About Founders Lodge by Mantis
Founders Lodge – the birthplace of Eastern Cape conservation - offers safaris that restore and enrich your soul. Set atop a hill with panoramic views of the natural surrounds, the Lodge features a boma, gym, steam room and two swimming pools. It is the platform from which you will reconnect with nature and your African roots and experience our Mantra: ‘Man and Nature Together is Sustainable’ - first hand.
The Lodge is more than just a safari destination. It is an embodiment of the lasting legacy of which founder, Adrian Gardiner, dreamt. It is about preserving and nurturing, as well as conservation of our wildlife and nature for future generations.
Set on the highest point overlooking the immense wildlife reserve with its unique biomes and abundance of wildlife, fauna and flora.
Today, the experience gatherers and eco adventurers travel from far afield to escape, enjoy and experience the wilds of this enchanted part of South Africa. To learn about the remarkable rewilding that occurred here all those years ago…. It is so powerful, so enchanting that you will be transported to a time of serenity and authenticity. Back to the essence of nature.
Perfect For
Adventure
Big 5
Birding
Flora
Gourmet
Hiking
History & Culture
Indigenous Culture / Art
Leisure
Nature
Relaxation
Star Gazing
Wildlife
Wine
Accept Credit Cards
Activity Desk
Air conditioner
Baby Sitting
Bar
Children Friendly
Credit Card Facilities
Eco Friendly
Guided Tours
Gym on property
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Service
Library
Malaria Free
Mobile Connectivity
Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck
Parking
Pool
Restaurant
Room Service
Secure Parking
TV Room
Vegetarian
24-hour Security
Airport Shuttle (Available)
Credit Card Facilities
Laundry Service (Available)
Room Service
On Site
Big 5
Bird Watching
Fine Dining
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Game Walks
Massages
Rhino Tracking
Safaris
Walks (Guided)
Wildlife Tours
Off Site
Big 5
Bird Watching
Child Friendly Activities
Cultural Tours
Game Drives
Game Viewing
Game Walks
General Sightseeing
Golf
Helicopter Rides
Hiking
Historical Tours
Horse Riding
Natural History Tours
Safaris
Walks (Guided)
Walks (Self Guided)
Wildlife Tours
Mantis Founders Lodge
The Mantis Collection
Rewilding the Eastern Cape
Mantis Rhino Conservation Experience
Mantis backs Jessop run for Rhino's
A new season of travel and opportunity awaits
Kids on Safari at Mantis Founders Lodge
Mantis Founders Lodge Guest Experience
The Founders Railway Carriage
Accommodation Options
Master Suite
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.
Needing some pampering whilst on safari? Founders Lodge offers in-room treatments that promise to leave you rejuvenated and restored by our experienced mobile therapist.
Heritage Room
The Heritage Room 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.
Needing some pampering whilst on safari? Founders Lodge offers in-room treatments that promise to leave you rejuvenated and restored by our experienced mobile therapist.
Contemporary Suite
Founders Lodge has 4 Contemporary Suites which are more modern than the Heritage Suite, with a minimalist aesthetic. The Contemporary Suites are accessible through the indigenous garden courtyard, and each features a private veranda overlooking cliffs, valleys and sprawling bushveld of the Founders Reserve.
Each spacious suite has a seating area, work desk, a spacious full en-suite bathroom, and a private veranda furnished with armchairs and a small dining table for two.
Needing some pampering whilst on safari? Founders Lodge offers in-room treatments that promise to leave you rejuvenated and restored by our experienced mobile therapist.
Honeymoon Pod
This plush, private pod is designed as an ideal setting for celebratory getaways for two. Perched above the central lodge, the suite offers unobstructed views of the valley and has its own private entrance
Needing some pampering whilst on safari? Founders Lodge offers in-room treatments that promise to leave you rejuvenated and restored by our experienced mobile therapist.
Founders Railway Carriage
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 Founder’s Lodge.
This lovingly restored 5-berth Railway Carriage, stationed at a siding atop a hill, overlooking a magnificent valley, offers new, exclusive use accommodation. The charming Carriage features, an expansive outdoor deck, private swimming pool, dining area and boma.
The Carriage has three compartments: a main double sleeper as well as a two berth and a single compartment. 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.
Needing some pampering whilst on safari? Founders Lodge offers in-room treatments that promise to leave you rejuvenated and restored by our experienced mobile therapist.
Dining & Cuisine
Founders dining experiences
Guests are treated to delicious traditional South African fare with a modern gourmet twist. Our chef makes use of fresh seasonal ingredients and menus are changed regularly. Meals are served outside as often as possible in the boma or at our bush picnic venue. For those days when a more comfortable environment is required, meals are either served in the dining room or on the dining terrace.
Standard Room Amenities
Air Conditioning
Bath Towels
Bath
Bed Linen
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Dressing Gowns
Electrical Outlets
En Suite Bathroom
Fan
Hairdryer
Hand Towels
Heater
Internet Access (Complimentary)
Laundry Service (Available)
Lounge Area
Mini Bar
Pure Cotton Linen
Queen Bed
Safe
Shower
Tea / Coffee
Twin Bed
Vanity Cabinet
Verandah
Wardrobe
At a Glance
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Rating:
★★★★★
- Rooms: 7
- Check In: 14:00
- Check Out: 11:00
- Languages: Afrikaans, English, Xhosa
Downloads
Fact Sheet
Spa
Other / General
Experience Founders Lodge by Mantis
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