Mantis Founders Lodge
Eastern Cape
Features
- Big 5 safari on 25000 ha of Game Reserve.
- Malaria-free.
- An intimate insight into the world of nature conservation.
- Private, intimate and family friendly.
- Situated on a private concession.
- Bear Grylls Survival Academy – accredited kids programme.
- Big FiveYes
- Off RoadYes
- Camp FencedYes
- Child PolicyChildren of all ages are welcome
- PoolYes
- SPAIn-room Spa Treatments (on Request)
- AirconYes
- Cellphone SignalYes
- Malaria AreaNo
- WI-FIYes
- Wheelchair FriendlyYes
Location
Eastern Cape
Getting There
+- 11 hours from OR Tambo International airport
85km from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport
52km to Grahamstown
Accommodation
7 x Suites
Rates & Special Offers
Deals By Date
Please note:
- All rates are subject to availability.
- Proof of SADC residency may be required at the time of booking or upon check-in at the lodge.
- Surcharges may apply on rates over peak holiday periods and long weekends.
- Special discounted rates for International guests are available on request.
- Unless otherwise stated, all rates listed are based on a minimum 2 night stay. Surcharges may apply for a 1 night booking.
- Rates quoted are only applicable to South African Residents. Special discounted rates for International Residents are available on request.
- Please contact your BushBreaks & More consultant for a special discounted rate for single accommodation.
- Children of all ages are welcome at Founders Lodge.
- Children 0 to 3 years are accommodated on a complimentary basis when sharing with 2 adults.
- Child rates for children 4 to 11 years (sharing room with adults) are available on request. Please request a quote from your BushBreaks & More consultant.
- Children from 12 years and older are considered as adults and will therefore require their own room at the applicable rates.
- Children not sharing with adults (occupying their own room) will be charged at the normal suite rate.
- 1 child under 12 may share with parents in a room on a rollaway bed. (There are 2 rollaway beds available at Founder’s Lodge)
- Children 4 years old and over are allowed on game drives.
- For children 0 – 3 years of age: a babysitter needs to be pre arranged or one of the parents would need to stay behind with them as they will not be permitted on game drives.
About Mantis Founders Lodge
Founders Lodge by Mantis, ideally located just one hour from Gqeberha, offers hospitality focused on tailored service. With only 7 suites at the lodge and a lovingly restored exclusive use Railway Carriage permanently stationed atop a hill on the reserve, Founders offers an intimate safari experience with a flair of romance for couples, and a warm 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, the new sunken photographic hide, the Bear Grylls Survival Academy for kids and a rhino monitoring experience as well as big five viewing on 4×4 guided game drives on the adjacent 25 000 ha Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Lodge Features
- Bar with billiards table
- Drawing room with fireplace
- Library
- Founders museum and curio shop
- Gym and steam room
- Formal dining room
- Casual dining terrace
- Boma
- 2 outdoor swimming pools
Lodge Features
Boma
Gym
Kids Programmes
Library
Lodge Pool
Curio Store
Spa
Wi-Fi
Additional Activities
- Bird Watching
- Varied dining venues in and around the lodge
- Rhino monitoring
- Nature walks within a rare biome with distinct flora and fauna
- Guest impact experience with programs focused on conservation and community impact
- Interactive wildlife tracks & signs of the bush
Getting There
Follow the N2 east out of Port Elizabeth, 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 until you reach a T-junction.
At the T-junction turn left, you only travel 500m and you will turn left again and follow sign boards to Founder ‘s Lodge.
Rooms Found, Nights, 2 Adults
We Accept:

