The secret to a sensational safari...

We're constantly asked what we think makes a safari special and there's a really easy answer to that question - time! A safari is something that needs to be savoured, it needs to be experienced languidly, allowing you to take in every nuance of your surroundings and truly absorb the spirit of the African wilderness. Here's why...

We're advocates of slow safaris - African vacations where you forego the need to rush through a packed itinerary filled with short stays at lots of places, opting instead for spending more time in fewer destinations. It's the rule of less is more, with less time spent travelling between camps and lodges and more time spent immersing yourself in where you are, choosing one or two camps and lodges that you want to stay at and really experience in a meaningful way.

Slowing things down enables you to do so much more, and really appreciate where you are in the world, because it rids you of the pressure of constant travelling and moving around, allowing you to actually relax and switch off. Feline Fields is blessed in this respect because our two beautiful destinations - Feline Fields Vintage Camp in the Khwai region of the Okavango Delta and Feline Fields Lodge in the heart of the Kalahari - are designed to get you to unplug from your routine and discover the meaning of "Africa time".

What is Africa time? It's the law of "just now" - where timekeeping becomes less important as you indulge yourself in the luxury of "being" while allowing time to pass naturally and without undue consideration. Things get done, but at a slower, more manageable (and infinitely more enjoyable) pace.

Take it easy

A slow safari creates its own sense of luxury as you stop trying to manage your days according to a timetable and start to allow nature to take the lead, feeling your circadian rhythms adjust accordingly! The days are yours to do with as you please. If you want to sleep late rather than go out on a morning activity, there's no FOMO. If you want to stay in camp or at the lodge and do very little, you're MORE than welcome to! 

Practically, spending five or six days in two places makes for a less frenetic trip because it allows you to unpack properly! You'll be amazed how much more relaxed you feel when you finally get to empty your bag, hang your clothes, and organise yourselves properly, knowing you haven't got to get everything back in the bag just 48 hours later. You can make yourselves at home. And that makes a huge difference to your mindset because it's OK to just kick-back and relax and not have the pressure of mentally preparing to get on the road again.

Discover more

You also get to properly understand your location and explore it in more depth. In the case of Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields Lodge, you couldn't get two more different destinations, both of which are more than worthy of discovering in detail. Having the time to really immerse yourself in the Khwai region of the Okavango Delta opens up a world of understanding a few short days only really glosses over. Ditto Feline Fields Lodge in the Kalahari where the world really is your oyster and remote takes on new meaning.

As you slow down, you begin to recognise landmarks and features, absorb more knowledge from your guide as you ask more questions, spend more time just watching and "feeling" the ancient rhythms of the African wilderness. You feel a change in body, mind and soul as true relaxation sets in and stress makes a rapid exit. 

Quality time

On a social level you have the time to get to know our wonderful people and the members of our local communities. You are also able to reconnect with your special someone or family members and spend quality time with them in a completely natural and unhurried way. 

You get to choose how active you want to be without feeling guilty. Do everything there is to do, or nothing at all - it's your safari, after all!

That's the REAL secret to a sensational safari - remembering that it's your time, that you've worked hard for. So don't be shy about spending five, six or seven days in both Feline Fields Vintage Camp and Feline Fields Lodge. We promise you it's more than worth it!

Get in touch and let's chat about your slow safari options and we hope to welcome you to Botswana very soon!