曼提斯创始者小屋酒店

Well, where to begin? Firstly the road trip there was epic, driving the little VW polo that we had rented on the dirt road there made me feel like an off road rally driver. we were greeted by Sean, Nick and Nathan a couple of warm towels and some refreshing juice. We were shown around and then to our room before settling in to some delicious lunch. We were truly blessed in our timings because we got to witness a game capture which is really something special it also meant that a couple of the rhino ran up to hide under a local tree in order to escape the chopper. A couple of local inquisitive pumbas also took up residence just outside the wire. We had an afternoon game drive and some sunset drinks on the drive which was awesome made all the more exciting knowing that there are some wild carnivores trotting around the game farm, so sucking back on a cold black label eating biltong, dried fruit and some spicy corn with the Eastern Cape sunset in the background is just the most special feeling. I could not help but imagine the hardships of the early settlers and Boers in the area during those early frontier years. The beautiful fresh air and the smell of the local fynbos just helped settle the stress and fatigue that had dogged me since leaving London. Being in touch with Gods creation and nature just settles and calms the spirit. It was during this game drive that we established that Nathan, our guide, was actually a mixologist in his past life plus having done a host of other jobs. Supper was a really intimate affair. Every party was set up in a different part of the lodge to ensure that one's dining experience is intimate and secluded. Nathan rustled up some cocktails for us given his mixologist background. So if you have the option i can highly recommend the pina colada and Phatt Cat (Remember the PH Nathan). We had the dining experience of the library and for the feel of a fire one could retreat to the main lounge where a couple of logs were gracefully purring away. The amazing thing about Founders is this is literally where the reintroduction of wildlife into the Eastern Cape began, and the museum on the premises is a stark reminder of everything that we as humans have done wrong over the past few hundred years. Entire sub-species and species eradicated from the face of this beautiful planet, it is just awesome to see people giving back and staying at these lodges goes a long way to rehabilitating the natural environment. The following morning began with a really early morning coffee and game drive. Nathan did bring a flask or two with us for a little early morning coffee in the bush, just what a person needs in the cold wispy early morning. I have refrained from commenting on what animals were seen on the drive as there are many delinquent £%"$holes out there who would seek to better profit themselves. If you are thinking of visiting I could not emphasize this spot more. A truly magical experience. If you do have the opportunity of being the only people on the game drive I would highly recommending the guide to organise breakfast, lunch and drinks for the day and try and spend the entire day out in the bush. Ps. please realise that you may not see everything that you would want to see on the game drive as these are wild animals and caged up zoo animals to be seen at our beck and call, rather appreciate everything and the entire ecosystem in its majesty. To Sean, Nick, Nathan and all the other lodge staff, thank you all for everything that you are doing and for making our stay so special. To the Gardiner family who started it all, thank you and thank you for your continued efforts.

I actually don’t know where to start in writing this review…we had the most AMAZING time.! The greeting was incredible. Sean and Sudoku were the best. What a place to end our honeymoon, thank you so much! Xxx

We have just returned from a wonderful holiday at Founders Lodge which included an utterly unique experience sleeping on the Founders Railway Carriage. This really is a magnificent way for a family to spend time together in an incredible setting. Our children fell in love with the "African Hogwarts Express" and thoroughly enjoyed the Bear Grylls Academy. Having a dedicated chef and game ranger allowed us the opportunity to customise each day. All of the staff were superb under the expert oversight of Craig and Glynnis and the food was delicious. We celebrated a combined wedding anniversary and birthday and will treasure very special memories thanks to the team at the Lodge who went above and beyond to spoil us.

We have have had a fabulous journey of discovery staying at Mantis Founders Lodge! The welcome by Craig and Glynnis our hosts was so genuine and warm and they looked after us tremendously throughout our stay. Thank you so much! The food cooked by Chef Wanda, Lloyd and Thembie was presented and served in style and tasted amazing, mitchelin star quality. The extra effort put in was very much appreciated. Everything was perfect! Another shout out and thank you to Mandela, Ntosh and Bongi who made everything work so well and gave us every care and attention. We had such fun with them in the evenings. :) The room and other parts of the lodge was top notch and we felt perfectly comfortable and relaxed. The views across the estate were astounding. This is a 5 star experience through and through!! Sikhumbuzo our guide throughout our game viewings had an incredible knowledge about wildlife and was able to answer all our questions. He’s infectious enthusiasm for conservation was so impressive and he went so many extra miles to ensure we had the best of days. We saw the big five in three days and feel blessed to have seen the wonderful wildlife. Our hosts Craig and Glynnis who made us feel so at home. Everything about what they did and said was professional and genuine. Never have we both been so looked after in all the places we have ever stayed in. The memories we have made will last a lifetime Thank you so much everyone at Founders Lodge - we will return for sure!! Xxx

We recently spent 3 nights at Founders Lodge. Everything about it was amazing. Craig and Glynnis were consummate hosts and made our whole experience feel very special. The lodge was beautiful, the service attentive but not intrusive, the game drives were truly amazing and all the meals were delicious. With the exception of the weather the whole stay was faultless. Special mentions to Nick our ranger on all the drives and Mandla for giving us great service throughout our stay.