Founders Lodge by Mantis is nestled in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa, just under an hour’s drive from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth). Set on a private 400-hectare concession bordering the renowned Shamwari Private Game Reserve, the lodge offers a secluded, elevated position overlooking rolling hills, open plains, and dense thicket. This historic property was once the home of conservation pioneer Adrian Gardiner and has since been transformed into a luxurious boutique safari lodge that maintains its deep connection to the land and local heritage. With only seven individually designed suites, Founders Lodge provides an intimate and personalised safari experience. Each suite features its own private veranda, elegant furnishings, and expansive views of the bushveld. The main lodge boasts a tranquil atmosphere with inviting lounges, a well-stocked library, two outdoor swimming pools, a small gym, and a steam room.
Guests at Founders Lodge enjoy twice-daily game drives into the neighbouring Shamwari Reserve, home to the Big Five and a wide range of other wildlife. The private concession also offers guided bush walks, ideal for tracking smaller game and appreciating the region’s diverse birdlife and plant species. Founders Lodge pairs exceptionally well with a golf holiday along South Africa’s celebrated Garden Route. Within a few hours’ drive, travellers can enjoy world-class golfing at destinations such as Fancourt in George, Pinnacle Point in Mossel Bay, and Pezula and Simola in Knysna. Closer to the Eastern Cape coastline, St Francis Links offers a challenging Jack Nicklaus-designed course in a scenic seaside setting. These combinations allow travellers to balance the thrill of safari with the leisure of luxury golf, all within a single itinerary.
Founders Lodge is perfect for couples, small groups, or multigenerational families looking for a refined yet authentic safari experience. Its low guest capacity, strong conservation ethos, and rich cultural heritage create a sense of exclusivity that’s difficult to match. Whether as a standalone safari retreat or the finale to a Garden Route golf tour, Founders Lodge offers comfort, depth, and discovery in one of South Africa’s most accessible and rewarding regions.