Founders Lodge by Mantis
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1 night
1 room, 2 adults, 0 children
All properties in Grahamstown

Founders Lodge by Mantis

Sidbury, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, 1724, South Africa
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hotel overview picture
Highlights
Free parking
Excellent service
Sparkling clean
Top local pick
Ideal location
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Amenities
Outdoor swimming pool
Massage room
Gym
Private parkingFree
Airport pick-up
Bar
Billiards room
Restaurant
All amenities
Property Description
Founders Lodge by Mantis, an hour's drive from Gqeberha's Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport 's in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is a game reserve with 5-star hospitality focused on tailored and convivial service, authentic South African cuisine and magnificent game viewing. This 7-suite lodge and newly renovated Founders Railway Carriage offers a pampered safari with an intimate, romantic experience for couples or an engaging, interactive social environment for families and friends.
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10.0/10
Outstanding
Cleanliness10.0
Amenities10.0
Location10.0
Service10.0
All 42 reviews
Surroundings
Landmarks: Quatermain's 1920's Safari Camp - Check-In
(5.0 km)
Landmarks: Sidbury Sports Club
(5.4 km)
Landmarks: Kwantu Private Game Reserve
(5.7 km)
Landmarks: HillsNek Safari Camp – Amakhala Game Reserve
(6.2 km)
Landmarks: Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape
(8.5 km)
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Overview

Rooms

Guest Reviews

Services & Amenities

Policies

Contemporary Suite
6

Contemporary Suite

1 King bed
Non-smoking
Connecting rooms
220V power outlet
Smart door lock
Room Details
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King Room
4

King Room

1 King bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Bathtub
Minibar
Room Details
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Suite, 2 Twin Beds
4

Suite, 2 Twin Beds

2 Single bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Bathtub
Minibar
Room Details
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Multiple Bed Room
3

Multiple Bed Room

3 Double bed
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Bathtub
Minibar
Room Details
Check Availability

Guest Reviews

10.0/10
Outstanding
42 reviews
Verified Reviews
  • Cleanliness10.0
  • Amenities10.0
  • Location10.0
  • Service10.0
Average for similar properties in Grahamstown
Most Mentioned
AI Summary
The Founders' staff provides exceptional, friendly service. Guests appreciate the spacious, beautiful rooms and luxurious amenities. Facilities include a full-size snooker table, swimming pool, and small gym.
M‍o‍b‍i‍l‍e‍4‍7‍2‍1‍1‍3‍7‍5‍0‍0‍5
August 6, 2025
Absolutely perfect, in every possible way! The food was heaven, the rooms spotless and charming, the game drivers were incredible! It truly felt like every single person in this lodge wanted us to have a good time, from the staff, to the managers to our amazing guides (James and Yuval were the best)! Everything was perfect. The views during our lunches, how they always cared to attend all our wishes. Amazing! Can highly recommend!!!
G‍u‍e‍s‍t‍ ‍U‍s‍e‍r
August 5, 2025
O Founders Lodge é, de longe, o melhor hotel em que já estivemos. A hospitalidade é elevada ao nível mais alto possível, e tudo acontece com excelência. O lugar é um refúgio, você se sente longe de tudo, imerso na conexão com a natureza. O quarto é confortável, aconchegante, e mantido diariamente com todo o cuidado. A vista da varanda é incrível, seja pelo nascer do sol magnífico, ou pelos rinocerontes, zebras, javalis e antílopes que pareciam morar no jardim. A comida impecável! Cada refeição era uma surpresa, pratos incríveis e ambientes escolhidos e decorados especialmente pra gente! A equipe é magnífica, antecipam cada passo seu, oferecendo e servindo exatamente o que você precisa! Ao mesmo tempo que são extremamente cordiais, são divertidos e amam conversar, você sente que está entre amigos! Os games drives são o ponto alto! Nosso guia, Mathew, foi absolutamente impecável! Fazia todo o esforço para que víssemos o máximo de animais, nos contava curiosidades e nos ensinava sobre tudo que estávamos vendo, sempre checando se estávamos bem e nos deixando apreciar tudo com calma e tranquilidade! Foi uma mistura perfeita de contemplação e aventura! Tínhamos expectativas altas para o safari, mas o Founders Lodge conseguiu superar todas elas! Não temos palavras pra expressar nossa gratidão e o quanto amamos a experiência!
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G‍u‍e‍s‍t‍ ‍U‍s‍e‍r
July 23, 2025
Wow wow wow what an amazing place to stay, Craig, Glynis, our amazing game driver Matt and all of the staff were so welcoming, friendly and so helpful. The two rooms we had were superb with spectacular views of the animals that decided to come and visit the lodge that day, there is also the added bonus of having the watering hole with the hide just a stone’s throw away which made it so you could get really close to the animals and watch them have a drink. The game drives were exceptional, our driver Matt was knowledgeable and passionate about all the wildlife, we still can not believe how close we got to so many animals from elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, a variety of antelope, lions (my sons highlight was watching up very closely a lion eating its kill), a large pod of hippos and we were very fortunate to see two male cheetah’s not long after they had eaten their kill so they we lazing around with very fat tummy’s and even more amazing, we saw a mummy cheetah with her 4 cubs which are the cutest thing we have ever seen. Thank you Craig, Glynis and all of the staff for making our stay wonderful, founders lodge is highly recommend by us and will hopefully be able to return in the future.
K‍a‍l‍i‍d‍a‍v‍i‍d‍s‍o‍n‍6‍6
May 26, 2025
What an exceptional establishment-we were treated like royalty and thoroughly enjoyed our 4 night stay. The rooms were comfortably furnished with spectacular panoramic views of the reserve and beyond. The animals were so close to our room and the water hole was an added bonus. The dining experience was as good as any Michelin restaurant in England and the varied locally sourced ingredients were executed with skill and culinary innovation. The lodge has many different areas therefore dining was a nice surprise lunch and evening as different areas were used e.g. outside, courtyard, rooms with roaring fires etc. The game drives were exceptional our driver was superb -Sikhumbuzo was so knowledgeable and we were so close to the animals. We saw so many animals at least 10 types of antelope, lions, elephants, baboons, giraffes, zebras, cheetah’s, rhinoceros, wart hogs and so many more! There was also an abundance of birds! What really makes this establishment the best is the management and staff as they are so efficient hospitable and really there to ensure you have the best experience! My husband and I are avid travellers however we have never experienced anything like we did at our stay at ‘ Founders Lodge’ it is a very special place. Thank you Craig and Glynis and to all your staff for ensuring that we returned home to Guernsey with unforgettable memories. We cannot wait to return in 2027. Kali and Larry
s‍i‍m‍o‍n‍-‍t‍8‍t
May 1, 2025
We had a really fantastic 3 night stay at Founders Lodge. The staff were all, without exception, outstanding, welcoming and friendly. It truly felt they were all passionate about the property and the service provided. Our guide on the game drives, Juvan, was outstanding. His knowledge of,and passion for, the animals really shone through. He really went out of his way to make each game drive a brilliant and memorable experience. Our room was super, with a view over to the waterhole and hide. Waking up to views of a passing giraffe or rhino is definitely memorable. Founders Lodge is highly recommended.
D‍e‍n‍i‍s‍e‍ ‍H
April 13, 2025
Second to none - Founder’s Lodge has been absolutely wonderful. Craig and Glynnis are just the best hosts. Service is personalised and personable. Food was delicious. Your experience really matters to them. The guiding was terrific and we saw Lions, Giraffes, Black Rhino, White Rhino, Warthogs, Impala, Springbok, Kudu, Buck, Zebra, Mongoose, Gennet and much more. Watch the animals from your bedroom as they visit the waterhole. Beautiful pool overlooking the waterhole. Enjoy a Braai/Barbeque with other guests. With over 28,000 hectares there’s a huge expanse of land and animals for you to discover. We cannot recommend Founders highly enough.
A‍n‍n‍e‍m‍i‍e‍ ‍C
February 19, 2025
Een excellente ervaring van de eerste seconde tot de laatste!Niets negatief te vermelden.De omgeving, de kamers ,het personeel ,het eten: alles was super.Nog een speciale dank aan James die zijn uiterste best gedaan heeft om ons zo veel mogelijk dieren en vogels te laten zien.
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R‍u‍t‍h‍ ‍P
February 18, 2025
This was a really wonderful experience for our first safari. The accommodation was lovely with a stunning view and super clean. In addition, the food was amazing and I can’t speak highly enough of all the staff. Every single person made it their business to make us feel special and we really appreciated it. Our guide, JV ,was fab. He had such passion for the animals and was so knowledgeable. Plus his tracking was amazing. Thank you all for a brilliant stay.

Services & Amenities

Outdoor swimming pool
Gym
Billiards room
Restaurant
Restaurant
Restaurant
No additional info available
More Amenities
Internet
Outdoor swimming pool
Parking
Private (exclusively for guests) is available On-site parking. Reservation not needed.
Transportation
Front Desk Services
Languages Spoken
Food & Drink
Health & Wellness
Activities
Public Areas
Cleaning Services
Facilities for Children
Business Services
Safety & Security

Property Policies

Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: after 13:00
Check-out: Before 11:00

Front desk hours: [Mon-Sun]08:00–17:00

Child policies
Children can stay in some rooms of this hotel.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.

Cribs and Extra Beds
For all room types, extra beds cannot be added. Crib policies vary according to room type. Please refer to the relevant room type policy.

Pets
Pets are not allowed

Service animals
Service animals are not allowed

Age Requirements
The main guest checking in must be at least 18 years old

Paying at the hotel

Property Description

  • Opened: 2008
  • Renovated: 2022
  • Number of Rooms: 8
Phone:+27-415550009
Email:founders.manager@mantiscollection.com
Founders Lodge by Mantis, an hour's drive from Gqeberha's Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport 's in the Eastern Cape, South Africa, is a game reserve with 5-star hospitality focused on tailored and convivial service, authentic South African cuisine and magnificent game viewing. This 7-suite lodge and newly renovated Founders Railway Carriage offers a pampered safari with an intimate, romantic experience for couples or an engaging, interactive social environment for families and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy for Founders Lodge by Mantis?

The cancellation policy for Founders Lodge by Mantis varies depending on the type of room and booking conditions.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Standard check-in time at Founders Lodge by Mantis is 13:00 and check-out time is 11:00.

What amenities and services are available at Founders Lodge by Mantis ?

Founders Lodge by Mantis offer top amenities and services include Shuttle service.

Does Founders Lodge by Mantis provide breakfast?

No, Founders Lodge by Mantis doesn't provide breakfast.

Can I bring my pet inside the Founders Lodge by Mantis?

As much as we love pets, unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate them in Founders Lodge by Mantis.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Founders Lodge by Mantis ?

Yes, at Founders Lodge by Mantis, an airport shuttle is available. We suggest you call ahead to confirm details.

About This Property

Average Price FromUSD861
Hotel Star Rating3