&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, Kwa Zulu-Natal

rooms

The lodge features 25 split-level air conditioned suites each with en-suite bathroom comprising bath, shower, separate w.c. and twin hand basins. All suites have a sitting area, personal bar and private veranda complete with plunge pool and romantic al fresco shower.

You can also consider some of Phinda's excellent alternative Lodges which are smaller in size or suited to sole-use groups!

facilities & activities

The central guest area has an al fresco courtyard at its heart, whilst private plunge pools are available for cooling off at your suite.

Open Vehicle Game Drives occur in the morning and evening supplemented with sundowner drinks, snacks, rugs and ponchos. Walking safaris (12 years over), river cruises and canoeing on the Mzinene River are also available. Guests enjoy excellent game viewing including cheetah and the rare black rhino.

Rhino Notching is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and person with rhino whilst assisting in the conservation of this endangered species. This adventure allows guests to witness the capture and darting of a black rhino and assist the veterinary team in notching the sleeping animal’s ear for research and security monitoring. Ear notches, as well as microchips placed in the horn, enable researchers to correctly identify different rhino on the reserve. Groups of up to eight guests each (sharing the same vehicle) can participate in the entire process, from locating and darting the rhino by helicopter to the never to be repeated opportunity to touch the anaesthetised giant during the notching procedure. Minimum 3 nights apply, maximum 8 guests and age limit is 12 years & older (Costs vary between white & black rhino notching).

Adding to Phinda’s wildlife charms, the marine diversity of nearby Sodwana Bay on the coast is easily accessible, with scuba diving, fishing and even turtle watching available as part of a day trip.

dining

Delicious pan-African meals can be enjoyed on the tiered veranda, covered dining room or in the remarkable stone and reed boma, romantically illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns.  Phinda is also renowned for its bush banquets, served in a spectacular clearing under an umbrella of twinkling stars.

family

Children aged 6 to 12 years are permitted on game drives at the lodge manager’s discretion. While children younger than six cannot participate in game drives, childminders can be arranged during game drives and meal times at an additional cost.

The WILDchild programme is a filled with fun, interactive activities. On arrival, each child will receive a WILDchild branded bag containing a logbook, crayons, pencils and a pawprint tattoo. There is a personalised welcome note for every child, with those under three getting an African-themed soft toy as well. Expeditions involve tracking and fishing, making traditional bows and arrows, beading, crafting and painting, as well as fun in the lodge garden or kitchen and more.

There are two family suites providing interleading rooms with an optional additional bed in each. A private swimming pool is available for families to enjoy. Mountain Lodge also has 3 suites with a fold-out sleeper sofa in each to accommodate up to 2 children sharing
Please note that all lodges are un-fenced. Pool safety nets are available upon request.

location

Phinda is located in the Maputaland region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It neighbours the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, (a World Heritage Site) to the east and is only 30 km (19 miles) due west of the white-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.

The Reserve can be directly accessed by shuttle flight from Johannesburg on several days of the week, or guests fly to Durban / Richard's Bay for a 4 / 2 hour transfer.