Founders Lodge by Mantis
Eastern CapeFounders Lodge by Mantis is an exclusive safari lodge in South Africa's Eastern Cape, adjacent to the renowned Shamwari Game Reserve. Originally the home of conservationist Adrian Wilder, who led the rewilding of the Eastern Cape for over 20 years, this luxury eco-lodge blends colonial charm with modern comforts.
Guests can enjoy a unique wildlife experience with expert-guided game drives, stunning views, and rich biodiversity. Families visiting the lodge can also take part in the Bear Grylls Survival Academy experience for kids, where young adventurers learn essential survival skills in a fun, safe environment. With only a handful of suites, this luxury eco-lodge offers personalised service, peaceful surroundings, and a deep connection with nature, perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Accommodation
Wilder’s 1940s original farmhouse is the heart of Founders Lodge which has been developed to provide seven suites, all with their own private patios and stunning views down the valley. The recently restored five birth Founders Railway Carriage also offers a charming, exclusive-use stay atop a hill with its own pool, outdoor deck, and boma, perfect for families or groups of friends alike.Children
Founders Lodge is the perfect family holiday destination, featuring the Founders Lodge Kids Conservation Warriors programme, which includes the Bear Grylls Survival Academy experience. Young adventurers will embark on an exciting journey of dynamic self-rescue, discovering whether they have what it takes to survive in the wild.
Location
Founders Lodge by Mantis is located an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth's Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- 2 outdoor swimming pools
- Bar with billiards table
- Drawing room with fireplace
- Library
- Gym
- Steam room
- In-room spa treatments
- Bear Grylls Survival Academy Experience for Kids
- Rhino observation and monitoring
- Big Five guided game drives
- Founders safari adventure
- Interactive wildlife tracks and signs experience
Once the private home of Shamwari’s original founder, Adrian Gardiner, Founders Lodge by Mantis is the perfect escape into the South African wilderness in this malaria-free zone in the Eastern Cape. Ideally suited to families, children can join the Bear Grylls Survival Academy for an adventurous twist, learning survival skills in the African bush. This is where safari luxury meets family adventure—an unforgettable experience awaits.
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