families to create lasting memories together. Disconnecting from technology and the daily grind allows families to reconnect with nature and with each other. Sharing the excitement of a leopard sighting, the awe of a breathtaking sunset, or the simple joy of a campfire story under a star-filled sky – these are moments that forge strong family bonds.

In today's high-stress, results-driven world, where parents and family members work hard all day while children spend most of their weekdays at school and engaged in school activities, it's critically important to find "we" time when you come together as a family and spend quality time enjoying yourselves and having fun together. We can take care of that for you, putting together lots of opportunities to reconnect with one another in amazing ways.

From swimming in seasonal pools along the Mbudi Channel, taking mokoros through the lush, lily-lined wetland and picnic lunches in the middle of the wilderness at Feline Fields Vintage Camp to riding horses through the Kalahari, playing tennis and mountain biking along wilderness trails at Feline Fields Lodge, there's more than enough on the menu to keep the adventure going!

Lighting an eternal flame...

The sights, sounds, and experiences of an African safari can have a profound and lasting impact on a child. They can cultivate a lifelong love of nature, a thirst for knowledge, and a sense of wonder about the world. These experiences may shape their future decisions, inspiring them to pursue careers in conservation, education, or even travel. An African safari can be the spark that ignites a passion for exploration and a deep respect for our planet.

Of course, this applies to parents too, and the cool thing is that a safari with us creates a legacy of shared experiences - moments in time together that become special memories that will last a lifetime.

An ancient land full of wonders

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 08:31:05 GMT

Here's why Botswana's Kalahari is not your average safari destination...

It's a desert with a difference that sprawls across most of Botswana, spilling into neighbouring Namibia and South Africa, featuring a mosaic of ecosystems sculpted by wind, water and time. This is the Kalahari, a vast arid to semi-arid wilderness that's aeons old and ever evolving, filled with specially adapted fauna and flora and home to Africa's First People, the San...

Millions of years ago, the Kalahari was a lush landscape with sprawling lakes and rivers. The remnants of this ancient past are evident in the fossilised riverbeds that crisscross the land and the vast Makgadikgadi Pans in the centre of Botswana, the world's largest salt pans, formed by the evaporation of a giant prehistoric lake.

Boundless horizons

The Kalahari is vast, covering 900,000 square kilometres and its name is derived from the Tswana word kgala, meaning "the great thirst" and kgalagadi meaning "a waterless place" thanks to its large areas covered by red sand without permanent surface water.

It's these layers of red sand, deposited by ancient winds, that have sculpted the rolling dunes that have become synonymous with the Kalahari. Rather than being a true desert in the way the Namib in neighbouring Namibia is, the Kalahari is semi-arid and in certain regions where rainfall and subterranean water is more plentiful, its dunes have become covered with grasses, low scrub and, in places, woodland, creating extensive savannahs in what's known as the Green Kalahari.

These savannahs provide excellent grazing after good rains, supporting more animals and plants than a true desert does. Rainfall is generally scarce - the driest areas usually get around 200mm of rain per year and the wettest a little over 500mm. The surrounding Kalahari Basin covers 2,5-million square kilometres and extends to include parts of Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe and is connected to the Zambezi Basin. It's here that the Okavango River empties its floodwaters every year, forming the Okavango Delta with its annual inundation.

Underlying the Kalahari's sands lie rich diamond and mineral deposits, a testament to the Kalahari's fascinating geological history. Here in Botswana, it's these diamonds that have put the country on the map and underpinned its economy, along with tourism.

A place of extremes

Like everything else in this thirsty land, the Kalahari's climate is one of extremes. Days can be scorching in the summer months (December to February) with temperatures hitting 45 deg C in the hottest regions. Nighttime is cooler, dropping to an average of 25 deg C. In the winter months (June to September) it can drop to freezing at night, with warm, sunny days usually somewhere in the mid 20 deg C range.

Rainfall is erratic and unpredictable, with long periods of drought punctuated by sudden, intense downpours and storms that can cause flash floods. This variability shapes the entire ecosystem. Plants have adapted to conserve water, with drought-resistant species like thorny acacia trees and succulents dominating the landscape.

Animals have evolved remarkable strategies for surviving the harsh conditions. Indeed, the Kalahari teems with life. Large predators like lions, cheetahs and leopards make the Kalahari their home, while elusive spotted and brown hyenas scavenge in the shadows. Desert-adapted elephants also manage to survive the challenging environment, as do antelope like kudu, gemsbok (oryx) and impala. Zebras are also plentiful.

On the smaller end of the mammal spectrum, meerkats and their cousins the mongooses are at home in the Kalahari. Smaller creatures like burrowing owls and scorpions find refuge in the sands, while specialist birds like the ostrich, kori bustard and secretary bird have evolved to thrive here.

In harmony with nature

For millennia, Africa's First People - the San Bushmen - have called the Kalahari home. These hunter-gatherers possess an intimate understanding of the desert's rhythms and resources. They have developed sophisticated tracking skills and a deep respect for the land.

Their traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, is a testament to human resilience and adaptation in one of Earth's most challenging environments. Today, the San people face challenges as their traditional way of life is increasingly impacted by modernisation.

However, Feline Fields, with the help of the Feline Fields Trust, is working with our local Ju/'hoansi Bushmen to help them preserve their culture and ensure their continued presence in the Kalahari. Supporting the San people and their traditional knowledge can provide valuable insights into sustainable living in a fragile environment.

A different kind of safari

As a safari destination there is nowhere in Africa quite like the Kalahari. It's possessed of a unique, stark beauty that takes the breath away. Remote, wild and intrinsically unchanged for untold millennia, it's a testament to nature's resilience and the power of adaptation. Exploring it reveals hidden gems and immerses visitors in one of the last remaining authentic wilderness areas on the continent.

There's more to the Kalahari than just searching for animals. You have to scratch below the surface to appreciate the magic this land contains, paying attention to its ancient geology, its climate swings and the remarkable array of life it sustains, from the smallest insect to mega fauna like the African elephant.

Helping travellers to understand its many facets is essential to them appreciating its importance and helping to ensure its future. As we learn more about this captivating region, we gain valuable lessons about living in harmony with nature in a world facing increasing environmental challenges.

With the San Bushmen as our guides, Feline Fields is becoming a champion of the Kalahari cause, introducing tourism to an expansive swathe of wilderness in north-western Botswana that has never been exposed to it, pioneering as we go. At Feline Fields Lodge we have created a retreat that gives guests the opportunity to discover the Kalahari's secrets and fall in love with this magical place.

Meet Thapelo - a guiding great

Mon, 27 May 2024 14:50:14 GMT

Working for Feline Fields is where he belongs

When the wilderness is in your blood it's impossible to shake it. It will keep calling you back, which is why Thapelo Malatsi wakes up every day and feels like he's home and living his best life. Let's find out more about Feline Fields Vintage Camp's wonderful guide and why he loves what he does so much...

Thapelo Malatsi is something of a guiding legend in Botswana safari circles. Born in 1966 and raised in the Okavango Delta, he grew up surrounded by this legendary wilderness. "My family followed a traditional gatherer lifestyle, fishing and finding our food from the wild. There was no tourism around in those days, so I followed my father, assisting him and learning bush skills from him," Thapelo explains.

When tourism started in Botswana the mid 1970s things began to change and opportunities began to present themselves for those with wilderness experience. "In 1985 I got my first job in the Delta and began training in tourism, taking guests into the bush," says Thapelo. "Eventually the government introduced a formal guiding qualification - a guiding license - and I passed all of the exams easily because I had learned so much since I had been a child.

"I did boat activities, canoeing, and walking safaris for 10 years in the Delta and then got my driver's license and began doing game drives as well. In 2006 I joined &Beyond and went through their training programme, becoming a fully fledged professional guide," says Thapelo.

"After three years I was selected to go for further training in South Africa and returned to Maun, continuing my work until I met Raphael and Marjan del Sarte - the founders of Feline Fields - and I joined Feline Fields at the very beginning, helping them to establish Feline Fields Lodge and the Feline Fields Trust."

Meeting the Del Sartes and helping them to build the Feline Fields we know today was a turning point in Thapelo's career and his life.

"I felt as if I had come home and found my true calling," he says. "I spent time teaching kids in the schools the Feline Fields Trust supports, telling them about conservation and the importance of looking after our wilderness areas. When the lodge opened, I moved to the Kalahari and learned everything I could about the ecosystem there and guiding guests.

"When Feline Fields Vintage Camp began, I moved to Khwai to take over the guiding - returning to the Delta once more! It was like my life had come full circle. Every day here is special, and I consider myself blessed to be working in such a beautiful environment."

Thapelo has two sons, but they are town boys, he says, and don't have any inclination to work in the bush. Yet. "Perhaps I will persuade them one day! For now, I love what I am doing and am where I belong."

A tale of two chefs...

Mon, 27 May 2024 14:39:08 GMT

Meet Feline Fields culinary geniuses Moss and Gao

When you're sitting at Feline Fields Vintage Camp on the edge of the Mbudi Channel with a feast spread before you or tucking into a bush dinner beneath the stars in the middle of the Kalahari, it's easy to wonder how such incredible food gets made in such wild and remote locations. We spoke to two of the wonderful ladies responsible for creating culinary magic for Feline Fields to find out how they do what they do...

Make no bones about it, Mosetsana "Moss" Musika is a bush masterchef. The bubbly 36-year-old reigns supreme in her small, tented kitchen at Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the heart of the Khwai community reserve. Surrounded by the African wilderness and with the added challenge of having wildlife in and around camp, this is where she feels she belongs.

Born and raised in Maun, when she finished school, she went looking for work and quickly decided that a career in tourism would give her the opportunities for personal growth she was looking for. She began at the bottom as a scullery assistant in a lodge kitchen and soon rose through the ranks, becoming a staff chef, preparing meals for the lodge staff and then began training as a chef, working for five years honing her craft before moving to Feline Fields in 2018. She started out at Feline Fields Lodge and has been at Feline Fields Vintage Camp for the last 18 months.

"I prefer Khwai to the Kalahari," she laughs. "It's much more challenging working in a small bush kitchen surrounded by wildlife and I love it," she says.

"I love expressing myself through food and take my inspiration from wherever I can find it, from TV chefs to local Botswana chefs.

It's just me here at Vintage Camp - and I get to do everything. I love baking and am a keen fan of the Great British Bake Off. My favourite thing to bake is cakes and I'd love to learn more about cake making and baking in particular in the future," she explains.

"I am enjoying my career so much and am taking each day as it comes, and I love working here as part of a small team, meeting people from all over the world."

Moss has a 10-year-old daughter who stays with her sister in Maun. "It's sometimes hard working in the bush and not seeing her every day, but I am used to it now and so is she. When I am at home we spend a lot of quality time together. And we cook!"

Moss is happy she chose to pursue a career in tourism. "There is so much opportunity for young people in the tourism industry, so it's really important to Botswana. I am really fortunate to be working with Feline Fields because being here is like being part of a huge family and we all take care of one another."

For Gao Dipateletso, chef at Feline Fields Lodge, the journey to Feline Fields began in her home village of Shorobe village, not far from Maun. She fell in love with food and cooking as a small child and always knew she wanted to work as a chef.

"When I left school, I commenced chef training immediately and got a job as a trainee with &Beyond for six months. After this they offered me a permanent job at a camp in the Delta and I loved it. It was very different working in a bush kitchen, but I learned a lot. I moved to Feline Fields two years ago now and am loving being here in the Kalahari, even though it does have its challenges being in such a remote location," she explains.

Like her Feline Fields Vintage Camp counterpart Moss, Gao loves baking. She gets her inspiration through watching YouTube and cooking shows. "Cake baking is my favourite - especially a peppermint chocolate cake which is the best," she laughs. "We also make our own bread and rolls here, which I enjoy," she adds.

All of the fresh produce used in the kitchens at both Vintage Camp and the Lodge comes from Maun. Both Moss and Gao have to stay on top of ordering to ensure they get only the best vegetables and salad items, as well as meat and fish.

"I would like to become an executive chef further down the line," says Gao. "I work along with our Head Chef Pauline to keep our menus fresh and exciting, and she encourages me to contribute with ideas for new dishes," says Gao.

The mother of three daughters is a provider for her family. "My mum looks after my kids for me when I am working, but we chat on the phone every day and we're all used to me being away for long periods," she explains.

For working mothers like Moss and Gao, enjoying what they do every day is a blessing. "I always look forward to what each new day brings," says Moss. "I love my job and it's a pleasure and a privilege to do what I love," adds Gao. That love transfers directly to the incredible food these two amazing chefs create. So, when you come to visit Feline Fields, you'll not go hungry!

Meet Ruh, manager-guide extraordinaire!

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:41:25 GMT

From music-loving village boy to Vintage Camp head honcho

When Ruh Budulala was mixing up a storm as a resident DJ in Gweta village, little did he know that 20 years later he'd be an exceptional safari guide running a luxury tented camp in the Okavango! It's been a journey of note, and one he's happy to share...

Ruh was born and raised in a village called Gweta just north of the Makgadikgadi Pans in July 1985. In those days Gweta was a community of around 5,000 people, today that figure has more than doubled and what is still called a village is probably closer to a small town. Young Ruh did most of his schooling in the village, finishing his last two years of high school in the capital of Gaborone.

"I then enrolled in college to do a two-year course in accounting and business studies," he explains. "Even though I really didn't want to be an accountant, I felt it was the responsible thing to do to have something good to fall back on, as my hopes were set on doing something in the entertainment industry. I'd been a resident DJ in the village and thought it would be a great way to earn a living."

To complete the course and get his qualification, Ruh had to spend time as an intern and so, in 2010, he joined a safari company for a three-month internship, which he subsequently extended to six months.

"After the first three months I wanted to learn more about the safari business and moved around inside the business, learning every aspect from kitchen work in the lodges to admin. It's at this time that I fell in love with the idea of working in tourism. I guess I wasn't supposed to be an accountant," he laughs.

And so, Ruh's career path took an unexpected turn and, determined to learn more about guiding, Ruh asked his manager if he could spend some more time shadowing the safari guides.

"I loved it so much that when the internship finished I enrolled in a year-long training programme in Maun to learn to be a safari guide. I did well and passed my guide's license exams. I then spent the next two years shadowing leading guides across Botswana before being hired by a safari company. But rather than just guiding, I had an office and did admin, learning the operations side of the business as well," he explains.

"In 2013 I eventually got a job as a guide, working for 10 years honing my bush and guiding skills before I joined Feline Fields in 2017 as a managing guide on a year's contract. When that year was up I went back to guiding mobile safaris for two years before COVID19 hit."

It took a forced break for Ruh to work out what he wanted to do and as tourism began to open up again, he got the chance to return to Feline Fields, this time full-time as a manager/guide at Feline Fields Vintage Camp. "It's where I belong and where I am truly happy," he says with a broad smile, looking out across the Mbudi Channel towards the setting sun.

It's a career that keeps him away from his family a lot, but they have only ever known it this way and he sees them on a regular basis when on leave. "I am married with two daughters aged 10 and 8. My family lives in Botswana's 'second capital' of Francistown which is also my second home now," says Ruh.

"I think once you are a bush person you can never return to an office environment and certainly not a city," he says wistfully. "The bush is my home, and I could never give it up. And I love Feline Fields. It's growing well and is a great company to be with because the owners and directors are directly invested in the staff and are committed to helping us reach our full potential," he adds. "My hope is that I will continue to grow with Feline Fields."

The Feline Fields Lodge experience

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:37:35 GMT

Unwind on a slow safari in the heart of the Kalahari

Vast beyond measure and about as remote as you can get in Botswana, the region of the Kalahari that's home to Feline Fields Lodge is not your average desert, being filled with a rich variety of life and incredible, breathtaking landscapes. It's a place that begs you to stop, take a deep breath and just be still, absorbing the magic of the wilderness around you and adapting to a much slower pace that's determined by ancient, natural rhythms. It's a reboot for body, mind and soul...

Feline Fields Lodge embodies the ethos of a slow safari - one where you unpack your bags, make yourself at home and discover everything you miss when you're living the everyday life in the concrete jungles we invariably call home. With no fixed daily itinerary, you're at leisure to decide what you want to do and when you want to do it, indulging in a range of great activities or doing nothing at all.

Whether in a fabulous Pool Suite, one of three gorgeous Bush Suites or the glorious two-bedroomed Family Villa, you're going to be enjoying first-class comfort come what may, with life's necessities taken care of in no small amount of style and undiluted luxury. Strung out like the tendrils of a tsamma melon to either side of the beautiful main lodge building with its signature swimming pool and uninterrupted views over the Kalahari, the suites and villa have acres of space between them, ensuring complete privacy.

Feline Fields Lodge is so much more than the sum of its exceptional facilities, though, being in possession of something much more precious than mere luxury - tranquillity. In a world where absolute peace is hard to come by, this place is pure gold.

There's a sense of silence in the Kalahari that you only find in deserts. A stillness that almost deafens you. Even though there are the inevitable noises of birds going about their business, a soft breeze moving across vegetation, and the lap of water in the pool as you dangle your feet into its refreshing coolness, the air is heavy with calm. Your body reacts instinctively, switching into relaxation mode, undisturbed by the constant stimuli that urban existence bombards it with.

You breathe more deeply, see more clearly, hear more sharply and somehow become more attuned to everything around you. You feel lighter, more positive, energised... Which is good because there's so much to do and see during your stay!

The Kalahari may be called a desert because it has low rain levels but it's far from desert-like. Consisting of 900,000 square kilometres of mostly semi-arid, sandy savannah it covers most of Botswana and parts of neighbouring Namibia and South Africa. It supports a wide variety of fauna and flora, and the vegetation can be dense in places. It's also exceptionally beautiful...

Days begin as nature intended, with the rising sun. Which at Feline Fields Lodge is generally spectacular and worth waking early to witness. It begins as a faint glow on the eastern horizon which slowly turns orange and burnished gold as the sun begins its ascent, accompanied by a dawn chorus which reaches a crescendo as the first rays break free and bathe the Kalahari in a soft, warm light.

Choose whether to stay in bed or take advantage of the early start with some fresh coffee on your deck before deciding what you'd like to do with your day.

Whether it's exploring the Kalahari on horseback, taking a slow walk with the local San Bushmen, grabbing a "fat bike" and venturing out into the wilderness on two wheels or playing tennis, you're spoiled for choice. You can also venture out to visit the Feline Fields Trust playgroup project at the village of Kaure or go on a guided game drive in search of local wildlife, doing some birding en route. You're not going to get bored.

You're also not going to go hungry, with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and a three-course dinner to look forward to each day!

Sunset is traditionally a time when we sit back and reflect on the day's adventures with a drink in hand, around a crackling log fire, watching as the sun sinks to kiss the horizon once more. You have the chance to share this experience with some of our San Bushmen, gathering with them at the fire to learn more about their ancient way of life.

The day ends in darkness, with dinner taken either out in the bush under the canopy of a billion stars, or alongside the pool or "à deux" in the privacy of your suite. But the adventure does not have to be over... Take a late-night swim, listen to the sounds of the Kalahari at night with a digestif or two, go on a night drive in search of leopards and other nocturnal creatures or just sit on your deck with a cup of coffee and be still and present, absorbing as much as you can so that you can take a little piece of the Kalahari with you when you leave.

The ultimate safari sleepout

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:49:14 GMT

Enjoy a billion-star experience at Feline Fields Lodge

There's little to beat a night in the bush, sleeping under a canopy of twinkling stars, a welcoming campfire crackling nearby and the soft light of a myriad paraffin lamps casting shadows that seem to dance in the darkness. This is where you ponder the greatest questions of humankind while marvelling at the lofty firmament above and your place in it, eventually surrendering to sleep as the Kalahari shares its ancient wisdom in secret, whispered lullabies...

At Feline Fields Lodge we offer all guests the chance to experience the ultimate safari sleepout and connect directly with the incredible wilderness that surrounds the lodge. And, in true Feline Fields style, it's something we do with no small amount of panache and flair!

While you are filling your day at the lodge with wonderful activities like tennis, horse riding, walking with the bushmen, cycling and generally exploring the wonderful, wild surroundings, we're setting up an overnight camp a short drive from the lodge. With "see-through" tents made from mosquito netting and plush, floor-level mattresses topped with sumptuous linen, we take pride in creating a true "glamping" experience with a difference - the sheer finish of the netting magically disappears at night, offering you a view of the Milky Way that's absolutely breathtaking.

A firepit and dining area complete the camp, along with a bush toilet, and as the sun begins to dip below the horizon we transport you and your small overnight bag to this slice of paradise, in time for sundowners and a leisurely dinner, with after-dinner drinks around the campfire. When you're ready for bed, we provide you with a place to freshen up and escort you to your tent, where your overnight bag has been placed ready for you.

We wish you good night and leave you to soak up the magic of the moment. But don't worry, because members of our team stay with you overnight to ensure your safety and to be on hand if you need anything during the night.

And so, to bed... Laying back under the fluffy duvet staring up at the galaxy that's on full, undiluted display above is a truly transformative experience. It's also thoroughly mind-boggling. There are few places on our planet with skies clear enough to see the Milky Way in such detail, where there is no light pollution and dust in the air. We are blessed here in Botswana with some fabulously dark and unpolluted night skies, especially in the Kalahari, where the desert air is crisp and visibility usually excellent.

It's hard to believe that the light that you see in the sky above you is ancient, having left the stars that generated it sometimes hundreds of thousands of light-years ago. It's like looking at a snapshot of the past as your mind tries to grapple with the enormity of it all. Earth is located in its own solar system - a grouping of eight planets and various comets, asteroids and dwarf planets which orbit the sun - in the Orion Arm of the Milky Way. The Orion Arm is one of the galaxy's spiral arms and our solar system is about two thirds of the way out from the centre of the galaxy.

The Milky way is vast, measuring around 120,000 light-years in diameter; being around 1,000 light-years thick and home to 400-billion stars. A light-year is around 9,5-trillion km long. So that's some serious maths!

It got this big by absorbing other galaxies like the Sagittarius Dwarf Galaxy and is currently consuming the Canis Major Dwarf Galaxy, whose stars are being steadily added to the Milky Way. Its closest spiral galaxy neighbour is the Andromeda Galaxy which is twice as big as the Milky Way and steadily moving towards it, being scheduled to collide and merge with it in around 5-billion years' time!

Even without this basic understanding of the universe above us, looking at the magnitude of stars above you as you lay back under your star-gazing friendly tent triggers a similar response in all of our guests - one of complete awe and fascination - a truly humbling experience. If you stay awake long enough you may be lucky enough to see shooting stars, and satellites passing overhead. If you have a star-gazing app on your cellphone, it's the perfect time and place to use it and zoom in on some of the stars that twinkle like diamonds on a sheet of black velvet.

With all of the fresh air, sleep tends to come quickly out in the open, and waking up can be as exhilarating, as the first rays of light begin to illuminate the sky and life in the Kalahari prepares for the sun's arrival, accompanied by the dawn chorus. Enjoying a cup of fresh coffee as you watch the sunrise is an experience you'll never forget.

As soon as you are ready, we transport you back to the lodge to freshen up and have breakfast, and spend another amazing day discovering the secrets of the Kalahari with us.

Meet Masego, our dynamic operations manager

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:41:20 GMT

Feline Fields allowed her to realise her full potential

What makes a safari special? Is it an incredible location in a remote African wilderness, or sensational, luxury accommodation that indulges and pampers? Is it fabulous wildlife sightings and amazing guest experiences? Or all of the above? Here at Feline Fields, we believe that people make the difference between a good safari and an absolutely great one, and we're blessed to have a team of them working hard to make safari magic each and every day.

They're our family - the extended support network of talented individuals who we rely on to make the Feline Fields safari experience extraordinary, and we're going to be sharing some of their stories over the coming months. We're kicking off with our Botswana-based "matriarch" - our truly inspirational operations manager Masego Sebokolodi. So, let's "meet" her and find out more about her...

Masego Sebokolodi is a pocket-sized powerhouse. The petite mother of four runs the operational side of Feline Fields' business from our office compound close to Maun International Airport, and is a director of the company to boot, earning her position through hard work and a passion for the industry she fell in love with aged 20, more years ago than she cares to mention!

Born and raised in Tonota in the north-east of Botswana, in what's known as the central district, some 30km from Francistown, Masego left school and went straight into national service as a teacher, posted in the north of the country. During a visit to see an aunt in the town of Gweta, renowned as the gateway to the Makgadikgadi Pans, she decided to get a job at a well-known local safari lodge. The rest, as they say, is history...

"I started out as a chef and worked hard for three years, eventually becoming an assistant manager," she laughs, reminiscing about her start in the industry she so loves. "At the same time I decided to go back to school, doing a diploma in tourism through distance learning while I worked, so that I could improve my qualifications and skill set."

After getting her diploma she moved from Gweta to the Okavango Delta - the beating heart of tourism in Botswana. It was here, three years later in 2015, that she met Marjan del Sarte, co-owner and director of Feline Fields with her husband, Raphaël. Masego listened to Marjan's plans for a new lodge in the Kalahari and applied for a job on the spot.

"When I joined Feline Fields, we were just beginning to build the chalets at Feline Fields Lodge in one of the most remote parts of the Kalahari, not far from the north-west border with Namibia," explains Masego. "It was so exciting and such an opportunity to be part of something from the ground up, so I jumped at the chance to learn as much as I could along the way."

And learn she did, in copious amounts! "It's been such a privilege to work alongside Marjan and Raphaël and I've learned so much from both of them, and from the journey we have taken together," she smiles earnestly. "I could not have asked for a better company to work for, nor one to help me realise my full potential," she adds. It's that potential and her penchant for leadership that saw her promoted to Operations Manager in September 2023. She's also a director of Feline Fields.

"Working at Feline Fields is like being part of a big family - one that cares for you and supports you every step of the way and helps you to become the best version of yourself possible," she says.

In 2021 Marjan and Raphaël acquired a plot close to Maun International Airport (walking distance, in fact) and created Feline Fields' office compound. Today its the operational hub of the business and Masego's "home base", where she works with the reservations and other operations staff to ensure everything runs smoothly and seamlessly at Feline Fields Lodge and Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the Khwai region of the Delta.

"I love it here," she says. "I could never go anywhere else. I see myself spending the rest of my career here with Feline Fields, as Marjan and Raphael's partner, I am exceptionally happy and consider myself blessed," Masego says.

Her journey has not been without its challenges. "Getting Feline Fields Lodge established was hard, especially with it being in such a remote part of Botswana. But as soon as we paired it with Feline Fields Vintage Camp in Khwai it all made sense to the tourism market and offered guests the chance to enjoy the best of Botswana's wildlife in a wonderful part of the Delta and combine it with a sensational, immersive Kalahari experience at Feline Fields Lodge."

So, what's next? "We do have plans in the works for another camp in the Delta, but that's another story and one which we hope will add to the current offering," says Masego cryptically.

She's justifiably proud of what she's achieved. "I feel that I have done a good job, especially when we get compliments for the lodge and the camp from guests and trade partners alike, telling us how lovely they are," she says. "When we started, we had nothing in place, no systems or management processes, so I had to create all of the standard operating procedures, get everything in place and help to build the brand with Marjan at my side. We still work closely together, which is wonderful. She's very hands on and an inspiration to me."

Masego is also a role model for her four children - two daughters and two sons, aged 20, 18, 11 and six. "It's good to know that I can show them the results of hard work and commitment first-hand, providing them with opportunities in the process," she says. "They are very proud of me, which makes me a very happy mom!"

A day on safari at Feline Fields Vintage Camp

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:01:39 GMT

All the excitement and action, from dawn to dusk

What's a safari with Feline Fields Vintage Camp really like? What are the sensations of being immersed in the incredible wilderness around Botswana's breathtaking Khwai River and its lush channels? Do you have everything you need in this wonderful and stylish tented bushcamp? What does a typical day consist of? Let's find the answers to these questions and so much more...

It's still dark outside when your day begins with a gentle "knock knock" at your tent door. If you've asked for an early shower there will be some rustling outside your bathroom as Shadrack and Proctor fill your bucket shower with water warmed over an open fire, followed by a call that everything is ready! If you don't want to shower there will be warm water in a jug waiting at your basin in front of your tent so you can freshen up before embarking on your morning adventure - exploring the Khwai Community Reserve!

Dawn is beginning to break as you make your way down the path that runs parallel to the Mbudi Channel to the dining tent where a fresh cup of coffee and some rusks await - early morning fuel for the expedition that lies ahead. Then it's time to climb on to the open game vehicle and head out with your guide into the wilderness that's slowly being revealed by the rising sun. A cool breeze kisses your cheeks and all around you birds are calling, signalling the start of another fabulous day in wild Africa!

Daybreak delights

As you emerge from the riparian woodland that surrounds Feline Fields Vintage Camp the beauty of dawn over the Khwai Community Reserve is breathtaking. The sky is several shades of orange and pink as the sun breaks free of the horizon and begins its steady climb, zebras and wildebeest are moving slowly across the open floodplains dotted with dead knobthorns - victims of the annual Okavango inundation that turns this region into a wetland every year between May and August. A lone bull elephant with a broken tusk browses on the ever-present mopane scrub as white-fronted bee-eaters begin their search for insects in the skies above.

The road meanders its way through the diverse landscape of savannah grasslands and riverine thicket dotted with lagoons and channels, and at every turn there is something unique to see... Rafts of knob-billed ducks and spurwing geese gliding across mirror-like water; herds of sable grazing on the soft grasses at the edge of the channels; red lechwe making their way across waterlogged marshes; a lone lioness snoozing in some shade at the edge of the treeline...

This is the Khwai Community Reserve - a 180,000ha paradise filled with an abundance of life and a fierce beauty that captivates and beguiles, on the eastern fringes of the Okavango Delta, wedged between the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. Part of the greater Khwai ecosystem that's home to around 400 people, all of Babukakhwe or River Bushmen descent. They are the custodians of this place and live in complete harmony with their wild neighbours, helping to conserve and protect it for future generations.

Coffee with hippos

Your guide takes another turn, and you are immediately surrounded by tall trees and welcome shade - respite from the sun that's now shining strongly and increasingly warmly. The vehicle stops next to a lagoon - home to a curious hippo - and you are invited to climb down and enjoy some coffee, cookies and muffins, all designed to keep you going until breakfast. Coffee never tasted so good, and you marvel at the baking skills of Kelapile "Moss" Mosika, Feline Fields Vintage Camp's resident chef.

Back on the vehicle you wind your way steadily back "home" to the camp, arriving in time for a hearty breakfast overlooking the Mbudi Channel, with a beautiful fresh fruit salad, yoghurt, cereals and cold meats as well as cooked options and lots of hot toast, of course! The conversation around the breakfast table is lively, recounting the morning's adventures.

After breakfast there's time for a shower, if you didn't get one in before you left, and either some rest and relaxation back at your tent or, if you prefer to get some exercise in, a trip to the nearby crossing where you can safely swim in the waters of the Mbudi Channel to your heart's delight.

A swim in paradise

The water is warm and the colour of tea, thanks to the tannins in the aquatic plantlife, but wonderfully clear and refreshing, nonetheless. There are no hippos or crocodiles in this fabulous lagoon, thanks to the regular use as a crossing point for vehicles making their way across the channel. But you do spot the odd shoal of tiny fish and plenty of frogs!

After spending an hour just floating and enjoying the experience of swimming in the wilderness, you take a short drive back to camp. Lunch is served at around 13h00 and is a light affair with lots of salads and deliciously tasty accompaniments like steak skewers, chicken strips and freshly caught pan-fried tilapia. You grab the chance to do some birding from the verandah of your tent before high tea - the prelude to your afternoon adventure - discovering the secrets of the Mbudi Channel by mokoro!

Another short drive brings you to the mokoro station and your community poler who is waiting to show you the beauty of Khwai from the water, offering you a hippo's eye view of life in this fascinating eco-system.

Magical mokoros

You settle into the comfortable seat of the mokoro and kick off your shoes, wondering at the skill of your poler as he pushes off from the bank and effortlessly manoeuvres the traditional dugout-style canoe through the long grasses at the edge of the channel. In olden days, he explains, mokoros were made from trees like the sausage tree (kigelia Africana) but today, in an effort to preserve the magnificent riparian forests along the river and its channels, they are reproduced in fibreglass.

While the mokoro beneath you may not be old-school, the experience of being expertly poled along the winding channels and through lily filled lagoons is timeless and perhaps the best way to absorb the magical spirit of the Khwai... You stop to examine minute frogs on the grass stems that surround you, watch colourful kingfishers darting in the branches above and give potentially grumpy hippos a wide berth.

Gliding magically through the water, the late afternoon sun dancing on the gently rippling surface, dragonflies and butterflies filling the air around you as African jacanas navigate the lily pads with their huge, splayed feet, you forget everything except the here and now. This is the definition of tranquility and an adventure not to be missed.

A stylish end to the day

As the sun dips you make the return trip along the channel, passing by the camp en-route, eventually reaching the crossing where you swam earlier... There on the bank is a table set with drinks and snacks, and in the water ahead of you floats a makeshift table with colourful cocktails, as the camp team welcomes you to a bush sundowner par excellence! You grab a cocktail as you glide past and come to rest on a soft sandy beach, alighting to enjoy a spectacular sunset.

Darkness is falling as you make your way back to camp on the game vehicle, using a spotlight to find elusive nocturnal creatures along the way. It's dark by the time you reach camp, and the dinner table is set with gently flickering oil lamps, with the campfire burning brightly close by. The sounds of frogs and crickets is almost deafening, interrupted by the distant call of a hyena and the steady "brrrr" of a skops owl. Above you the night sky is dotted with a billion stars, twinkling like diamonds on a bed of black velvet.

Dinner is an ensemble of three wonderful courses, yet again demonstrating the talents of Moss and her creative abilities in a bush kitchen that's regularly raided by honey badgers! Nightcaps under the stars around the fire are the perfect way to end the day's adventures before being escorted back to your tent, having a wonderful late-night shower and climbing between fragrant cotton sheets for the best sleep you've ever had.

Meet Priscilla - queen of our desert!

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:41:09 GMT

Feline Fields Lodge's manager shares her life's journey

Priscilla Boitumelo has wilderness in her blood. The daughter of a renowned safari guide, she was born and grew up in the village of Shorobe, 37km north of Maun on the edge of the legendary Okavango Delta, close to the Moremi Game Reserve. She started her career as a waiter before becoming a safari guide. Now she's the manager of Feline Fields Lodge...

It's a far cry from the vibrant 45-year-old single mum of two's humble beginnings in the industry she has come to love so much. "I always wanted to be a guide but when I left school in Shorobe I went straight into tourism, starting out at the bottom shadowing my uncle, who was also a guide at a lodge in the Okavango," she explains.

"He was sadly losing his sight and the managers wanted a member of his family to come and help him, so I accepted the role and got my introduction to tourism, doing a little bit of housekeeping and admin work, learning the trade as I went. When my uncle retired, I moved to a lodge in Khwai as a waiter and bar tender and worked hard, fully resolved to better myself as soon as I could."

Priscilla did a management course in her spare time and when the chance to change direction working for an NGO in Maun presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity, working with children at risk. It was here that she found out about the newly formed Feline Fields Trust and learned that they were looking for drivers, so she applied and got the job, becoming a school bus driver and working closely with Feline Fields founder Marjan del Sarte.

The chance to branch out came when Marjan asked Priscilla to start doing transfers for guests, driving them from Maun to Feline Fields Lodge and to Feline Fields Vintage Camp in Khwai. Guest feedback made it obvious that Priscilla had hidden talents as a guide!

"I always wanted to be a guide," she laughs. "I was so inspired by my father and my uncle and dreamed of following in their footsteps. So when Marjan asked me if I'd like to train to be a guide I jumped at the chance, studying in Maun and passing my exams with flying colours, completing my license at the Botswana Wildlife Training Institute," she smiles proudly.

Priscilla also spent time in the Feline Fields office in Maun learning the admin side of the business, brushing up her management skills in the process before being promoted to guide at Feline Fields Lodge.

"When I started guiding at the lodge I was also continuing to learn the management side of things so I could act as a relief manager when required," she says. In December 2023 her 22 years of hard work in the tourism industry paid off and she was appointed as the lodge manager, achieving a long-held dream of heading up a luxury safari lodge.

Leading the way

Priscilla has always been a trailblazer in an industry that's traditionally male orientated, and she's one of a vanguard of talented women guides and now managers who are steadily changing the face of the Botswana safari industry.

"Women in guiding is increasing in Botswana with more and more women wanting to move into safari guiding," she explains. "This creates more opportunity for them to move eventually into management positions. When I was in guiding class there were six ladies learning with me, and only three, myself included, went on to get their licences. Many student guides realise during their work experience (called attachment in Botswana) that being in the wilderness surrounded by wild animals is not for them.

"In the Delta now, we have around eight ladies guiding, so things are gradually changing and there are more opportunities for us. In the past it was sometimes hard to get lodges to hire women guides, but now people are looking specifically for women guides as they tend to be kinder to their equipment, especially where vehicles are concerned," laughs Priscilla!

So, what does the future hold for Priscilla? "I am so happy here at the Lodge," she says earnestly. ""Feline Fields is like a family, we all work so closely together and take care of one another. It's the best working environment you could wish for. I love being the manager here at the Lodge and love working with my team here and being part of the greater Feline Fields team. I plan to stay where I am until I retire.

"I have two sons - aged 19 and 13," she says. "Their father passed away when I was pregnant with my second son, so I am a single mum supporting my family. My sons stay with my sister's daughter in Shorobe and I see them every couple of months when I am on leave. My youngest wants to be a guide, my eldest wants to join the Botswana Defence Force," she adds. So, there's a chance her son may follow in her footsteps? "Yes, absolutely, and nothing would make me happier. This is a fantastic place to work, and the safari industry is full of opportunity for those who want to put the effort in," she adds. "I could not be happier."

The history of our San Bushmen

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:56:33 GMT

Discover more about the Ju/'hoansi people

The San Bushmen are a living link to humanity's ancient past, embodying a way of life that predates agriculture and settled civilisations. With an estimated remaining population of around 130,000 spread across six countries in Southern Africa, the San are among the last remaining hunter-gatherer societies on Planet Earth. The Ju/'hoansi of the north-western Kalahari are among the most resilient of these widespread communities, and key to our ethos at Feline Fields Lodge...

The story of the Ju/'hoansi is one of profound historical significance and contemporary challenges. Their ancient traditions, unique languages characterised by distinctive click sounds, and egalitarian social structures are facing grave threats. Disenfranchisement, the impacts of climate change, and a widespread lack of understanding of their cultural practices jeopardise the very fabric of their existence.

In a world where the majority has transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture and beyond, the Ju/'hoansi stand as a living testament to humanity's collective past. The contrast in numbers is stark: around 10,000 BC, the majority of the global population were hunters; by 1972, only 0.001% of the world's population were still hunters. Today, as the global population approaches 8-billion, the number of practicing hunters is even more minuscule.

Ancient roots

The term "San" serves as a collective label for several indigenous ethnic groups in Southern Africa, including the ǃKung, |Gui, Ju/'hoansi, and Naro people.

Archaeologists posit that the San Bushmen's hunter-gatherer culture, to which the Ju/'hoansi belong, dates back approximately 20,000 years. Some evidence even suggests association with the Early Later Stone Age, making the Ju/'hoansi descendants of Southern Africa's oldest inhabitants and custodians of one of Earth's oldest cultures.

The Ju/'hoansi remain guardians of an ancient way of life, echoing the collective journey of humanity. As they navigate the challenges of the modern world, the story of the Ju/'hoansi is a call for recognition, understanding, and preservation—a story that belongs to us all, reminding us of our shared history and the importance of cultural diversity in the tapestry of human experience.

Their home in Botswana's north-western Kalahari is crucial to understanding their resilience. The relative isolation provided by the Kalahari has nurtured their foraging culture and shielded them from too many external influences. Their lifestyle, characterised by nomadic hunting and gathering, is a delicate dance with the challenging arid environment.

Key aspects of the Ju/'hoansi way of life are the rituals that underscore the significance of community bonds. The trance dance where community members enter altered states of consciousness, is just one example of the spiritual and cultural practices that define their identity.

Facing Modern Challenges

The historical narrative of the Ju/'hoansi is not without challenges. The colonial and post-colonial eras brought encroachment on their lands and forced assimilation attempts, leaving lasting impacts on their communities. Efforts to balance conservation goals with the rights of indigenous peoples have added complexity to their struggle, particularly in a changing world.

Efforts are under way to preserve and revitalise Ju/'hoansi culture. Initiatives include documenting their languages, traditions, and environmental knowledge. Many of our local community members maintain a traditional lifestyle and are happy to share their culture with our guests. It's one of the ways that Feline Fields is helping to keep the Ju/'hoansi's important and fascinating traditions and belief system alive and relevant.

Harmony with nature

The Dobe area, where the Ju/'hoansi predominantly reside, is a mosaic of waterholes, dry river valleys, vast flat savannah and low hills. This environment sustains a diverse array of wildlife, forming the foundation of the Ju/'hoansi's hunting and gathering lifestyle. The challenges they face include competition for prey with major predator species like lions and leopards, as well as climate change and human expansion.

Ungulates, such as kudu, wildebeest, and gemsbok, are among the main game animals for the Ju/'hoansi, while various mammals, birds, and reptiles contribute to their diet. The ostrich, in particular, holds cultural significance; its eggs are prized, not only for consumption but also for practical uses like water canteens and bead-making.

During your stay at Feline Fields Lodge we will be introducing you to our local Ju/'hoansi community members so that you can learn more about these wonderful people and ambassadors of Africa's First People.

Icons of the Okavango

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 10:49:07 GMT

A guide to the wildlife of the Khwai region

Africa's iconic wildlife species are the reason people go on safari, with the promise of seeing them in their natural habitat the only motivation needed to pack bags and decamp far to remote wilderness areas far from home. In this respect, we are truly blessed, because the Okavango Delta is one of the most wildlife-rich regions on the continent, especially around the Khwai River - home of Feline Fields Vintage Camp...

The Khwai River region is situated in the north-eastern part of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's largest inland deltas, attracting a plethora of wildlife due to its unique ecosystem of permanent water channels, seasonal floodplains, and lush vegetation.

It's an African paradise. An untouched wilderness filled with a rich diversity of life in all its glorious forms, with more than 500 species of birds and 100 mammal species, along with a veritable cornucopia of reptiles, fish, amphibians and invertebrates.

The flora is just as diverse, with swathes of mopane and acacia woodlands, open floodplain grasslands and lush riparian forests along the river itself. Expect to see magnificent specimens of camelthorn, sycamore fig, sausage, leadwood, fever berry and jackalberry trees on drives close to the river and on mokoro rides.

When it comes to the Khwai region, Botswana's inimitable megafauna are the real stars of the show - the impressive mammals who grace television screens the world over. So, let's look at some of the key animal species you can expect to see during your stay with us at Feline Fields Vintage Camp, located as it is in the heart of this amazing wilderness...

Elephant: The Khwai River region is known for its huge herds of African savannah elephant usually spotted in or near water as well as feeding in the open grasslands and woodland thickets.

Buffalo: Herds of buffalo are common along the Khwai River and its channels. They graze on the abundant grasses and are often seen in both wet and dry areas.

Lion: - The Khwai area is home to an abundance of lion prides and there's a good chance of witnessing these apex predators during both day and night game drives.

Leopard: - The riverine habitat and dense vegetation that borders the river and its channels provide perfect conditions for these stealthy ambush hunters. Khwai is renowned for its leopard sightings, particularly in the early mornings and late evenings.

Cheetah: Cheetah are occasionally spotted in the Khwai region's floodplain grasslands which provide ideal hunting grounds for these fast and agile predators.

Painted wolf (African wild dog): The Khwai area is known for its painted wolf packs. These critically endangered carnivores are frequent hunters and constantly on the move, making for exciting encounters.

Hippo: The Khwai River and its various channels and lagoons are inhabited by countless pods of hippo. Mokoro and boat-based safaris provide excellent opportunities to observe these aquatic creatures at close quarters and their calls will serenade you night and day.

Giraffe: Giraffe are commonly seen browsing on acacia trees and other vegetation in the woodlands around Feline Fields Vintage Camp. When they are gathered together feeding they are known as a "tower". When they are on the move, they're called a "journey".

Zebra: Herds of both plains and Burchell's zebra roam the grassy floodplains, adding to the diverse herbivore population of the Khwai region.

Antelope: Various antelope species can be found throughout the Khwai region, including impala, kudu, sable, roan, and red lechwe, as well as common duiker, waterbuck and wildebeest.

Birds: From raptors like Pel's fishing owl and the African fish eagle to waterbirds like the African jacana, yellow-billed stork, goliath heron and the impressive wattled crane, the Khwai region is a prolific birding destination. Add to the list an impressive array of resident, summer and intra-African migrant species and you have birdwatching heaven.

Reptiles: The largest of these is the Nile crocodile which inhabits every stretch of water in the Khwai and larger Okavango region. You'll often see them sunning themselves on the banks during the day. Also watch out for monitor lizards, chameleons and colourful agamas, as well as an ever-present variety of geckos and skinks.

Celebrate love on safari

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:07:39 GMT

The African wilderness just oozes romance!

If you're thinking of popping the question to your special someone, or trying to settle

on a suitably gorgeous honeymoon destination, look no further because Botswana has

got love written in big letters across its vast wilderness areas! An African safari is

about as romantic as things get and when you include two stunning destinations

and a team of people who just LOVE love, you know you have the recipe for the

ultimate romantic adventure.

Let's face it, when it comes to romance, Feline Fields has got it covered. From the effortless panache of Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the Okavango Delta to the opulent indulgence of Feline Fields Lodge in the starkly beautiful Kalahari, we do romantic exceptionally well.

Of course, we're ably assisted by Mother Nature who provides a tapestry of "wow" moments each and every day, from sensational sunrises to spectacular sunsets and everything in between. Add to this our talented and ever-attentive team of staff who are able to help you plan magical interludes in a dazzling array of beautiful locations and you know your safari is going to hit the mark better than cupid's bow ever could!

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp, love is in the air, literally. On the banks of the Khwai River, nature has created a canvas of tranquillity and raw beauty that's hard to beat, providing a backdrop for a plethora of intimate gestures that echo the romance of this incredibly charismatic place.

At Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari, nature's simplicity encourages genuine connections and romantic gestures find their place organically, as nature intended. In a place that's far from everywhere and redefines the meaning of remote, love flourishes.

From quiet bush breakfasts overlooking the wilderness to surprise picnic lunches in secluded spots and dinners à deux beneath a canopy of stars, the stage is set for shared adventures and lifetime memories... A bottle of bubbly on ice... An engagement ring in the bottom of a Champagne glass... A "yes" to the rest of your lives together... A special place for a special moment that we're privileged to provide you with.

We welcome lovers of all ages, of course, not just those embarking on their journey. If you're celebrating a milestone anniversary, or thinking of renewing your vows quietly, surrounded by the African wilderness, the magic is just as special.

Love in a wild place

Game drives become more than wildlife encounters; they transform into heart-melting moments... A simple meal shared in an untamed landscape becomes a romantic gesture... A shared pair of binoculars to observe distant wildlife or a spontaneous hand-holding moment under the shade of an acacia tree can deepen the connection.

A gentle morning walk leading to a hidden spot where a blanket is laid out for a quiet, private repast can rekindle the flames. The rustle of leaves overhead and the ever-present birdsong provide a natural soundtrack to moments of closeness and shared laughter.

As the sun dips below the horizon a surprise sundowner in a secret spot can elevate the experience as the sky is painted a thousand shades of orange and the last light of day fades.

Under the star-studded night sky, a campfire becomes a focal point for shared stories and stolen kisses. The flickering flames provide an intimate setting for a nightcap, creating a space where the outside world fades, leaving only the warmth of the fire and the closeness of two hearts.

As you bid the day farewell by lantern light, stories shared echo the timeless tales of the bush, becoming as much a part of the journey as the captivating landscapes surrounding them.

These things are just a taste of what it's like to be in love in Africa with Feline Fields. So, please get in touch and let's chat about a romantic safari for you and your significant other!

Summer - the season of plenty

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 11:00:33 GMT

It's one of the best times to be in the bush

Don't be fooled by the rumour that our summer season - from December to March - is a no-no for a great safari. Far from it, the "green" or "emerald" season is one of the best times to stay with us, especially if you're a keen birder or want to take amazing photos of baby animals! Read on to find out more...

There's a popular misconception that summers in Botswana should be avoided. While the winter, or dry season is largely regarded as the best time for game viewing in Southern Africa, our rainy season is just magnificent, offering one thing the parched, dusty landscapes of winter doesn't - colour! And every shade of green imaginable!

The summer skies are filled with migrant bird species, the grasses are tall and lush, the trees in fruit and the waterlilies in full bloom... And there's new life everywhere, with baby animals aplenty at every turn. The emerald season is a photographer's dream, with fabulous light and rich colours making it just superlative. Add in the treat of spectacular summer storms and the chance to capture lightning on camera and you have a real winner.

Yes, it's the rainy season, which is the cause of all this marvellous lushness and verdant explosion of life, so you'll most likely get the odd downpour and nature's amazing light shows when storms brew. It can get a little on the hot side of things as well, especially when it's building up to a storm, but the bonuses far outweigh the negatives.

The afternoons often see the build-up of expansive cumulonimbus clouds, a prelude to impending rain. Cascading downpours are to be savoured as they are considered a blessing - this is "pula" - life-bringing rain and it comes with its own unique scent - petrichor - the fragrance of African summer, produced when rain falls on parched earth.

As night falls, you are treated to a fireworks display, African-style, where lightning illuminates the wilderness, accompanied by resounding thunder and a rhythmic dance of raindrops.

Lots of predator action

Of course, because the bush is so thick and lustrous, it can make game viewing more challenging, but that doesn't mean that the wildlife isn't there to be seen! Indeed, predator action during the summer months is exceptional, with the downside being that baby animals are often top of the menu.

As rain breathes life into the Kalahari, its dry surface bursts with vitality. Teeming with diverse life forms, the desert becomes a prime destination, featuring green, grassy panoramas adorned with abundant newborn antelope. Large gatherings of zebra, springbok, and gemsbok, accompanied by the ever-watchful presence of predators, especially lions, are commonplace.

The rainy season also invites a myriad of birdlife to the Kalahari, including migrant species as well as flocks of flamingos that descend upon newly formed pans.

The Okavango Delta is adorned with hundreds of wattled cranes and African skimmers, offering breathtaking moments for birders and photographers. These experiences, unique to the Okavango and Kalahari during this season, create memories of a lifetime.

Time to relax

By March summer is in full transition to autumn as temperatures cool, and rains diminish. Afternoons become moody with scattered showers, providing an ideal backdrop for scenic photographers. Zebra dazzles persist in the Kalahari, and huge herds of elephant move into the Okavango Delta in search of ripened marula tree fruit.

Of course, the longer days of summer mean more time to enjoy your safari and experience what Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields Lodge have to offer in between activities. In the Okavango this can mean sitting with a pair of binoculars on the verandah of your tent indulging in some serious birding, or curling up in the lounge to read that book you've had for months but not had time to read.

In the Kalahari there's so much to do you're spoiled for choice. Whether it's cooling off in the refreshing lap pool, hitting a few golf balls to keep your swing in top condition or indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment. Or just laying back on a lounger and watching clouds form in the brilliantly blue summer sky.

So chat to us about a summer safari - we promise you won't be disappointed!

Kalahari - a mystical marvel

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:32:12 GMT

Get your just deserts at Feline Fields Lodge

It's an ancient land that covers a vast, 900,000 square kilometres of Southern Africa, encompassing virtually all of Botswana, roughly a third of neighbouring Namibia and stretching south to the northernmost tip of South Africa's Northern Province. Meet the Kalahari - a desert like no other that's filled with life and incredible safari experiences...

First up, let's do a spot of science. The Okavango is an inland alluvial fan or endorheic delta formed by a river system that instead of emptying into the sea, flushes its waters into the sands of the Kalahari basin. The entire delta floods every year in the dry winter months in what's known as the annual inundation, caused by rains in the catchment area of the Okavango River in the Angolan highlands region during the summer months (December to February).

The rains slowly drain into the river, reaching the north of the delta in late April before spreading south over the next few months, reaching its peak in the southern most parts around Maun in August. The area around the Khwai River on the eastern edge of the delta rises during the inundation, but is blessed with permanent lagoons and channels, creating a year-round wetland region.

It's these areas of permanent water that attract such a wide variety of wildlife and offer exceptional game viewing throughout the year, as well as the opportunity to explore the channels by mokoro - a traditional dug-out style canoe that's poled from the rear by an experienced guide.

This, then, is the incredible natural canvas on which Feline Fields Vintage Camp has been created.

Life on the dry side

The region of the Kalahari in which we work is one well known by local communities of San Bushmen, Africa's "First People" whose traditional way of life has been shaped by these dry and arid thirstlands. They manage to survive in this challenging environment by working with nature, rather than against it, looking at the way wildlife survives and adapting skills and techniques to meet their needs as hunter-gatherers.

We have taken their lead in creating Feline Fields Lodge, adapting to the wilderness around us and allowing it to guide and inform us. The only change we made was to introduce permanent water through boreholes, tapping into the subterranean resources that allow life to exist in the Kalahari dunes. In doing so we have transformed the environment around the lodge, improving the number of bird species we see and providing waterholes for the elephants and other wildlife that passes through, which it does on a regular basis.

You won't see the diversity of species that you do in the Okavango at Feline Fields Vintage Camp, but you will see desert-adapted animals and plants found nowhere else and desert-dwelling specialists that make living in such a harsh climate look easy.

Complete immersion

The secret superpower of the Kalahari is its ability to seep beneath your skin and tug at your soul, humbling you while encouraging you to fall helplessly in love with it at the same time. Spending time in this incredible place is a tonic for body, mind and spirit and immerses you so completely in an authentic wilderness experience that you will never want to leave.

We've taken that superpower and turned it into wonderful activities and experiences that help you absorb the essence of the desert and its many faces. From life-changing sleepouts under billions of glittering stars that literally envelop you in the Kalahari night to walking safaris with the local San Bushmen, learning their survival secrets and traditions as you go, a Kalahari safari at Feline Fields Lodge is guaranteed to change the way you look at the world.

The Kalahari is a natural retreat - a sanctuary that's so far removed from the everyday that it makes extraordinary look tame. This is where you connect with the planet beneath your feet in a unique way, by exploring, discovering and unlocking its secrets, one day at a time. And by doing so you inevitably find yourself!

To really understand the life force that makes the Kalahari so special, you need to come and see it for yourself, with a stay at Feline Fields Lodge. So get in touch and let's get a conversation started!

Oh-so Okavango!

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 07:28:13 GMT

It's an African wilderness in a class of its own...

When you stay at Feline Fields Vintage Camp, you're heading into the heart of one of Africa's most celebrated wild places - the Okavango Delta. A vast landscape of seasonal floodplains, permanent swamps and lush wetlands that's home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the continent, it offers an overall safari experience quite unlike any other. Let's find out why...

This, then, is the incredible natural canvas on which Feline Fields Vintage Camp has been created.

In the thick of things

Strung out along the banks of a permanent channel of the Khwai River, the pioneer-style bell tents that make up Feline Fields Vintage Camp are designed to immerse guests completely into the lush and verdant environment that surrounds them.

This is one of the best-loved areas of the Okavango's eastern reaches and is inhabited by some of Africa's most iconic wildlife species as well as spectacular trees and plants that have made this pristine wetland their home, adapting their lifecycles to coincide with the annual inundation.

Renowned for its predators, there are high concentrations of lion, leopard, cheetah, painted wolf (African wild dog) and hyena here. The channels and lagoons are home to large pods of hippo, crocodiles aplenty and lots of fish, from tilapia, bream and bass to tiger fish.

This makes the region a magnet for fish-eating birds like fish eagles, kingfishers and the enigmatic Pel's fishing owl. Indeed, birding in the Khwai region is spectacular all year round, but especially in the summer months when the migrant species are present. More than 500 species have been recorded in the area.

You'll also find plenty of plains game here, from antelopes like red lechwe, impala, kudu, waterbuck and sable to zebra and giraffe. This is an elephant stronghold and you can expect to see lots of solitary bulls as well as large breeding herds, as well as huge herds of buffalo.

Water activities all year round

The Khwai River region of the Okavango Delta stays lush and wet all year round with water levels sufficient to offer mokoro and boat-based safaris at times when camps and lodges in other parts of the Delta can't. The water is gin-clear, making for exceptional fishing both by humans (on a catch and release basis) and the myriad birds and animals who enjoy fish as part of their diet. Feline Fields Vintage Camp bases a lot of its activities around the river, lagoons and channels, including floating drinks stops and picnic lunches, which are especially welcome in the heat of the day when cooling off is just the ticket.

Mokoro excursions are always a favourite as guests get to experience the sensation of gliding effortlessly along reed-lined channels in these traditional canoes. In days of old the mokoros were hewn by hand from local trees, but today they are increasingly made from fibreglass, helping to preserve the Delta's large trees.

Being low to the water, navigating almost silently save for the gentle splashes made by the pole that's deftly driven from the rear, being used by the standing guide to propel the mokoro forward and steer, it's the perfect stealth approach to birding and game watching, offering you a unique viewpoint on the wilderness around you. It's also one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the Okavango!

So, come and visit us a Feline Fields Vintage Camp and discover all of the things that make the Okavango so unique and special. And how Feline Fields is redefining safaris in this incredible part of wild Africa! Get in touch with us to find out more and make an enquiry.

The secret to a sensational safari...

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:21:20 GMT

Want the perfect adventure? Slow things down!

We're constantly asked what we think makes a safari special and there's a really easy answer to that question - time! A safari is something that needs to be savoured, it needs to be experienced languidly, allowing you to take in every nuance of your surroundings and truly absorb the spirit of the African wilderness. Here's why...

We're advocates of slow safaris - African vacations where you forego the need to rush through a packed itinerary filled with short stays at lots of places, opting instead for spending more time in fewer destinations. It's the rule of less is more, with less time spent travelling between camps and lodges and more time spent immersing yourself in where you are, choosing one or two camps and lodges that you want to stay at and really experience in a meaningful way.

Slowing things down enables you to do so much more, and really appreciate where you are in the world, because it rids you of the pressure of constant travelling and moving around, allowing you to actually relax and switch off. Feline Fields is blessed in this respect because our two beautiful destinations - Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the Khwai region of the Okavango Delta and Feline Fields Lodge in the heart of the Kalahari - are designed to get you to unplug from your routine and discover the meaning of "Africa time".

What is Africa time? It's the law of "just now" - where timekeeping becomes less important as you indulge yourself in the luxury of "being" while allowing time to pass naturally and without undue consideration. Things get done, but at a slower, more manageable (and infinitely more enjoyable) pace.

Take it easy

A slow safari creates its own sense of luxury as you stop trying to manage your days according to a timetable and start to allow nature to take the lead, feeling your circadian rhythms adjust accordingly! The days are yours to do with as you please. If you want to sleep late rather than go out on a morning activity, there's no FOMO. If you want to stay in camp or at the lodge and do very little, you're MORE than welcome to!

Practically, spending five or six days in two places makes for a less frenetic trip because it allows you to unpack properly! You'll be amazed how much more relaxed you feel when you finally get to empty your bag, hang your clothes, and organise yourselves properly, knowing you haven't got to get everything back in the bag just 48 hours later. You can make yourselves at home. And that makes a huge difference to your mindset because it's OK to just kick-back and relax and not have the pressure of mentally preparing to get on the road again.

Discover more

You also get to properly understand your location and explore it in more depth. In the case of Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields Lodge, you couldn't get two more different destinations, both of which are more than worthy of discovering in detail. Having the time to really immerse yourself in the Khwai region of the Okavango Delta opens up a world of understanding a few short days only really glosses over. Ditto Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari where the world really is your oyster and remote takes on new meaning.

As you slow down, you begin to recognise landmarks and features, absorb more knowledge from your guide as you ask more questions, spend more time just watching and "feeling" the ancient rhythms of the African wilderness. You feel a change in body, mind and soul as true relaxation sets in and stress makes a rapid exit.

Quality time

On a social level you have the time to get to know our wonderful people and the members of our local communities. You are also able to reconnect with your special someone or family members and spend quality time with them in a completely natural and unhurried way.

You get to choose how active you want to be without feeling guilty. Do everything there is to do, or nothing at all - it's your safari, after all!

That's the REAL secret to a sensational safari - remembering that it's your time, that you've worked hard for. So don't be shy about spending five, six or seven days in both Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields Lodge. We promise you it's more than worth it!

Get in touch and let's chat about your slow safari options and we hope to welcome you to Botswana very soon!

The art of packing for your safari

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 14:10:28 GMT

What to bring and what to leave behind!

You're excited. You're coming to Africa to spend time with us at Feline Fields, but a conundrum presents itself... You have a big wardrobe and a small bag. How are you going to distil the one into the other? What goes and what stays? What will you need and what is superfluous? Let's delve into the weird and wonderful world of packing for an African safari and give you some pointers...

The first question that needs answering is the bag. Why does it have to be so small? When you've got 14 large travellers and their luggage piling into a small plane it's not hard to do the maths where both weight and dimensions are concerned. As a result, there are definite rules and recommendations regarding your luggage.

The good news is that most small plane operators allow up to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage, including hand baggage, onto the connecting flights between camps. The trick is the type of bags that are allowed and the general dimensions of those bags. Your luggage should have soft sides and be easily squished into small spaces. So, a backpack or duffel style of bag is the order of the day. As a guide, it should be in the following ballpark where dimensions are concerned:

30cm (11,8 inches) wide

35cm (13,8 inches) high

70cm (27,5 inches) long

A good tip here is that some airlines request that soft bags have firm, flat bottoms for luggage conveyor purposes and if your bag doesn't have one, you may have to have it wrapped pre-flight with a temporary cardboard base. So, check with your airlines before leaving home regarding their rules for soft sided bags.

Another good tip is to get a bag that's strong enough to withstand rough handling. Believe us, at various points during your trip your bags will be variously thrown, shoved, dropped, wedged, nudged, kicked, and otherwise jostled into position by the luggage handling folks behind the scenes in airports across the world. Concealed zips are a good idea for this reason. And strong seams/webbing.

You've got your bag. Now what?

It's time to organise your gear. That's what. Let's start with what you're NOT going to need on safari. You are not going to need high heeled shoes, designer gowns, suits, ties, dress shirts, formal trousers, bling, and lots of makeup. You can ditch the hair straighteners, curling irons, and hairdryers too. You need to go "au naturel" in the African wilderness!

When it comes to clothing, there are a few simple guidelines to follow. The first relates to colours. The last thing you want to do in the bush is stand out. So, opt for neutral, earth tones like khaki (the colour of choice when it comes to safaris), brown, beige, taupe, cream, grey, muted greens, etc. You can add some pastels - blue and pink work well. Try to avoid too many dark colours, especially black and blues, as these can attract biting insects that mistake you for a buffalo!

The second clothing guideline relates to material and fit. In the bush we dress for comfort, not fashion. So loose and cool is generally the way to go for most of the year. That said, thanks to the advances in technology where fabric is concerned, and the advent of lightweight, breathable stretch fabrics, you can go skin-tight in comfort these days.

Notice we said "most of the year" in that previous paragraph? That's because in our southern hemisphere winter, from June to August each year, things can get rather chilly and actually, downright cold. While the days are generally pleasant and warm (and definitely shorts and T-shirt weather) the early mornings and evenings can be biting, especially when you're on an open game viewing vehicle. So, you will need long trousers, closed shoes, a puffer jacket or fleece, some warm sweaters, a beanie hat, scarf, and gloves. Layered clothing is best for this time of year.

Packing it in

Here's an idea of a good selection of clothing and other items to put in your safari bag...

Ladies

Cotton T-shirts (three or four)
Tank tops (two or three)
String strap vests (two or three)
Selection of shorts, cargo pants, long trousers, yoga pants
Comfortable bras/sport bras (safaris can be bumpy!) and undies
A couple of long-sleeved tops/sweaters
A lightweight long-sleeved shirt to wear over a tank top/string strap top
Comfortable walking shoes/boots and socks
Flips flops/flat sandals
Swimsuit and sarong
Pashmina and lightweight scarf
Warm jacket for morning and evening game drives (winter months)
Gloves, scarf, and beanie hat (winter months)
Sunscreen/insect repellant
Sunglasses and sun hat
Binoculars
Kindle/iPad/book/smartphone
Camera gear
Toiletries

Gentlemen:

Cotton T-shirts (three or four)
Selection of shorts, cargo pants, long trousers
Comfortable underwear
A couple of long-sleeved tops/sweaters
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts
Comfortable walking shoes/boots and socks
Flips flops/flat sandals
Swimsuit
Warm jacket for morning and evening game drives (winter months)
Gloves, scarf, and beanie hat (winter months)
Sunscreen/insect repellant
Binoculars
Sunglasses and sun hat
Kindle/iPad/book/smartphone
Camera gear
Toiletries

Getting your gear into your bag really is a matter of personal preference. Some like to roll their clothing (a useful hack), some like to use travel cubes or similar luggage organisers (also an excellent option, especially for the more organised traveller!). A hot hack is to set all of your clothing out on a table or bed in "sections" and pack it section by section.

Don't forget to keep a set of clothing in your carry-on bag, just in case your airline neglects to deliver your luggage at the same time as you! And when it comes to toiletries and especially medicines, always bring a little more than you need just in case. With medicines, it's also a good idea to carry copies of prescriptions in case you are asked what things are for by customs and immigration officials. And, of course, whatever you do, don't forget your passport!

See you soon!