November 27, 2024by Sasha Ella

Bonding, learning, lifelong memories

Holidays are meant to be shared with loved ones

Sometimes we need to get off the daily treadmill of life. The only real way to relax and recharge is to head off on a holiday, and there is nothing better than an African safari to help you unwind. Combining stunning natural landscapes, close encounters with wildlife, a break from daily routines along with interactive experiences, is the ideal escape for families of all ages. Sharing the excitement of spotting wildlife, storytelling around a fire under a star-lit sky and joint adventures help create unforgettable, lifelong memories.

At Mantis, Africa is our home. It is part of our DNA. Our hand-picked eco-lodges, waterways and curated eco-escapes offer luxurious but responsible travel. We take you on journeys of discovery that come alive through our guides – who are proud locals, raised on the continent, with a depth of knowledge they cannot wait to share with you. They are passionate about Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces, their heritage and culture and the diversity that makes Africa unique. This combination translates into incredible outdoor classroom experiences, with adventures around every corner, no matter what your age.

It is never too early to begin exploring the world ~ Unknown

A slow pace

There’s something soothing and tranquil about waking up at first light to the sound of animals stirring as they start their day to a beautiful sunrise. Embrace the new found freedom of having only a game drive, lazy afternoon snooze, delicious candlelit dinner and stargazing on your ‘to do’ list for the day. Even better, everything is organised, all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

For youngsters (and the young at heart) a day out in the fresh air and African bushveld, viewing animals in their natural environment, is a fascinating adventure. See animals – such as elephants, giraffes, lions, monkeys, warthogs, leopards and birds – up close. It provides you with a fresh perspective of the world and the interconnectivity of all living things.

Travel is rich with learning opportunities and the ultimate souvenir is a broader perspective ~ Rick Steves

Nature’s playground

Our guides and staff are knowledgeable who share important and interesting information about conservation and the symbiotic relationship between man and beast. This includes the impact – both positive and negative – we have on our environment, visible as you drive through the ever-changing landscapes that include wetlands, large escarpments, mountains, grasslands and forests.

Sharpen your game-spotting skills. There is nothing more exciting than ‘seeing through’ the vegetation and camouflage in search of the Big 5 and other endemic species. Game drives or walking safaris are the perfect backdrop to learn more about the delicate balance of ecosystems, understand the realities of conservation efforts and come to appreciate the importance of protecting wildlife.

Together, as a family, you can enjoy hands-on activities such as identifying animal tracks, different birds or even perhaps learn some quirky collective nouns as you encounter a tower of giraffe, a crash of rhinos, a bloat of hippos, an implausibility of wildebeest, a committee of vultures … and so much more.

Guides can also talk you through the various parenting styles and etiquette of the animal kingdom which is bound to resonate with some of the ‘older’ generation. These experiences have a way of bringing everyone together, in a shared sense of discovery and fascination, strengthening family bonds.

Let our curiosity, adventure and wonder of life never end ~ Akiane Kramarik

People and places

A safari is primarily about seeing different animals but it is also a time to learn about different cultures and traditions. Staff, who live in surrounding villages and are from the communities in which we operate, are proud to share their heritage and culture.

Our community outreach initiatives and experiences showcase indigenous practices and cultural diversity. Whether it’s learning to forage with the Bushmen or beading at a community project, participate in traditional dancing or listen to the elders tell their stories passed down through generations, it all provides a deeper understanding of how locals live in harmony with nature.

The more you travel and see, the more you believe that what binds us together is greater than what tears us apart ~ Bear Grylls

Improvise, adapt, overcome

Looking for a bit more of an adrenalin-filled adventure? Then we challenge the youngsters to ‘take on’ Bear Grylls. His motto: Courage, kindness and never give up!

Founders Lodge by Mantis in South Africa is home to the Bear Grylls Survival Academy experience, offering a range of exciting and educational activities designed to teach youngsters essential survival skills. Key activities, overseen by experienced guides, include:

Survival techniques (learning key skills such as building shelters, making fires and finding food and water in the wild), dynamic self-rescue to test your ability to navigate and survive in challenging environments, obstacle courses that include physical challenges that mimic real-life survival scenarios and team building to solve problems and learn about the local flora and fauna.

While the youngsters are learning to ‘survive’, you can go on a guided drive or walking safari within the 25 000ha reserve to see the Big 5, or the entire family can join the rangers on the rhino observation and monitoring programme. This includes supplementing this endangered species feed while observing and recording vital information for the research database, which includes the condition and behaviour of the rhinos. Guests – of any age – are welcome.

Teaching kids to count is fine but teaching them what counts is best ~ Bob Talbert

Unplugging

Due to the remote location of many of our properties, there is limited mobile service, creating a perfect environment to unplug and take a digital detox. Pack away your devices and reconnect with nature. Opt for some fun board games, have a competition to spot and identify animals and birds, chill next to the pool or have a massage … there are a host of activities on offer, some more energetic than others!

My ideal travel companions are my family ~ Pharrell Williams

Creating Lasting Memories

An African safari is a full-sensory experience … from the excitement of spotting your first wild animal to seeing a lioness stalk through the grass, watching elephants play in a watering hole, hearing hippos honk and the cry of the fish eagle to the peaceful beauty of the horizon at sunset. These shared experiences not only help you regroup, recharge and reconnect but also create memories that will be shared and cherished for generations.

It’s about exploring together, letting nature be your playground and the wilderness your teacher.

Happiness is finding new places with the ones who make you feel most at home