stationed atop a hill offering sweeping views of the valley, it emulates the romance of a bygone era.

Founders offers daily game drives to spot Africa’s Big Five (on Shamwari Game Reserve) as well as five of the seven biomes of South Africa, which allows for a large concentration and variety of wildlife. Daily game drives with professional guides provide countless sightings of diurnal (daytime) animals, while the more elusive nocturnal animals are discovered during the early evening drives. Sundowner drinks at sunset and coffee/tea at sunrise add an extra special touch. In addition to game drive guided game walks are available. These walks are restricted to the 1,000 acre Founders Reserve, which is free of predators and dangerous animals, to allow for more freedom of movement.

Founders is also a safe house for five white rhinos and Munu, a blind black rhino who are cared for 24/7 by rangers. You are able to help with the supplementary feeding of the rhino and assist to record and monitor the health and wellbeing of these endangered species. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make a difference while learning more about these magnificent creatures.

Needing some pampering whilst on safari? Founders offers in-room treatments that promise to leave you rejuvenated and restored by an experienced mobile therapist.

AT A GLANCE – MASTER SUITE (1)

Exuding old-world charm, the Master Suite is situated in the original colonial manor house. Spacious and comfortable, this room opens up onto a private veranda to allow you to feel the true essence of the nature surrounding you. For families, the Master Suite can be booked together with the Heritage Suite, both situated in the manor house section of the lodge. Two spacious suites are adjoined by a central passage, providing families of four more privacy and seclusion.

AT A GLANCE – HERITAGE SUITE (1)

The Heritage Room is perfect for families, with the Master Suite, next door just up the corridor. Situated in the original colonial manor house lets you feel a part of history, sophistically appointed with classic décor and furniture and opening up onto the private veranda.

AT A GLANCE – CONTEMPORARY SUITES (4)

Founders Lodge has four Contemporary Suites which are more modern than the Heritage Suite, with a minimalist aesthetic. The Contemporary Suites are accessible through the indigenous garden courtyard, and each features a private veranda overlooking cliffs, valleys and sprawling bushveld of the Founders Reserve. Each spacious suite has a seating area, work desk, a spacious full en-suite bathroom, and a private veranda furnished with armchairs and a small dining table for two.

AT A GLANCE – HONEYMOON POD (1)

This plush, private pod is designed as an ideal setting for celebratory getaways for two. Perched above the central lodge, the suite offers unobstructed views of the valley and has its own private entrance.

AT A GLANCE – FOUNDERS RAILWAY CARRIAGE (1)

When Adrian Gardiner retired his private railway carriage on which he and his family had enjoyed many an adventurous journey across South Africa, it was his intention to emulate the romance of a bygone era with modern touches, such as a pool, boma and outdoor deck at Founder’s Lodge. This lovingly restored 5-berth Railway Carriage, stationed at a siding atop a hill, overlooking a magnificent valley, offers new, exclusive use accommodation. The charming Carriage features, an expansive outdoor deck, private swimming pool, dining area and boma. The Carriage has three compartments: a main double sleeper as well as a two berth and a single compartment. There’s also period bathroom facilities onboard and a stunning lounge and dining area. The outdoor deck and boma with separate bathroom facilities completes the Founders Railway Carriage.