Founders Lodge by Mantis

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

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.

I don’t usually write reviews but I had to with this stay. I can’t put into words how amazing our last few days with Founders was. From the moment we arrived the staff made us feel like family and nothing could be faulted. Their attention to detail was outstanding and the views from our lodge were so beautiful that it bought tears to our eyes. We saw so many wonderful animals which we will miss seeing everyday. The guides have such a passion, knowledge and love for the animals which made our stay even more special. The food was incredible every time, we felt like we were in a dream. By far the best holiday we have ever had. We can’t wait to return. You will not want to leave!!!

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.

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.

Where to start with this review…. This place is heaven. From the moment we stepped foot out of the car (after taking the wrong road!!) we were made to feel like royalty. We were met by Glynns and some of the other staff and were given a tour. We were shown down to the water hole and Our kids were amazed by this part, to be able to sit in the peace and quiet and wait for whatever animal was going to show up was fantastic. The food here is to die for, you most definitely won’t go hungry and your clothes maybe a little tighter going home !! The amazing staff Cynthia, Ntombi and Nazi just could not do enough for you, such beautiful people. Our guide Cillie, this man has the patience of a saint. Every game drive was different, he went above and beyond for us. Spent time with my son showing him where things were in the distance when none of us could see!! Explained everything in such detail, all the questions we had and he was so full of information for us. He was brilliant. Glynn and Craig, you guys are fabulous , you made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived until the time we had to leave. This has been a dream come true and we will remember this forever. Hopefully we will see you guys again xx