The Credentials
Founders Lodge is part of the Mantis group of hotels, founded by keen conservationist Adrian Gardiner. While all the hotels are exceptional, Founders Lodge really is quite special. In fact, it began as Gardiner’s base, where he pioneered private game reserves and ecotourism in the Eastern Cape – he still visits there now, staying in exactly the same room.
Deep in the bush, about one hour from Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), the private game reserve offers nature-inspired experiences focused on the smaller, lesser-known wildlife and ecology. From guided walking tours through the bush to 4×4 game drives of the 25,000ha land, and rooms with unobscured views of the animals, it’s a truly magical place, where memories are made.
After a long, eight-hour drive from Cape Town to Sidbury, and a few miles on a bumpy track passing Impala and Springbok, we were greeted with cold towels and fresh juice. With the hotel aiming to be as sustainable as possible, each guest is given their own flask to use during the trip, to reduce the amount of plastic the hotel uses – it’s pretty much plastic-free. We were then given a quick tour of the hotel, including the dining area, gym, and of course our room, which had us speechless – not because of the decor, but because of the view…
Sleep
The Lodge has seven suites, as well as an old railway carriage, which has been converted into the most charming accommodation, including a private swimming pool, dining area and decking overlooking the game reserve. With three cabins, it’s perfect for families and groups.
We stayed in the main lodge, in one of the contemporary suites. Simply and elegantly decorated, with a gold and monochrome colour scheme, which complimented the wonderful artwork of David Yarrow, the room was spacious and modern, with a large bed, lounge area, and an open-plan bathroom with a bathtub and shower.
But what was truly incredible was the view from our private patio, which looked out onto Founders Lodge very own game reserve, where Zebra, Rhino, Giraffes and Springbok roam – all herbivores, no predators. The view is unobscured, thanks to horizontal electric fences, hidden by the low wall that divides the Lodge and the game reserve. I often sat out there, mesmerised by the view in front of me.
Dine
Given you’re far away from shops and restaurants, Founders Lodge works on a full board basis, supplying everything you need for your stay. Before the morning game drive, guests are given coffee, tea, fruit, rusks and muffins, to keep them going – the driver also takes a few bits with him for a picnic in the bush. On return to the Lodge, guests are invited to dine in the restaurant, where a cold buffet of fruit, yoghurt and granola is available alongside a cooked breakfast of your choice; smoked salmon and poached eggs for me, and Eggs Benedict for my partner. We were very hungry after a three-hour game drive.
Lunch is generally served by the pool or on the grassy banks overlooking the animals – the staff move the tables around a lot, whether it’s in front of the wildlife or under the fairy-light-wrapped trees. Each day we were brought a large Greek salad with creamy feta and juicy olives, alongside homemade ‘health bread’, which was a bit like Rye bread, with raisins in too. You can then choose from one of two dishes for your main. This changes daily and is anything from creamy pasta to grilled fish, steak or quiche. There’s always a dessert too, if you have room.
Dinner is definitely the meal we looked forward to the most. On the first night, we were treated to a 4-course menu, starting with cauliflower soup, followed by butternut ravioli with sage burnt butter and butternut crisps – it was absolutely delicious, you could tell the pasta was freshly made. This was followed by a meaty piece of Kingklip, grilled to perfection and served with a Niçoise salad. Dessert was strawberry sablé, creamy yet refreshing, bringing the meal to a very satisfying end. It was such a warm, clear evening, we sat outside in the courtyard, admiring the stars and listening to the sounds of nature, as we sipped on our wine.
On our final night, they surprised us with a true South African Braai (a BBQ). Fine cuts of meat alongside vibrant salads and roosterkoek (a type of bread), it was a lovely way to bring all the guests together. With just a few rooms, there aren’t too many guests there at any one time, so it’s nice to get to know each other – if you want to.
Out and About
When you visit Founders Lodge, you come for the experience, to immerse yourself in nature in a way you’ve never done before. Game drives take place twice a day, at sunrise and sunset – this is usually about 6am and 4pm, and they last 2-3 hours. Believe me, the time flies! Our game driver, Marthus, was exceptional. Incredibly knowledgeable and very friendly. He knew all the spots to find the animals. Being metres away from a pride of Lions, watching the majestic Elephants bathe in the evening sun and the Giraffes nibbling the leaves of the tallest trees was both surreal and mesmerising.
If you want to mix up your game drives, you can go on a guided walking tour, with one of the rangers. This takes place in the Lodge’s own reserve, so no predators, but it’s still an incredible experience.
Downtime between game drives is spent relaxing by the pool, reading a book, getting some exercise in at the hotel’s small but well-equipped gym, or simply watching the animals from the comfort of your private patio.
The Crowd
When we visited Founder’s Lodge, it was slightly out of season, so mostly middle-aged and elderly groups accompanied us while we were there. The hotel welcomes families, but I’d be aware that children must be of an age where they can sit still on game drives for a couple of hours.
The Worst Thing
Unfortunately, I became quite unwell on the second day – through no fault of the Lodge. This meant I missed our last two drives and barely ate that beautiful Braai I mentioned previously. But, what I can say is how wonderful the staff were. They were incredibly attentive, giving me different remedies to make me feel better, and even drove me all the way to Gqeberha the following day to get me medication – I can’t thank them enough.
The Best Thing
I loved the game drives; bumping our way down the tracks, looking out for animals with our big binoculars and then stopping for sunset drinks, overlooking the bush. It was an unforgettable experience.
The Details
Rates start from £483.61 per night, based on two people sharing. All meals are included, as well as complimentary drinks and snacks.
www.mantiscollection.com
+2741 555 0009
