Mantis Founders Lodge is an intimate 6-suite lodge with a local staff compliment, enabling us to curate an exceptional experience over the time your clients spend at Founders Lodge. In addition to Big Five game drives on Shamwari Game Reserve – we provide insight into our part of the Eastern Cape through a variety of interactions with conservation, culture, creatures, and cuisine.
Authentic South African cuisine made with love by local chef Louise. Her wholesome dishes include fresh produce from the garden and is served at different locations around the lodge – paired with the best wines and a different view at each meal.
Unique to the Founder’s experience are nature walks within the 400-hectare Founders Reserve which is set in a rare biome that exists only in this part of the Eastern Cape. The guides grew up in the area and are familiar with this endangered typography which is home to flora and fauna species that only occur here.
Founders Lodge was designed to give your guests a sense of place and belonging. The lodge itself was created around an indigenous garden courtyard which leads to all the social spaces and guest rooms. Each suite has a private verandah that leads onto lush lawns and never-ending sights of bushveld and open skies.
There are 2 colonial styled suites is set in the original manor house. The Master Suites features a four-poster bed. Both suites comprise of a seating area, writing desk, full en-suite bathroom, and a private verandah overlooking the rolling hills and valleys of the Founders Reserve.
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.
24-hour Security, Bar, Business Centre, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Library, Malaria Free, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room
Air Conditioning, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Heater, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Room Service
A “must-do” for any visitor to South Africa, game drives provide the perfect opportunity to observe African wildlife in their natural habitat. Nowhere else in the world is one treated to such a variety of animal and birdlife, each one beautiful, unique and perfectly adapted to its environment.
Founders Lodge is located just 50m from the entrance to Shamwari Game Reserve, one of the largest private conservation initiatives in South Africa. The Reserve is home to Africa’s Big 5 (elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros) as well as 5 of the 7 biomes of South Africa, which allows for a large concentration and variety of wildlife.
Daily game drives with professional guides provide countless sightings of diurnal (daytime) animals, while the more elusive nocturnal animals are discovered during the evening drives. Sundowner drinks at sunset and coffee/tea at sunrise add an extra special touch.
Children under the age of 6 years are not permitted to join game drives.
Qualified guides provide the opportunity for guests to experience the excitement of tracking, as well as identifying birds, insects and plants. These walks are restricted to the 400 hectare Founders Reserve, which is free of predators and dangerous animals, to allow for more freedom of movement.
No children under the age of 6 will be allowed on game walks.
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.
