4.9 /5
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Based on over 1000 Verified Reviews.

Overview

Once a private family residence, Founders Lodge has been completely recrafted into a six-suite safari lodge. It is set in a 400-hectare reserve next to the Shamwari Game Reserve and offers you the opportunity to explore both the private reserve and Shamwari. The result is a diverse and highly rewarding safari in the beautiful, malaria-free landscape of the Eastern Cape – it is the perfect finale to a Garden Route holiday in South Africa.

The lodge is built around a landscaped courtyard with four of the suites accessed from the courtyard while the other two suites are in the original residence. All are luxuriously appointed, air conditioned and have their own balconies; guests can also enjoy the convivial atmosphere of the main house where there is everything from a dining room and lounge to a billiard room and library.

Step outside and you find dining areas and socialising spaces along with two swimming pools, a gym and a steam room. All this ensures there is plenty to do at the lodge between exploring the private reserve by 4X4 and on foot too. Shamwari is, of course, the safari highlight and guests at Founders Lodge enjoy direct access to the area on morning and afternoon game drives. Your guide will be on the lookout for Africa’s Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - along with a host of familiar savannah animals such as kudu, jackals and plains zebra.

Highlights

  • Luxurious manor-house accommodation
  • Air-conditioned suites with private balconies
  • Pools, gym, sauna, billiard room & free Wi-Fi
  • Game drives & guided walks in private reserve
  • Search for the Big 5 in next-door Shamwari Reserve

Activities

  • Game drives
  • Guided walking safaris
Founders Lodge is situated 75km from Port Elizabeth in the malaria free Eastern Cape of South Africa and aims to offer guests a personalised experience. This secluded lodge is great for friends, families and small groups looking to explore the Eastern Cape and all that this beautiful place has to offer!
Tankiso Ngidi

Tankiso Ngidi

Africa Safari Expert

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Rooms

Suite

There are only six private suites at Founders Lodge, either leading off the central courtyard or forming part of the original home. Complete with comfortable seating and a private bathroom, all suites each have a king-sized bed, air conditioning, tea-and-coffee-making facilities and an electronic safe. The spacious bathroom is equipped with a large shower, bathtub and twin hand basins. Step outside onto your private veranda for breath-taking views across the sprawling Eastern Cape landscape.

Facilities

The main house has been designed to offer a very generous set of facilities for guests at the lodge. There is an elegant drawing room as well as a more informal lounge with bar and fireplace. The billiard room is a nice surprise and complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the lodge.

Founders Lodge has two outdoor swimming pools as well as a gym and steam room; there are also shaded terraces and sunny poolside decks if you simply want to relax with a book and a view.

Dining

At Founders Lodge your day begins with early morning tea and coffee and a light breakfast before your morning activity. There is a hearty brunch or lunch on your return to the lodge and then high tea in the mid-afternoon, served before your second safari activity. Sunset drinks and snacks are served on your game drive, and you return to blazing fireplaces and a 3-course dinner.

Food at Founders Lodge is traditional South African fare with a modern gourmet twist; fresh seasonal ingredients are used as much as possible and menus are changed regularly. Meals are served outside as often as possible in the traditional boma or away from camp at the bush-dining venue.

General facilities

  • Bar
  • Fireplace
  • Gym
  • Swimming pool
  • Library

Rates

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Dates Board Price
2022-05-01 — 2022-09-30 Fully Inclusive Plus (Meals, Beverages & Extras) $320
2022-10-01 — 2022-12-19 Fully Inclusive Plus (Meals, Beverages & Extras) $430
2022-12-20 — 2023-01-10 Fully Inclusive Plus (Meals, Beverages & Extras) $560
2023-01-11 — 2023-04-30 Fully Inclusive Plus (Meals, Beverages & Extras) $430
2023-05-01 — 2023-09-30 Fully Inclusive Plus (Meals, Beverages & Extras) $320
2023-10-01 — 2023-12-19 Fully Inclusive Plus (Meals, Beverages & Extras) $430
2023-12-20 — 2024-01-10 Fully Inclusive Plus (Meals, Beverages & Extras) $560

Our rates are per person sharing unless we note differently. Please treat all pricing as a guide only:

  • All rates are subject to availability and may change without notice.
  • Single supplements may apply.
  • Request a quote or speak to one of our African Safari Experts for the best, most current rates available.

Why travel with us

  • Independent experts since 1998
  • Our best price promise
  • Full service, flights included
  • Complete financial protection
  • 24/7 on-safari support
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