Once in a lifetime experience. Absolutely enjoyed every minute.

Amazing! We had the most incredible holiday at Founders. Everything was perfect-the staff, the accommodation, the game drives-it was just brilliant!

From the moment I got there, everyone was so friendly and available. The property is full of character, animal viewings and customer service. My room was very comfortable, the food was amazing and meals were prepared in different spaces to make you feel special. The drives were amazing and fun.

Spent 3 nights there, parents and 2 kids aged 17 and 18. The lodge and facilities were great, the rooms very spacious with big dressing rooms and bathrooms separate. The location of the lodge in the reserve offered panoramic views over Founders Reserve, and access to Shamwari with a few hundred metres away. They have a watering hole right there, with a viewing blind, so 5 or 6 rhinos joined our first lunch on the lawn. The game drives were varied, and the animals plentiful. The staff and service was fantastic. We were welcomed back from each drive with a cold or ward towel (depending on time of day) and a refreshing drink. They have a full size pool table, which we spent a few evenings with. The food is very good. Generally you eat in a library or drawing room, with your own group, privately. And then every few nights they have communal BBQ (or braai?) where all the guests and the guides and staff sit together at a long table and eat together. It was great fun. The wine list is great, and some of the staff know their wine, so you can have some good exploration, and they might even join in for a glass. Overall it exceeded expectations, my kids already want to go back!!

The only thing less than perfect about my stay at Founder’s Lodge was that it simply wasn’t long enough. From the immaculate grounds and beautifully appointed lodge to the exceptional staff, incredible game drives, and outstanding food, everything was truly over the top. The lodge itself has all the charm, elegance, and grace one could hope for, while still feeling warm and welcoming. But what really made my stay special was the staff. Their warmth, kindness, and genuine hospitality were evident in every interaction. I didn’t have a single encounter with anyone that wasn’t pleasant and memorable. The game drives were absolutely incredible. Not only was I wowed by the incredible wildlife we encountered, but I also came away with a wealth of knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the animals and their environment—something I will truly cherish. Every detail of my stay exceeded my expectations. Founder’s Lodge is an extraordinary place, and I only wish I could have stayed longer. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Absolutely wonderful!!

The accommodation, food and service is first class. The drives are magical and our driver fantastically knowledgeable.

Despite the road to the Lodge which is in much need of costly repairs, and despite the rainy weather we had a wonderful time!

The staff was wonderful and the facilities were great!! We loved all the food. A wonderful experience!

We enjoyed everything about our stay, the room, staff, food, game drives (and the spoils). I can never thank the team enough for making our stay such a memorable experience!

An absolutely incredible experience. The staff were so tentative with extra details to ensure every element of our stay was ultimate perfection. From the food, to the room service, to the game drives - everything was top notch and could not be faulted in the slightest. The team at founders really go that extra mile to ensure that your safari experience is out of this world.

The best experience we could hope for. From the initial greetings to the help with leaving the lodge, everything was excellent. Our experience with our guide and the whole staff was great. The daily safari rides will not be forgotten nor will the dining experiences. We stayed at the carriage which was the most unique experience, secluded yet also well looked after. We wish all the best to everyone working at the Founders lodge and would like to include everyone there even if we didnt meet personally during our visit!

What a wonderful experience. Game Lodges come in all shapes and sizes but this small 7 suite boutique lodge within the Shamwari Reserve in the Eastern Cape of SA hits the right balance. We have been to many in South Africa and this is now our favourite for this reason. This is the former homestead of the Mantis collection who have preserved the country house feel. It’s not glitzy and Brash like some, no spa, no TV’s but it is unobtrusively professionally run by Glynnis and her team with genuinely friendly efficient staff. The rooms are spacious and well equipped and have an individual intimacy. A lovely touch each your meals were taken in a different location. A special shout out to Chantel (front of house) and Craig (head ranger) who went over and above to sort out the issue with our hire car by organising a new battery to be couriered to the Lodge from 65kms away. Allowing us the peace of mind to relax and enjoy our game drives with our hugely knowledgeable and entertaining ranger Sikhumbuzo.

The best experience in a fantastic place. Comfortable and welcoming lodge. Brilliant food and friendly staff.

Our stay was an exceptional blend of refined luxury, warm hospitality and a level of excellence that exceeded our expectations - truly unforgettable. We were deeply impressed by every detail - from the caring service to the delicious cuisine.

If I had to sum up my 5 nights at Founders Lodge by Mantis in one word, it would be home. An extraordinary, wild, luxurious home. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was an amazing place. My room was incredible — the kind of space that makes you stop and breathe it in. Spacious, immaculate, and thoughtfully designed with literally everything I could have wished for. The bed was a cloud I sank into each night, the bathroom was spa-level luxury with plush towels and beautiful amenities, and can we talk about that shower gel and hand + body cream? The scent was heavenly. I found myself looking forward to every shower. Add in a proper coffee setup, a selection of teas, delicious biscuits, and fresh water refreshed several times a day, and I was spoiled before I even stepped outside. But the real showstopper was the vista. My room opened onto what felt like my own private garden, and “garden” means the African bush. I could have happily sat there all day. Zebra, giraffe, rhino, blesbok and more wandered past like I had front-row seats to the best nature documentary ever made. What truly elevates Founders Lodge, though, is the people. Lodge managers Craig and Glynnis are simply adorable. Warm, genuine, and they went out of their way to make me feel at home — and it did feel like a home away from home. In fact, everyone was so friendly, smiling, and happy. I wish I could name them all because they all deserve it, but special thanks to Cat, Chanel, Nini, and Matt — you made every day brighter. As a solo traveler, experiences can feel different, but here it only made everything more special. I met some extraordinary fellow guests, and the game drives with Ranger James were a highlight. His knowledge of the bush is remarkable, but it’s his care that stands out. He knows how to read his guests — and for me, that meant understanding that the sightings matter. He looked after us completely — from morning coffee with a splash of Amarula to keep us warm, to sundowners served at a beautifully set table in the middle of nowhere, done so professionally it felt effortless. And the sightings! We had some truly amazing moments I’ll never forget. Every drive fed that wild-animal fix I crave. Then there’s the food. Every meal was delicious, thoughtfully prepared, and paired with a fantastic selection of South African wines. Dining here is an experience in itself — unpretentious, flavorful, and always served with a smile. I left Founders Lodge with a full heart and a promise to myself: I can’t wait to go back. If all goes well, you’ll see me again next year. To Craig, Glynnis, James, Cat, Chanel, Nini, Matt, and the entire Founders team — thank you for the magic. You’ve set the bar impossibly high.

Absolutely unforgettable stay at Founders. Loved every second! Staff were amazing and couldn't do enough for us. Dining was outstanding and we loved the fact that we had each meal in a different area around the lodge! Staff were attentive and really good with my son's dietary requirements! The Lodge itself is simply stunning, spotlessly clean and the views over the reserve are incredible. The game viewing from the lodge itself is unreal! The Hide is very special, a photographer's paradise, we could have spent hours down there and the sightings we saw right at the waterhole was something else!! The Games drives were out of this world and our ranger, Sikhumbuzo was the best! Such a great guy, very knowledgeable and made sure we had the best experience. He was so good with our kids and always made them laugh! The game viewing was incredible, we got great sightings of elephants, rhinos, lions, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, so many antelope, incredible birdlife and we even got the elusive ardwolf! Honestly can't recommend Founders enough and we hope to return again soon!

We felt like family as soon as we walked in the lodge. The level of care and service is truly five star. The game viewing, the hide and getting so close to animals is truly a bucket list.

Our short stay at Founders Lodge was absolutely fabulous. We were taken care of and looked after in every possible way. From the very caring managers to all the other staff we felt utterly spoilt. We never expected to witness so many animals and we fell in love with the wildlife. It was breathtaking to see elephants, cheeters, lions, giraffe, rhinos and so many more at close range. Then to return to the lodge and relax in the super comfortable rooms and sun terraces where we were served delicious food and drinks was an absolute delight. I was emotional to leave!