Mantis – A leading, conservation-focused hotel group
Borne of Africa and inspiring the globe
Mantis is a leading, conservation-focused hotel group with curated hotels, eco-lodges and waterways experiences located all over the world. Sustainable travellers have been enjoying eco-tourism, safaris and adventure travel with Mantis since 2000. Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.
Whether small and intimate or vast and complex, on a sweeping African plain, beach-side escape or bustling city, each is an exceptional place for guests to find themselves. While uniquely different in the experiences they offer, all are linked through a collective obsession to be extraordinary, to be rare in a world that mass-produces sameness.
A hotel group focused on the future of travel and sustainability
Mantis is a boutique hospitality group that was founded by conservationist Adrian Gardiner in 2000, with its main focus predominantly in Africa and the Middle East. Mantis grew from Adrian’s vision to restore and rewild degraded farmland which he developed into a widely-acclaimed Private Game Reserve. This was the first private game reserve in the Eastern Cape and the beginning of eco-tourism in a poverty-stricken province that had few opportunities outside of commercial farming. Adrian and the Mantis team successfully created a place where man and nature could co-exist sustainably.
From this initial success, the Mantis model was then developed worldwide, understanding that consumers could use the Mantis portfolio as a mark of quality, consistency and character. Today the diverse portfolio of handpicked properties links up to create travel journeys, which offer guests the opportunity to experience the essence of the location in a setting of tailored luxury.
Rooted in conservation, Mantis pursues sustainable business practices and develops tourism products that are respectful of the environment and communities in which they operate.
What sets Mantis apart, from other hotel brands?
The ‘impact’ element that sets Mantis apart is intricately linked with our brand passions. Mantis has an Impact division dedicated to making a significant difference in conservation, sustainability, and community development.
We are committed to making a difference through legacy conservation projects and throughout our Mantis footprint, with initiatives that focus on sustainable conservation of wildlife and wilderness through community partnerships. Our projects are implemented, measured and monitored under the stewardship of Mantis’ impact division.
Impact Experiences
When travelling with Mantis, our guests inherently travel with purpose and become part of a conservation legacy. Focused on ecotourism and sustainable travel, Mantis offers immersive opportunities for our guests to make a real and lasting impact for wildlife and communities. Our guests are invited on this journey through unique impact experiences – sharing in the efforts, lessons and successes of our impact projects. Our philosophy of sustainable ecotourism is even reflected in our name, MANTIS: Man And Nature Together Is Sustainable.
Our Mantis Foundation – The CCFAÂ
Mantis’ foundation, the CCFA – Community Conservation Fund Africa – was set up to accelerate the progress of our impact projects. Formed from the collaboration between Mantis and Accor, the CCFA serves as a grant-giving and fundraising instrument to support our efforts in addressing social and environmental imbalances, and the growing conservation crisis, not only in Africa, but in the world.
A unique portfolio of hand-picked, experience-focused hotels
Mantis offers a portfolio of hand-picked, unique travel experiences across the globe. Our properties are experience-centric, giving guests access to rare encounters and destinations: wildlife safaris, community and culture immersion, remote destinations, and bustling city centers. Due to their vast differences in experiences, our hospitality offerings are categorized into 3 divisions; luxury hotels, eco-lodges and waterways.
Curated hotels
With no two alike, our curated hotels blend traditional hospitality and rich novel experiences. Guests are hosted in boutique hotels that are stylish yet homely, discreet yet personable.
Mantis Flagship: Mantis No5 Boutique Art Hotel
Eco-lodges
Our eco-lodges offer responsible explorations of destinations that are often off the beaten track. From savannah plains to ocean views and close encounters with wildlife; our guests enjoy luxurious interiors with an assurance that the world around them is preserved for the future.
Mantis Flagship: Mantis Founders Lodge
Waterways
Our waterway experiences are eco-sensitive houseboats that allow guests to see a spectacular display of wildlife on Africa’s Great Lakes while enjoying the comforts one can expect from a luxurious hotel
Mantis Flagship: Zambezi Queen by Mantis
Mantis Brand USP’s
Mantis has three main pillars which can be seen throughout all our hospitality offerings and can be felt through all of our staff. These passions encapsulate our ethos and form the golden thread which set Mantis apart in a world of sameness.
Passionate Conservationists
We foster a human and nature connection and inspire our guests to adopt our philosophy, by providing experiences that connect guests to nature, educate and enhance their perspective on life.
We care about our natural world, our wildlife and our communities, and we look for ways to help and educate others about conservation, wherever possible. We aspire to do better. We inspire our guests to do better.
Celebrating Locality
We celebrate the authenticity, heritage and culture of a destination through food, service and design. We are inspired by culture and diversity.
We believe in conserving tradition. We aim to introduce our guests to authentic destinations. We highlight and amplify the uniqueness of our lands. Our properties may differ in appearance and offering, but we are all linked through our passion of celebrating locality. This is our golden thread.
Sustainable Adventures
Luxury hospitality, but never at the expense of our planet. We promote adventures that have been carefully crafted and made available, without harming the natural world.
We upskill and employ local community members, support community projects that drive upliftment, and promote indigenous designers, artists and other local talent.
Guests enjoy a taste of sustainability through our environmentally-friendly amenities and experiential dining offerings.
