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ACCOMMODATION EXPERIENCES THE HIDELIVE CAM

Founders Lodge by Mantis
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+27 41 404 9300

reservations@mantiscollection.com

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Game drive on the Founders Reserve, Eastern Cape

ACCOMMODATION

SEVEN SUITES. ONE MANOR.

ACCOMMODATION

Explore our Lodge

Classic or contemporary. The choice is yours at Founders Game Reserve. Our seven understated luxury suites exemplify simplicity in elegance, and offer an exceptional standard of amenities and furnishings. They are the Master Suite and the Heritage Suite within the manor, four Contemporary Suites overlooking the watering hole, and the Honeymoon Pod above the central lodge. Easily accessible from the main guest areas, each suite features balconies or patios with panoramic views over our private sanctuary. The jewel in the crown of our accommodation offering is the unique Founders Railway Carriage, that combines luxury with a tribute to the golden age of train travel.

From the moment you arrive, indulge in personalized service amidst a warm and welcoming atmosphere designed to exceed your expectations at every turn.

Aerial view of Founders Lodge on Founders Private Game Reserve in the malaria-free Eastern Cape

The Master Suite

Manor House Splendour

Located in the original colonial manor house, the Master Suite radiates old-world charm and sophistication. This spacious suite is furnished with a king-size, four-poster bed, a writing desk, and period furniture. It opens onto a private veranda, offering guests a peaceful retreat in which to enjoy the surrounding nature. For families, the Master Suite can be booked with the Heritage Suite, providing additional privacy and space through an adjoining passage.

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The Master Suite, with a carved four poster bed and a sitting area by the window
The Master Suite four poster bed, with an antique chest of drawers alongside
The Master Suite bathroom, with a sunken bath, twin basins and shuttered windows
The Heritage Suite, with a wide bed, framed photographs and windows onto the garden
The Heritage Suite antique wardrobe and writing desk beside the door to the garden
The Heritage Suite bathroom, with twin basins on a dark timber counter and a bath by the window

The Heritage Suite

Classic Luxury

Also in the original colonial manor house, the Heritage Suite exudes elegance and historical charm. This spacious suite, opening onto a private veranda, features classic décor, period furniture, and twin beds. Ideal for single travellers, or families when booked alongside the adjacent Master Suite, it provides a serene and refined setting, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the rich history of the lodge.

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The Heritage Suite, with a wide bed, framed photographs and windows onto the garden
The Heritage Suite antique wardrobe and writing desk beside the door to the garden
The Heritage Suite bathroom, with twin basins on a dark timber counter and a bath by the window

The Contemporary Suites

Overlooking the Founders Watering Hole

Adjoining the original colonial manor, our four Contemporary Suites blend modern luxury with artistic flair. These suites, in warm hues, are decorated with modern South African art and David Yarrow masterpieces. They each open onto a private patio overlooking the watering hole. Two suites feature open-plan, en-suite bathrooms, while the other two have en-suite bathrooms with doors. These suites provide a contemporary contrast to the historical charm of the manor and are ideal for young families needing inter-connecting rooms.

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A Contemporary Suite with twin beds, striped armchairs and the bathroom beyond
A Contemporary Suite bed with a decanter and two glasses on a tray at its foot
A Contemporary Suite bathroom looking back through to the sitting area
A Contemporary Suite bathroom with a freestanding bath, mosaic tiled shower and twin basins
A freestanding bath beside a glass mosaic shower in a Contemporary Suite bathroom
The exterior of a Contemporary Suite, with guests on the shaded verandah
A guest taking breakfast on the Honeymoon Pod deck, looking out over the valley at dawn
The Honeymoon Pod seen from the doorway, with a day bed at the foot of the bed
The Honeymoon Pod bedroom, with a slatted timber headboard wall and brass reading lights
The Honeymoon Pod basin and round mirror, with the bed reflected behind

Honeymoon Pod

Private and Exclusive

Perched above the central lodge, the Honeymoon Pod is the epitome of romance and solitude, designed specifically for celebratory getaways for couples. This plush suite provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the valley, home to diverse animal and plant life. With its own private entrance, the suite has an intimate and serene ambience, perfect for couples seeking a luxurious and private retreat.

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A guest taking breakfast on the Honeymoon Pod deck, looking out over the valley at dawn
The Honeymoon Pod seen from the doorway, with a day bed at the foot of the bed
The Honeymoon Pod bedroom, with a slatted timber headboard wall and brass reading lights
The Honeymoon Pod basin and round mirror, with the bed reflected behind

EXCLUSIVE USE RAILWAY CARRIAGE

Celebrating a Bygone Era

The Founders Railway Carriage offers a unique blend of luxury with modern comforts, and nostalgia that embodies the charm of a bygone era. Meticulously restored and converted, this railway carriage provides exclusive accommodation for up to five guests across three cabins: a master, a twin and a single berth.

Guests can enjoy the well-appointed living area, period bathroom facilities, as well as the additional modern bathroom amenities located in the ticket office. An expansive outdoor deck with a swimming pool, dining area, and boma encourages relaxation and offers uninterrupted views of the valley as well as close encounters with wildlife. Stationed at a scenic siding atop a hill, the carriage promises a deep connection with the natural bush surroundings, making it a memorable retreat.

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The railway carriage and its deck mirrored in the swimming pool at sunset
A chef grilling over open flames with the lit carriage and terrace behind
The carriage deck lounge, with wicker sofas, patterned cushions and lanterns on the table
The carriage deck laid for dinner as a waiter brings a tray of drinks
The carriage lounge, panelled in timber with blue curtains, soft sofas and a bar at the far end
A twin bedroom in the carriage with the curtains drawn back onto the valley at sunrise
A timber panelled carriage bedroom with twin beds and framed historical prints
A carriage compartment with facing beds and a table, the windows open onto the deck
A compact carriage cabin with a washbasin, framed prints and a window onto the water
A green and white tiled shower room in the carriage, with a rain shower overhead
A carriage bathroom in deep green and white tile, with folded towels on a shelf
A guest in the pool holding a cocktail, looking out over the green valley
From the Journal

→ What to Expect When Booking at Founders Lodge, A Complete Guest Guide→ Safari for Couples & Honeymooners in South Africa→ What a Day on Safari at Founders Lodge Really Looks Like→ Kruger vs a Private Game Reserve: Which Safari Is Right for You?→ Your First Safari in South Africa: What to Expect