MANTIS FOUNDERS LODGE 5 stars

We had a fantastic stay at Founder's Lodge. A couple of things to be aware of. Make sure you are warmly dressed for the game drive experience. Make sure that you inquire about dietary requirements how dinner will be served. We made the error of dressing up for the rugby test and dinner was a romantic candlelight experience. The service is excellent, Sunset drinks on the game drive, assortment of drinks in the room, chocolates on the beds, attention to guest details was 5 star. Don't forget to purchase your Rhino. One thing to be aware of, it is hard to get used to carrying your own luggage and parking your own car after staying at Founder's Lodge. We were really were spoilt for choice. MonBijou

We had an absolutely amazing few days at Founder’s Lodge. From the moment we arrived we felt so welcome by Craig & Glynnis and all the staff. Everyone knew you by name, it just felt like one big family. The staff added so many little special touches for our honeymoon which was so lovely and really made our trip extra special! You will definitely not go hungry!! The food is absolutely incredible, with something for everyone to enjoy. I loved that you sat in different places for each meal to enjoy the surroundings of the lodge. A personal highlight for us was the braai evening that we shared with the other guests. We were always welcomed back from our game drives with a hot towel and a beverage to warm up from the cold wind, my favourite was the hot chocolate with Amarula!! Cillié was our game driver guide and he was such a gem! His extensive knowledge & friendly nature was so refreshing and he made the game drives so enjoyable each day! We were so sad to leave, but hopefully will return some day!

A never to forget experience from start to finish. Hosts Craig and Glynnis led from the front and were ever present throughout our 3 night stay. The wonderful meet and greet with hot towels and refreshments each time we came back from a game drive was merely the tip of the attention to detail iceberg. The team have a unique option which provides a different room or area of the grounds for you to enjoy lunch and dinner so that you can really enjoy this incredible resort to the full. Mandla and Cynthia were exceptional during our stay and we always enjoyed a personal visit from chef and his team who always took such a valued interest in our appreciation of their hard work. Craig gave us a personal tour of the carriage area and we revelled in his exciting plans to develop what is truly a one off destination for couples and families alike in the midst of their incredible reserve. Cillie took us on a once in a lifetime drive to witness the feeding of the Rhinos and to see Rodney strutt his huge frame (you will have to visit to see what I am talking about) was unbelievable. Cillie took us right into the heart of each and every opportunity to get up close and personal with the animals, ever respecting their surroundings and well being. Again, once in a lifetime stuff. There really is way to much to say about this incredible reserve. An experience neither of us will ever forget. Thank you team Mantis for a job well done.

The Mantis Founders Lodge is a magical place! My wife and I spent 2 incredible days. Our game drives guide was brilliant, with his knowledge of the animals great. The Shamwari Reserve is a place where the life is everywhere, it's incredible. All the hotel staff are very kind and attentive. The chief was excellent, great food! It was a magical moment that we'll remember for the rest of our lives. Valentin

We and friends spent 2 days with our families at Founders Lodge where it all began - that is Shamwari Game Reserve. Daniel and his team looked after us and everything was top notch. We had our own two game rangers Marthus and Cilliers - these two rangers really bonded with us and ensure we saw so many animals - lions / buffaloes / black rhino with her calf / cheetahs hunting / elephants / giraffe and many more. The rooms were large and beautiful appointed. The food and service was another highlight! Mantis Founders Lodge are Bucket list experience !