Top 10 things to do at Feline Fields Lodge

Make sure you tick these activities off your list during your stay

You've arrived! And Feline Fields Lodge is so much more than you anticipated - spread across an achingly vast Kalahari landscape that's had you fascinated on your inbound journey, mostly because of its lack of a clearly visible human presence. So now you're here, and settling into your gorgeous accommodation, it's time to plan what you're going to do during your stay, and there's a lot to choose from, as this handy guide will explain...

It's a lot to take in all at once, so let's map out some of the best things to do while you're with us at Feline Fields Lodge so that you can plan ahead, in good old-fashioned organised traveller fashion...

1. An evening with the Bushmen

Spend an evening around the firepit listening to the stories of our local San Bushmen - the Ju/'hoansi. Working through an interpreter, you are free to ask questions and learn all about their fascinating and ancient way of life as hunter gatherers and the First People of Africa. Charming, engaging and wonderfully welcoming, the Bushmen are completely at home in the Kalahari and will share some of their intricate knowledge of life in this challenging environment that's been passed down over the generations. 

2. Cycling expeditions

Every guest at Feline Fields Lodge gets a "fat bike" with super-wide tyres to help navigate the soft Kalahari sand. This makes the Kalahari your oyster as you can venture out on your bike to explore the area around the lodge, following roads and game paths as you go. A guide will accompany you if you like to interpret the environment around you and show you interesting endemic plants and animals. Go out for the morning, or make a day of it, stopping en-route for lunch and refreshments.

3. Horse riding

Saddle up for some real excitement and head out into the rolling savannah and scrubland that makes the Kalahari so special. Our horses have been hand-picked for their quiet temperament and adaptability to the semi-desert environment and are responsive to people of all competency levels, from complete beginners to experienced and more advanced riders. Children are led on leading reins on short circuits around the lodge while the more adventurous can head out with a guide to explore further afield. You can ride for an hour, a morning or a full-day - the choice is yours. Plan your trail with our guides and we can include a stop for lunch or sundowners en-route.

4. Tennis

Channel your inner Roger Federer and take to Feline Fields Lodge's Kalahari Centre Court for some hot tennis action! See if you can beat our resident champion, guide Mandela Lekelandi, and claim the FFL title - we may not have a fancy trophy but we do provide wonderful refreshments and impartial umpires! Bring your own racquets or use the selection we have at the lodge. Don't forget your hats and sunscreen, and we'll make sure you stay hydrated in between games!

5. Spa therapies

Take advantage of our in-house masseuse and indulge in some soothing massages in the comfort of your room, using Africology's range of exceptional essential oils, all made ethically from local African plants that have grown here for countless millennia. Choose to enjoy your massages and wellness rituals out on your private deck overlooking the wilderness or inside - the choice is yours! Just relax and let the healing hands of our wonderful therapist work their magic, restoring body, mind and soul in the process.

6. Walking

Head out into the wilderness of the Kalahari with the San Bushmen as your guides, learning some of the ancient knowledge they have accumulated over the ages with regards to finding water in underground tubers, making fire with only dry sticks and grass and tracking animals, reading the signs they leave behind as they move through this magical environment. Stop and spend time learning their traditional games, digging for roots and discovering the healing properties of plants. We usually walk in the early mornings to avoid the heat of the day. Remember your hat and sunscreen, and we'll supply you with refreshing water and your drinks of choice en-route so that you stay hydrated.

7. Game drives

Explore further afield on a guided game drive, venturing out into the Kalahari to learn more about the geology and eco-systems around you. Stop to find out about specific plants and trees, to identify and watch a myriad birds and spot local wildlife, such as common duikers, gemsbok, impala and zebra. We occasionally see elephant, as well as ostriches and even the odd leopard and honeybadger, especially on evening drives. The birding around the lodge is also good, especially close to our waterhole. If you'd like to do a full-day drive, let us know and we will pack a picnic lunch for you.

8. Kalahari sleepout

During your stay you simply have to experience the magic of sleeping out under the stars. We set up a special sleepout camp not far from the lodge and head out in the late afternoon, enjoying sundowners out in the Kalahari before having a bush dinner. After dinner it's time to freshen up and retire to wonderful beds set up under sheer mosquito nets, giving you the chance to marvel at the Milky Way before falling asleep to the sounds of the African night. We wake at dawn the following morning for coffee around the fire before heading back to the lodge for breakfast.

9. Golf & Gym

That's right! You can practice your swing while staying at Feline Fields Lodge, thanks to our Kalahari mini driving range. We have clubs and balls available for use during your stay so you can keep things on par while you are on vacation! And if all of our wonderful food and relaxation is making you feel a tad guilty, we have a fabulously equipped gym just behind the lodge that's available for guests to use to keep in shape and work off the holiday excesses! 

10. Visit the Feline Fields Trust playgroup at Kaure

Take a drive through the Kalahari to the village of Kaure and visit the playgroup established by the Feline Fields Trust to help pre-school children from the remote communities we share the Kalahari with. Learn how we are helping to improve the opportunities for these children by giving them an excellent grounding before they go to "big" school, laying the foundation for the next generation and possible future leaders of Botswana.

The final thing, which isn't officially part of this list but is a must, is to do absolutely nothing! Just sit back, relax, take in the incredible surroundings and soak up the marvellous energy of this amazing place. Swim, sunbathe, sleep and enjoy. And come back and see us again for more of the same!