Founders Lodge by Mantis

What an incredible stay! I had the most amazing time at this lodge. The staff that run it are a small, closeknit team, who go above and beyond for guests. This lodge offers a smaller and more intimate stay which meant that you get to enjoy beautiful tranquillity as well as a personalised touch from the staff.

The rooms are spacious and modern. The lodge also features a lovely common area with a pool table and a TV that shows footage from their hideaway 24/7. Dining here is amazing - they offer 'roaming dining', meaning that for lunch and dinner we'd find ourselves set up in different locations around the property, which I thought was a fun touch. The quality of food is very high and there is a lot of it! We had lunch on the lawn one day and could see zebras and rhinos from just a few metres away.

The game drives were incredible, we saw 4 out of 5 (missing that leopard) and our driver was full of enthusiasm and knowledge. The lodge uses the Shamwari Game Reserve which is home to the ‘Big 5’ and so much more. No more than two vehicles are allowed in one area at the same time, and we rarely saw another vehicle. Our ranger, Matt was so enthusiastic and informative. We saw so may animals at close proximity. A morning game drive would include a stop for hot chocolate, and an afternoon drive would include a sundowner with drinks of your choice in a stunning spot.

One of the best things about this lodge is the hideaway that opens up to the watering hole, but even without that we saw zebras, rhinos, springbok, warthogs and giraffes roaming right in front of us. This property does have a gym, library, common room.

I loved my stay here and would recommend it with confidence!