Hand-Picked Hotel
Safari
Mantis Founders Lodge
The timeless marriage of colonial grandeur blended with wildlife watching, makes Mantis Founder Lodge an absolute classic safari experience. Set on a private reserve of 400 hectares, directly adjacent to the Shamwari Game Reserve, the reserve itself has giraffe, antelope, zebra, plains animals and warthog, making it safe to explore nature on foot and enjoy bush picnics. Here you can enjoy intimate nature-inspired experiences focused on the smaller lesser known wildlife and ecology, but can also go on a Big Five 4×4 guided game drive on the neighbouring 25,000 hectare game reserve. This is where you can become immersed in twice daily game drives before returning to luxury lodgings and Chef’s homemade biscuits. In between game drives and guided bush walks you can enjoy a peaceful moment in the drawing room beside the open fire. Alternatively, you can opt for a game of billiards by the bar or a dip in one of the two outdoor swimming pools. If you’re feeling in need of a bit of pampering, spa treatments can be enjoyed in the privacy of your own luxury suite. Dining is a different experience every meal with revolving dining locations including bush picnics, the formal dining room or fireside under the stars. Mantis Founder Lodge is a perfect choice for those who want to experience an intimate classic style safari lodge, with the ability to explore nature by foot or 4x4 vehicle and return back to luxurious surroundings.
Hotel highlights
Guided walking safaris
Big Five game drives (neighbouring reserve)
Formal dining room
Casual dining terrace
Drawing room with fireplace
Steam, gym, and spa treatments
Exceptional value every time
Expertly crafted by us
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Personalised service
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Location
Eastern Cape is South Africa’s second largest province and refreshingly malaria free. This makes safaris a really tempting option with several game reserves located just an hour’s drive north of Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth). Fringed by the warm swells of the Indian Ocean, and the eastern section of the Garden Route, it’s no wonder this plentiful province is renowned for its beautiful biodiversity. This is where you’ll find the semi-arid desert escarpments of the Karoo as well as the southern ri...
Hotel details
Suites feature private verandas, en-suite or open plan bathrooms, and lounge areas. Each suite is elegantly decorated in classic colonial manor house style. There’s also a lovingly restored luxury converted train carriage featuring three cabins as well as a private swimming pool and outdoor deck and boma. All rooms have a tea station, electronic safe, and air-conditioning.
2 dining areas
Drawing room
2 swimming pools
Bar and billiards room
Spa treatment centre
Steam room and gym
Museum and shop
Traditional boma fire
Free Wi-Fi