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 (PE). 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.
Day 1:
A self-drive to Mantis Founders Lodge & Railway Carriage (a private transfer can be arranged at an additional rate from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport). Check-in time is at 14:00 (guests are welcome to arrive around 13:00 in time to enjoy lunch at the Lodge). Take some time to settle in before departing on your afternoon game drive. The game drive aims to depart at approximately 15:00 and arrive back at camp at around 18:00. Predinner drinks followed by dinner happen once the afternoon game drive gets back. The lodge offers roaming dining experiences (weather permitting), so guests are surprised each evening with a different experience.
Day 2:
Prepared for a new day's adventure, you'll gather for breakfast around 07:30 before departing for your morning game drive at around 08:30. The morning game drive will return to camp around 11:30 a.m. After your game drive, you are free to relax and enjoy yourself whether it’s at the pool, in the library or for the more energetic in the gym. Lunch is served at approximately 13:00. After lunch, depart on your afternoon game drive. The game drive aims to depart at approximately 15:00 and arrive back at camp at around 18:00. Predinner drinks followed by dinner happen once the afternoon game drive gets back. The lodge offers roaming dining experiences (weather permitting), so guests are surprised each evening with a different experience.
Day 3:
Prepared for a new day's adventure, you'll gather for breakfast around 07:30 before departing for your morning game drive at around 08:30. The morning game drive will return to camp around 11:00 a.m., just in time to check out. A self-drive to Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport. (A private transfer back at an additional rate may be pre-arranged).
Some additional activities:
Also on offer is a Mantis Impact Rhino Conservation experience on the Founders Reserve, which includes up-close rhino monitoring and feeding.
In addition, they are the only property in South Africa to offer the Bear Grylls Survival Academy Kids Experience, teaching youngsters basic survival skills (fire-making, shelter-building, knot tying, water purifying, etc) Who knows, maybe mom and dad want to go with them down into the valley to see what the experience is all about. Alternatively, the kids go with one of the experienced and trained field guides to enjoy the experience while mom and dad relax at the lodge or carriage.
The Lodge:
Rates per room per night *please send us your enquiry*
• 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:
*Please send us your enquiry*
• Quoted, invoiced and payable in ZAR.
• 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
• Due to the climate of the Eastern Cape, we can experience extremes of both hot and cold in every season.
• Camera
• Binoculars
• Sun Glasses and Hats
• Accommodation
• All Meals
• Safari Activities
• Selected Local Beverages
• Premium branded beverages
• Transfers
• Telephone calls
• Laundry
• Items of a personal nature
• Tips and gratuities
• Activities and stops not mentioned above
Disclaimer:
The client shall not hold any claim against Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd, our partners or employees for any injury, loss, accident, discomfort or inconvenience that may have been caused to the client’s self/partner/children/family members or friends on any tour or transfer including against any of his/her/their property and/or belongings from any cause whatsoever whether occasioned by any act, neglect or default of Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd or our service providers, employees or associates or by any act of God, nature, theft or civil commotion/disruption. The client in whole hereby indemnifies Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd against any such claim and hereby holds Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd harmless in all respect thereof.
Disclaimer: The client shall not hold any claim against Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd, our partners or employees for any injury, loss, accident, discomfort or inconvenience that may have been caused to the client’s self/partner/children/family members or friends on any tour or transfer including against any of his/her/their property and/or belongings from any cause whatsoever whether occasioned by any act, neglect or default of Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd or our service providers, employees or associates or by any act of God, nature, theft or civil commotion/disruption. The client in whole hereby indemnifies Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd against any such claim and hereby holds Blu-Pebbles Tours & Transfer (PTY) Ltd harmless in all respect thereof.
