How we celebrate beautiful Botswana

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.