Restored railway carriage now available for exclusive hire at Mantis Founders Lodge in South Africa

Mantis, a leading conservation-focused hospitality group with luxury hotels, eco-lodges, waterways and impact experiences located across the globe, has announced the opening of the lovingly restored Founders Railway Carriage, at Mantis Founders Lodge located 72km from Gqeberha. Mantis invites you to get on board and enjoy the charm of a bygone era but with modern touches, including a pool, boma, an outdoor deck and personal, dedicated service.

The Founders Railway Carriage, the first of its kind in the Eastern Cape, belongs to conservation pioneer and Mantis Founder, Adrian Gardiner. Gardiner travelled in the carriage with his family on holiday and business rail journeys around South Africa for almost a decade, until the train was eventually retired and meticulously restored.  He says, ‘My love for train travel began in the early 60s when I travelled from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe to the University of Cape Town.  The return trips were six a year for at least four years and took three days and three nights.  In those days with steam engines and remarkable service, the experience was unforgettable.’

From 2000, says Gardiner, ‘the carriage stood empty and we needed to find a permanent home for it.  My dream to place the carriage at Mantis Founders Lodge, on its own siding, has been realised.’ 

Mantis Founders Lodge is an hour’s drive from Gqeberha’s Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in the Eastern Cape.  It offers 5-star hospitality focused on tailored and convivial service, authentic local cuisine and magnificent game viewing making it a popular choice for travellers who have explored the Garden Route.

The Railway Carriage is in addition to the 7-suites at the Lodge all offering a pampered safari with an intimate, romantic experience for couples or an engaging, interactive social environment for families and friends.

This lovingly restored 3-cabin 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. It is also adjacent to a unique and delightful neighbour - Munu– the blind and fiercely protected Black Rhino.

The Carriage has three compartments accommodating a total of 5 guests: A main double sleeper as well as a two-berth and a single compartment.  There are also period-inspired bathroom facilities onboard and a beautifully restored lounge and dining area. The outdoor deck and boma, with separate bathroom facilities, completes the Founders Railway Carriage.

Staying on the Carriage means you will have dedicated staff to set the pace of your holiday – whether that’s early morning nature walks, leisurely picnic brunches, lounging by the pool or enjoying identifying the constellations and stars sprinkled across the late-night sky.

To learn more about the Founders Railway Carraige, visit: https://www.mantiscollection.com/hotel/wildlife-safari-mantis-founders-lodge/