A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

Winona Griggs

A Luxury Adventure in Botswana: An Unforgettable Getaway

Botswana, a breathtaking country in southern Africa, is home to some of the most picturesque landscapes and diverse wildlife on the planet. When you’re craving a once-in-a-lifetime luxury escape, Botswana is the destination that will exceed all your expectations.

Imagine waking up to the melodious songs of exotic birds, surrounded by lush greenery and serene waters. Botswana offers this and more, making it the ultimate getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

As you embark on your journey, you will be captivated by the majestic Okavango Delta, a vast inland river delta that never fails to astonish visitors. With its labyrinth of channels and lush islands, it is a true wildlife haven. Take a mokoro canoe safari and glide through the crystal-clear waters, observing elephants, hippos, and a plethora of colorful birdlife.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. The Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant population, is a must-visit destination. Immerse yourself in the wild as you embark on a game drive, encountering lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and so much more. The adrenaline rush and sense of wonder you’ll experience are unmatched.

Your luxury accommodations, nestled within these stunning natural environments, will provide you with the utmost comfort and exclusivity. Whether you choose a luxury tented camp, a boutique lodge, or a secluded safari lodge, you’ll find yourself immersed in an unmatched sense of tranquility.

Beyond the awe-inspiring landscapes and luxurious accommodations, Botswana offers a deep connection to its rich cultural heritage. Engage with local communities and learn about their traditions and way of life. From vibrant dances to traditional arts and crafts, immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Botswana’s cultural mosaic.

When it comes to culinary delights, Botswana will tantalize your taste buds with a fusion of flavors and influences. Savor delicious dishes prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and allow your taste buds to embark on a journey of their own.

So, if you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, Botswana awaits. Let the splendor of its landscapes, the thrill of its wildlife encounters, and the warmth of its people create memories that will last a lifetime. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable luxury getaway in the heart of Botswana.

A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

Welcome to Feline Fields, a family-owned business where we take pride in providing a personalized experience just for you.

Our first accommodation option is our luxury boutique safari lodge nestled in the Kalahari. It took us four years to build, and it’s now the most remote lodge in Botswana. If you’re looking for an authentic out-of-Africa safari experience, our second option is the Khwai River mobile campsite in the Okavango Delta. It consists of eight double tents and offers a truly immersive adventure.

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So, let me tell you about my own adventure. I started by leaving Johannesburg and embarking on a 1,150 km drive to Maun. It may sound like a long journey, but the highways were well-maintained and made the drive easy. Of course, if you prefer, there are also commercial flights available to Maun.

When I reached Maun, I crossed the border at the efficient Groblersbrug border post. Then, I spent my first night in Serowe before continuing on to Maun.

Now, let me introduce you to our Khwai River campsite.

A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

The next day, I hopped on a chartered flight to get to the camps in the Khwai River concession. If you have a 4×4, you can opt for a bumpy road adventure that takes around 2.5 hours. But let me tell you, the flight offers a breathtaking aerial view of the Delta and the chance to see herds of animals from above.

When I landed, I was greeted by an amazing ranger named Tebo and our friendly Bushman tracker, Kannetjies. They showed us the way to the beautiful tents nestled in the thick bush. These tents are like a time machine, transporting you to a glamorous past while still providing all the modern comforts like hot showers, cellphone chargers, and delicious cuisine worthy of a Master Chef.

While I wasn’t particularly obsessed with finding the Big Five, I was eager to immerse myself in the bush and learn about local legends. And let me tell you, Tebo and Kannetjies delivered! We spotted leopards, rhinos, and buffalo, and had the privilege of observing elephant breeding herds for hours on end. One of the highlights was taking a relaxing guided Mokoro trip right past our camp, where we got to learn all about The Little Five.

When I first arrived at Khwai Camp, I was immediately struck by the overwhelming sense of tranquility that surrounded me. It felt as if I had stepped into a place where the line between the present moment and what lies beyond was almost imperceptible, just like the Celts describe a “thin place.” In this magical sanctuary, the boundaries between the natural world and us humans seemed to melt away, creating a space where we could truly connect with the wonders of nature and find inner peace.

A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

Wow, what an incredible trip it was! We spent three amazing days at the Feline Fields Kalahari Lodge. I have to say, it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

On the last day, we had to say goodbye to the wonderful staff who made our stay so memorable. We hopped on a plane back to Maun, but this time we took the scenic route. And guess what? It was Kannetjies’s first-ever flight! I have to admit, he wasn’t too fond of the idea. In fact, he declared, ‘Never again!’ quite vehemently!

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Get Ready to be Amazed at the Feline Fields Kalahari Lodge

A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

I was lucky enough to be driven by Tebo to Feline Fields Kalahari Lodge. It was a relatively easy 4×4 journey that took about 3.5 hours. We got there quite late in the evening because we had to slow down for some honey badgers and a porcupine who seemed to think they owned the road! (Of course, you can always drive yourself or even take a helicopter flight if you prefer).

When we arrived at the lodge, it was truly a sight to behold. Our initial excitement quickly turned to wonder as we took in the stunning architecture and style of the place. We’ve stayed in many hotels all over the world, but none of them compare to the beauty and elegance of this lodge. The highlight for us was the 25m lap pool, which seemed to magically appear out of nowhere and was beautifully illuminated.

A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

When I arrived at Feline Fields, I couldn’t help but be blown away by the sheer beauty and elegance of the place. With eight different chalets available, each offering a unique and luxurious experience, there was something for everyone.

The chalet my friends and I stayed in was absolutely stunning. It had two floors, with a gorgeous bathroom that offered all the comforts of home. But what really set it apart was the rooftop deck, complete with an enclosed tent. It was the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kalahari. And if you wanted to sleep under the stars, there was even a comfy double bed up there.

But the real highlight of our stay was the private swimming pool. It was the epitome of luxury, and we spent countless hours lounging by the poolside, soaking up the sun and enjoying the tranquility of our surroundings.

And when it came to dining, Feline Fields truly delivered. The food was exceptional, with a menu inspired by modern French cuisine. The ingredients were fresh and flavorful, with many of the herbs and vegetables grown right on the premises. It was incredible to think that in the middle of the Kalahari, we were enjoying dishes like salmon, strawberries, kiwis, and decadent desserts. And to top it all off, everything was expertly prepared by an in-house chef.

Overall, my experience at Feline Fields was nothing short of extraordinary. The accommodations were luxurious, the food was outstanding, and the service was impeccable. It was the perfect getaway, and I can’t wait to return.

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A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

I had the opportunity to visit a lodge in the Kalahari that went above and beyond to provide an array of unique activities. One of the highlights was a fascinating 2.5-hour walk with Kannetjies and his companion, where we delved into the Bushman way of life. During our time together, Kannetjies taught us essential skills like tracking, hunting, and surviving in the wild. We even discovered how to extract nourishment from plant bulbs and create fire. The passion and respect the Bushmen have for their environment left a lasting impression on me.

Another standout experience was going horseback riding with Mandela, who is affectionately known as the cowboy. As we rode through the stunning landscapes, Mandela shared captivating stories of his childhood, including his daily horseback rides to school and thrilling buffalo hunts alongside his grandfather. It was a true honor to spend time with someone so connected to nature.

For those seeking a more active stay, the lodge also offers bush bikes, a gym, and tennis courts. These options are perfect for working off any indulgences from the delicious food on offer. However, my preference was to take things a bit slower and relax.

I have to give a shout-out to the incredible staff at both locations. Let me tell you, not a single person there let me down. They all displayed a real passion and dedication to their work, making sure every little thing was taken care of with utmost care and precision.

A far-flung luxury stay in the heart of Botswana

I had an incredible experience creating unexpected surprises for our guests. It was our 43rd wedding anniversary, and when the staff found out, they went above and beyond to make our evening special. We were greeted with champagne and a bubble bath lit by candlelight, followed by a private dinner on our deck. As if that wasn’t enough, they even surprised us with a magnificent cake and serenaded us. It was truly unforgettable.

These surprises made our stay even more memorable.

After our amazing time at Feline Fields, we reluctantly returned to everyday life in Johannesburg. However, it will take us quite a while to process all of the incredible memories we made. Feline Fields is open year-round, offering a combination of lodge and campsite experiences, along with various activities for every season. It’s a place where you can disconnect from the busyness of life and rediscover what truly matters.

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