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Mantis Founders Lodge
A Mantis Eco-Lodge Experience
Overview
The birthplace of conservation in the Eastern Cape
This 7 suite wildlife safari lodge and the new exclusive use Founders Railway Carriage permanently stationed on a hill on the reserve, located in the Eastern Cape, just one hour from Gqeberha, offers hospitality focused on tailored service. Founders offers an intimate safari experience with a flair of romance for couples, and an intimate social environment for families and friends travelling together.
Founders Lodge is a celebration of essential beginnings in sustainable tourism, culture, conservation, and community inclusion. This lodge is a monument to conservation history, and it offers soul-reviving safaris in the place where Adrian Gardiner pioneered private game reserves and eco-tourism in the Eastern Cape. Guests enjoy intimate nature-inspired experiences focused on the smaller lesser known wildlife and ecology, as well as big five viewing on 4×4 guided game drives on 25000ha of game reserve.
Founders Lodge is a place built on meaningful memory, and offers visitors the special opportunity to learn how this once degraded land, was carefully nurtured and rewilded.
Accommodation
classic or contemporary
Founders Lodge is intimate with only 7 suites that are accessed easily from the main guest areas, each is a gateway to privacy and exclusive down-time. Earth yourself! Take off your shoes, step off your private patio and onto the lush grass with your eyes fixed on the hilly horizons of our rare biome with distinct flora and fauna. This is how you ‘earth’ yourself, and it’s best done with a cup of tea and our Chef’s homemade biscuits – you’ll find a fresh batch in your room.
In 2021, Founders Lodge, lovingly restored the Founders Railway Carriage and offers a new, exclusive use accommodation, stationed atop a hill, overlooking a magnificent valley, within the Founders private reserve. The charming carriage features an expansive outdoor deck, private swimming pool, dining area and private boma.
Needing some pampering whilst on safari? Founders Lodge offers in-room treatments that promise to leave you rejuvenated and restored by our experienced in-house therapist.
For rates, availability and further information, email us directly at reservations@mantiscollection.com
Founders Railway Carriage
ideal for families or small travel bubbles
The Master Suite
classic luxury
The Heritage Suite
manor house splendour
Contemporary Suites
modern, overlooking the valleys
Honeymoon Pod
Private and exclusive
Dining
Every dining experience is unique
Sophisticated South African Cuisine
Paired with a different location every time
Authentic South African cuisine made with love by a local chef who brings into the kitchen freshly harvested produce from our garden. Wholesome dishes are served at different locations around...
Lodge Experiences
Impact Projects
Sustainability
Kitchen Garden Project
Planet 21
Guest Impact Experiences
Food & Drink
Revolving dining locations
Formal Dining Room
Onsite picnics
Casual dining terrace
Bar and billiards room
Wellness
In-room spa treatments
Steam room
Gymnasium
Venues
Drawing room with fireplace
Library
Founders Museum and curio shop
Boma
Recreational
Big Five guided game drives
Guided walking safari
2 outdoor swimming pools
Bar with billiards table
Gymnasium and steam room
Peace of mind
Laundry Service
24-hour Security
Secure Parking
Malaria Free
Eco-initiatives
Location
Nestled between Gqeberha and Grahamstown, Mantis Founders Lodge is the perfect escape into the wilderness. Enjoy tranquillity away from the city and be reminded of the pristine beauty of the natural world.
Access: Follow the N2 east out of Gqeberha, heading towards Grahamstown, bypassing the R342 turn-off.
Continue along the N2, cross the Bushman’s River until you reach the Sidbury sign.
Turn left on the gravel road and follow this road for approximately 15km until you reach a T-junction.
At the T-junction, turn left and travel 500m.
Turn left and follow signboards to Founder’s Lodge.
GPS 33°27’27”S 26°7’28”E
Experiences
Interactive Wildlife Tracks and Signs Experience
Contribute towards wildlife conservation
Rhino Observation and Monitoring
Observe and record data on a species under threat
Bear Grylls Survival Academy Experience for Kids
Learn what it takes to survive in the wild
Founders Safari Adventure
A plethora of species to spot