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Founders Lodge by Mantis

3.5 star property
Travelers find natural beauty and relaxation at this lodge where evenings by the firepit complement daytime wildlife encounters on guided ecotours

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Photo gallery for Founders Lodge by Mantis

Room, Multiple Beds | Private pool - Founders Lodge by Mantis (Paterson)
Aerial view - Founders Lodge by Mantis (Paterson)
Room, 1 King Bed | Bathroom | Separate tub and shower, deep soaking tub, eco-friendly toiletries - Founders Lodge by Mantis (Paterson)
Room, Multiple Beds | Living area | Books - Founders Lodge by Mantis (Paterson)
Room, 1 King Bed | Terrace/patio - Founders Lodge by Mantis (Paterson)
Located near Amakhala Game Reserve, Mantis Founders Lodge offers wildlife viewing, game drives, and relaxation. Guests can book a massage at the spa, enjoy in-room WiFi, access the 24/7 gym, or lounge by two outdoor pools set in gardens.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Spa
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Restaurant
  • Air conditioning

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, 2 Twin Beds

Suite, 2 Twin Beds | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 2 Twin Beds

  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Room, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed

  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed
  • Free WiFi

View all photos for Room, Multiple Beds

Room, Multiple Beds | Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Room, Multiple Beds

  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Double Beds
  • Free WiFi

About the neighborhood

Located in Paterson, Founders Lodge by Mantis is in a rural area and in a regional park. Addo Elephant National Park and Rhodes University are two other places to visit that come recommended. Visit our Paterson travel guide
Map
Sidbury Road, Adjacent to Shamwari Game Reserve, Paterson, Eastern Cape, 6135

What's nearby

  • Bushman Sands Golf Club
    47 min drive - 21.5 miles

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ)
    87 min drive

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Ecotours
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Library
  • Safari
  • Steam room
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In a regional park
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Spa open select days
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Magnifying mirror
  • No elevator
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • Banquet hall
  • Colonial architecture
  • Communal living room
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally sourced food prioritized
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Non-plastic coffee stirrers available
  • Non-plastic drinking straws available
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Some profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Waste recycling policy

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Electrical adapters
  • Iron/ironing board
  • LED lighting
  • Phone
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 5 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children 11 and younger are not allowed at this property; All guests older than 11 are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1650 per person (one-way)

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
This property uses some solar energy; some water is reused through a grey water recycling system
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property Registration Number 1971/002665/07

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Children 11 years old and younger are not permitted at this property
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

Frequently asked questions

Does Founders Lodge by Mantis have a pool?

Yes, this property has 2 outdoor pools.

Is Founders Lodge by Mantis pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; Check-in end time: 5:00 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Does Founders Lodge by Mantis provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of ZAR 1650 per person applies.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Some rate plans available at this property are all-inclusive.

Where is Founders Lodge by Mantis located?

Situated in a regional park, this hotel is 25.7 mi (41.4 km) from Addo Elephant National Park.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Founders Lodge by Mantis Reviews

10

Exceptional

10

Cleanliness

10

Amenities

10

Staff & service

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 4 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 4 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 4 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Absolutely incredible stay from the moment we arrived until we left. The staff really look after you. James our guide for the 3 days we were there was great. The food is so nice and there is lots of it! We really couldn’t fault any of it! Thank you all at Founders Andrew & Nicola
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly recommended

From arrival to departure, the stay at Founders Lodge was superb. The Pod room has an amazing view over the Game Reserve (even from the shower!). Food is exceptional, and serving lunches and dinners from different locations within the Lodge/grounds was a nice touch. All staff are friendly, polite and good at what they do! The grounds are well maintained. The uninterrupted view of the waterhole allowed for lots of animal spotting. If you're thinking of going to an Eastern Cape Game Reserve, look no further than a stay at Founders Lodge.
Looking in and out of The Pod
From the balcony of The Pod
Waterhole activity
Waterhole activity
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You’re right on the edge of the best reserve in the area & the game drives are all on the Shamwari Game Reserve. These are better than we ever expected & our ranger/guide, Cillia, was the best! Daniel at the Lodge managed everything for us & was always there for our needs, nothing was too much trouble & he ensured everything ran like clockwork. Cynthia was brilliant, always smiling and calm, Ntombi was also excellent and helped us with our questions about local culture. Overall superb!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024