LOCATION
ESCAPE INTO WILDERNESS
LOCATION
A Malaria-Free Safari in South Africa’s Eastern Cape
Founders Lodge is located in South Africa’s malaria-free Eastern Cape, on a private game reserve adjacent to Shamwari Private Game Reserve. The lodge combines easy access with a quiet safari setting, making it well suited to international travellers, families, and couples.
The reserve lies approximately one hour from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), offering a straightforward journey from major South African cities.
Why the Eastern Cape Works for Safari Travel
The Eastern Cape is one of South Africa’s most accessible safari regions, offering:
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Malaria-free travel year-round
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Short airport transfers
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Diverse wildlife habitats
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Well-managed private reserves
Staying at Founders Lodge places guests within a conservation landscape that allows for both intimate on-reserve experiences and guided Big Five game drives extending into the wider Shamwari ecosystem.
Travel Planning Support
Our reservations team is happy to assist with travel planning, including road transfers and private air charter options. Additional travel questions are answered in our Founders Lodge Safari FAQ.
DIRECTIONS
How to get to Founders Lodge
By Air: Commercial Airports
Most guests fly into Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth) via Johannesburg or Cape Town. From the airport, Founders Lodge is reached by road transfer in approximately one hour. Private transfers can be arranged on request.
By Air: Shamwari Air Shuttle Service
For guests seeking a faster and more exclusive arrival, Shamwari Air shuttle service, operating between major South African hubs and Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
Departures are available from:
- Cape Town International Airport
- OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg)
Flights land at Shamwari’s private airstrip, followed by a safari vehicle transfer to Founders Lodge. This option cuts overall travel time and provides a seamless safari arrival.
Shamwari Air Private charter arrangements are available on request.
By Road
Guests choosing to self-drive can reach Founders Lodge via the N2 from Gqeberha, followed by a short gravel access road.
Directions from the Airport: Follow the N2 east out of Gqeberha, heading towards Grahamstown, bypassing the R342 turn-off.
Continue along the N2, and cross the Bushman’s River until you reach the Sidbury sign.
Turn left on the gravel road and follow this road for approximately 15km until you reach a T-junction.
At the T-junction, turn left and travel 500m.
Turn left and follow the sign boards to Founder’s Lodge.
A popular option for international travellers is the Cape Town to Garden Route self-drive, with Founders Lodge as the final stop at the end of the Garden Route. This route allows guests to combine coastal scenery, towns, and landscapes before transitioning into a Big Five safari experience in the Eastern Cape.
GPS Coordinates:
Latitude: -33°27’27” S
Longitude: 26°7’28” E