Living up to a famous name
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."
