Mantis Founders Lodge

When Adrian Gardiner retired his private railway carriage on which he and his family had enjoyed many an adventurous journey across South Africa, it was his intention to emulate the romance of a bygone era with modern touches, such as a pool, boma and outdoor deck at Mantis Founders Lodge.

This lovingly restored Railway Carriage, stationed at a siding atop a hill, overlooking a magnificent valley, offers new, exclusive use accommodation for 5 guests in its 3 cabins.  The charming Carriage features, an expansive outdoor deck, private swimming pool, dining area and boma.

The Carriage has three cabins: Master Bedroom, Twin Cabin and a Single Cabin. There’s also period bathroom facilities onboard and a stunning lounge and dining area. The outdoor deck and boma with separate bathroom facilities completes the Founders Railway Carriage.

Founders Railway Carriage info sheet

Exuding old-world charm, the Master Suite is situated in the original colonial manor house. Spacious and comfortable, these rooms open up onto a private veranda to allow you to feel the true essence of the nature surrounding you.

For families, the Master Suite can be booked together with the Heritage Room, both situated in the manor house section of the lodge. Two spacious suites are adjoined by a central passage, providing families of four more privacy and seclusion.

The Heritage Suite is perfect for families, with the Master Suite, next door just up the corridor. Situated in the original colonial manor house lets you feel a part of history, sophistically appointed with classic décor and furniture and opening up onto the private veranda.

These suites have been added to the original colonial manor and give the lodge its modern feel. Completed in warm hues that offset the black-and-white David Yarrow masterpieces on the walls; each one opens out onto a private patio. Two of these rooms feature an open-plan en-suite bathroom, while the other 2 have suites has an en-suite bathroom with a door.

Founders Lodge is pleased to welcome young families needing two inter-connecting rooms which are located in the contemporary wing.

This plush suite is designed to be the ideal setting for celebratory getaways for couples. Perched above the central lodge, the suite offers unobstructed views of the valley and benefits from its own separate entrance.