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Founders Lodge By Mantis
Wildlife Lodge
Our Rating
10.0
Founders Lodge by Mantis, once the private residence of Mantis Collection visionary Adrian Gardiner, offers a luxurious retreat in South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape. Set on a 400-hectare reserve with direct access to the Big 5 Shamwari Game Reserve, it promises an intimate wilderness experience.
The lodge's elegantly appointed accommodations overlook serene gardens, blending refined comfort with the untamed beauty of the surrounding bushveld. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a restful stay, while complimentary private parking enhances convenience. Guests can unwind in the shared lounge, sip drinks at the sophisticated bar, or relax on the terrace beside the year-round outdoor pool, immersed in the tranquil ambiance.
Exhilarating game drives on the adjacent Shamwari Game Reserve and guided walks across the private 400-hectare reserve offer immersive encounters with the region's iconic wildlife and pristine landscapes. The lodge's restaurant serves exquisite cuisine, showcasing fresh, local ingredients, with dining areas designed to complement the natural surroundings. A well-equipped gym is available for those seeking to stay active, and ironing facilities add a touch of thoughtful service.
Surrounded by the Eastern Cape's breathtaking scenery, Founders Lodge provides a seamless blend of heritage and luxury. Located 26 km from Lalibela Private Game Reserve, 28 km from Bushman Sands Golf Course, and 88 km from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, the lodge offers a paid airport shuttle service, ensuring effortless access to this exclusive safari haven.
Available Board
All Inclusive
Rooms & Suites
Suite
- Free WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Attached Bathroom
- Garden View
- Landmark View
- Patio
- Minibar
- Laptop Safe
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Extra Long Beds
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Towels
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Bedside Socket
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Fold-up Bed
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Hypoallergenic
- Linens
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Heating
- Telephone
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Toilet Paper
- Bathtub
- Bathroom
Beds: One queen bed
Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite consists of 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The unit features a mini-bar, garden views, a patio and chocolate is provided for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
The Founders Railway Carriage
- Free WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Bathroom
- Garden View
- Landmark View
- Minibar
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Towels
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Bedside Socket
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Hypoallergenic
- Linens
- Heating
- Telephone
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Toilet Paper
Beds: One twin bed
The spacious suite features air conditioning, a private entrance, as well as a private bathroom boasting a hairdryer and slippers.
Honeymoon Pod
- Free WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Attached Bathroom
- Garden View
- Landmark View
- Patio
- Minibar
- Laptop Safe
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Extra Long Beds
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Towels
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Bedside Socket
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Hypoallergenic
- Linens
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Heating
- Telephone
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Toilet Paper
- Bathtub
- Bathroom
Beds: One king bed
Providing free toiletries and bathrobes, this double room includes a private bathroom with a bath, a shower and a hairdryer. Among the room amenities are air conditioning, a private entrance, a mini-bar as well as a patio and garden views. The unit offers 1 bed.
Suite
- Free WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Attached Bathroom
- Garden View
- Landmark View
- Patio
- Minibar
- Laptop Safe
- Bathrobe
- Safe
- Hardwood Or Parquet Floors
- Extra Long Beds
- Sofa
- Outdoor Furniture
- Towels
- Sitting Area
- Free Toiletries
- Bedside Socket
- Tea/Coffee Maker
- Fold-up Bed
- Slippers
- Hairdryer
- Hypoallergenic
- Linens
- Toilet
- Electric Kettle
- Heating
- Telephone
- Shower
- Wardrobe Or Closet
- Outdoor Dining Area
- Toilet Paper
- Bathtub
- Bathroom
Beds: One king bed
Featuring a private entrance, this air-conditioned suite consists of 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom with a bath and a shower. The unit features a mini-bar, garden views, a patio and chocolate is provided for guests. The unit offers 1 bed.
General Facilities
Activities
- Themed Dinner Nights
- Game Drives
- Billiards
- Games Room
Wellness
- Outdoor Swimming Pool
- Fitness
- Full Body Massage
- Hand Massage
- Head Massage
- Couples Massage
- Foot Massage
- Neck Massage
- Back Massage
- Steam Room
- Sun Umbrellas
- Sun Loungers Or Beach Chairs
- Massage
- Fitness Centre
General
- Invoice Provided
- Concierge Service
- Daily Housekeeping
- Ironing Service
- Laundry
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities
Hotel Reviews
Location Sleep Quality Rooms Service Value Cleanliness
What a delight to spend 4 days at Founders Lodge ... "where it all began". Founders was the private home of conservation pioneer, Adrian Gardiner, and the birthplace of conservation in the Eastern...
All of the reviews are correct. From the moment you get there to the moment you leave, everything is taken care of. We stayed two nights and wish we had stayed at least three or four. Each game drive...
We stayed here in February for two nights. It was a wonderful experience. The drives with our guide Matthew were amazing - saw so much, all the animas we wanted to see and enjoyed our sundowners...
Wow! From the moment we arrived until the minute we left we were welcomed, looked after and made to feel at home and part of the family. On arrival the team were waiting for us with welcome drinks...
Average Weather
Ave Daily Temp °C
Ave Monthly Rain mm
26
20
26
55
25
45
23
50
23
53
22
44
21
68
21
73
21
55
22
46
23
49
25
40