Mantis Founders Lodge & Railway Carriage, South Africa

Mantis Founders Lodge provides exquisite hospitality with a focus on personalised service. The wildlife safari lodge, which has 7 suites and the new exclusive-use Founders Railway Carriage, is located in South Africa's Eastern Cape, about one hour from Gqeberha. Founders provide a deluxe safari experience for couples with a romantic flair and an intimate social environment for families and friends travelling together.

The Founders Lodge celebrates important beginnings in sustainable tourism, culture, conservation, and community inclusion. This lodge is a conservation landmark, offering soul-reviving safaris in the place where Adrian Gardiner pioneered private game reserves and eco-tourism in the Eastern Cape. On 25000ha of the game reserve, guests enjoy intimate nature-inspired experiences focused on smaller, lesser-known wildlife and ecosystems and big five views on 4x4 guided game drives.

Activities and Something Unique
• Big 5 safari (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 kid’s programme
• Interactive Wildlife Tracks and Signs Experience
• Rhino Observation and Monitoring
• Founders Rhino Conservation
• Founders Safari Adventure

Facilities & Services:
• 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
• PCR testing
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Secure parking available
• In-room spa treatments

Accommodation:
7 suites and Railway Carriage comprising of:
• 1 Master Suite
• 1 Heritage Room
• 4 Contemporary suites
• 1 Honeymoon Pod
• 5-Berth Railway Carriage

The Lodge:
Founders Lodge is intimate, with only seven suites directly accessible from the main guest areas; each is a gateway to seclusion and exclusive relaxation. Take off your shoes, ground yourself, and step off your private patio and into the lush grass. Set your gaze on the hilly horizons and the unique biome, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Founders Lodge offers entertainment suites for both adults and children, including safari, dining, sundowners, and poolside treats.

The contemporary suites, ideal for couples or solo travellers, are inspired by nature and offer roomy contemporary comfort. Each apartment leads onto a private veranda and is finished in warm tones that contrast with the black and white of the renowned David Yarrow wildlife photographic paintings on the walls.

The Heritage wing is located in the lodge's manor house and has access to a private dining room and lounge, as well as coffee table literature and board games. A central hallway connects two enormous apartments, giving families peace and quiet.

The Honeymoon pod is a luxurious and private pod that is excellent for romantic holidays for two. The suite, perched above the main lodge, boasts panoramic views of the valley and its own private entrance.

Facilities:
• Full en-suite bathroom
• Vanity desk with hairdryer
• Air-conditioning and electric safe
• Mini bar and tea/ coffee making facilities
• Bathrobes and slippers
• Complimentary sherry/ port provided in each room

Rates:
Rates per room per night

• Quoted, invoiced and payable in ZAR.
• Quoted per room per night based on a maximum of 2 adults sharing, or on a single basis.
• Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, safari activities and selected local beverages.
• Any additional expenses to be settled upon departure.

Founders Railway Carriage:
Adrian Gardiner intended to imitate the romanticism of a bygone era with modern touches, such as a pool, boma, and outdoor deck at Founders Lodge, when he retired his private railway carriage, on which he and his family had spent many an eventful ride across South Africa.

The Eastern Cape's first of its sort. Permanently stationed atop a hill within the Founders Lodge private concession, the carriage outdoor platform provides magnificent views of the valley. Patrons of the carriage are invited to join us on board for this intimate and exhilarating interaction, suited for all ages, as you immerse yourself in nature.

The charming carriage is divided into three compartments: a main double sleeper, a two-berth compartment, and a single compartment. There is also a period bathroom onboard, as well as a lovely lounge and dining area. The Founders Railway Carriage is completed by an outside terrace and boma with separate bathing amenities.

Guests staying on the carriage will have their own private chef, butler, and guide to help them set their own pace, whether it's early morning nature treks, leisurely picnic brunches, lazing by the pool, or late nights around the boma fire.

Facilities:
• Private pool and boma
• Bar with coffee/ tea making facilities
• Air-conditioning and electric safe
• Mini bar and tea/ coffee making facilities
• Dressing gowns and slippers
• Complimentary sherry/ port provided in each room

Rates:

• Quoted, invoiced and payable in ZAR.
• Minimum stay of 2 nights required
• Maximum occupancy of 5 people sharing
• Inclusive of accommodation, all meals, safari activities, personal staff and selected local beverages.
• Any additional expenses to be settled upon departure.

Please Note:
• Family-friendly [+4 years)
• Check-in: 14:00 I Check-out. 11:00
• All guestrooms are non-smoking
• No pets allowed

**Shuttle and/or transfer services are also available on request**