Phinda Mountain Lodge (KZN)

16 Suites  – 6 Suites – 50 Guests

Phinda Mountain Lodge (KZN) is perched on a dramatic hilltop with wraparound views of the spectacular Ubombo mountain range and the surrounding Zululand bush. This is truly a dramatic scene for a safari destination.

Phinda Mountain Lodge is located within Phinda Private Game Reserve. This reserve encompasses an impressive 28 555 hectares (70 560 acres) of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and 436 bird species. In addition, the reserve is famous for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino.

Activities

Phinda Private Reserve is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder.’ Phinda Mountain Lodge (KZN) fits fantastically into this magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland, and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes, and pans. Home to 1 000 hectares of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, the reserve is also situated near the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. This provides an opportunity to combine bush and beach adventures.

Guests at Phinda experience unforgettable interpretive game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, led by professionally trained rangers and trackers, as well as a wide range of optional adventures.

Choose from a range of exciting Phinda Adventures such as specialist walking and tracking safaris, a sleep-out under the stars, an infrared Night Eye drive, and other participative conservation experiences such as rhino notching or pangolin tagging.

Game Drives

Hosted by expert guides and trackers in specially adapted 4×4 safari vehicles, you will have the opportunity to enjoy early morning game drives and spotlit night drives. Set off in search of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino) and an array of other fascinating creatures such as wild dog, hippo, cheetah, and many bird species.

Game drives accommodate a maximum of six guests and usually include refreshments stops along the way that allow you to stretch your legs and admire your breathtaking location. Your guide will share stores and anecdotes based on intimate knowledge of the park and its surrounds.

Safari guides are trained in sensitive off-roading practices to allow close-up game sightings. This adventure offers the perfect introduction to South Africa’s wildlife and is a must for first-time safari-goers.

Phinda is home to a magnificent variety of wildlife, including the Big Five. However, it is best known for its large cheetah and black rhino population. In addition, the sand forest is home to the shy Suni and the rare red duiker; two tiny antelope seldom encountered elsewhere.

Morning Game Drives: The morning game drive leaves between 5:30 am, and 6 am. Your guide will select a spot to enjoy the stunning views while enjoying a morning refreshment.

Afternoon Game Drives: The afternoon game drive leaves between 4 and 5 pm. After sundowners and snacks, your guides will use the spotlight to find nocturnal animals before returning to the lodge for dinner.

Reasons to love Phinda Mountain Lodge:

• Amazing views of the reserve

• Ideal for families – specialized children’s program

• Guests staying in the family cottages/suite enjoy the use of a private safari

We can arrange at an additional charge:

• Phinda Adventures include Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, an ocean safari, black rhino tracking on foot, and participative conservation experiences (elephant, rhino, pangolin)

• Specialist Safaris include birding, infrared night eye, photographic, specialist walking, family and private safaris

EXPLORE: Why not speak to us about customizing your tour to South Africa with experience combining Phinda & Ngala Tented Camp or Sabi Sands.

Accommodation 

Phinda Mountain Lodge features three room types, with 16 suites, six cottages (that can be turned into three adjoining family cottages), and one family suite. The open glass allows natural light to stream through guest areas, suites, and cottages. In addition, each room features private decks that provide breathtaking views of the surrounding bushveld.

A succulent, landscaped garden of aloes and cycads create a welcoming atmosphere at the entrance. Intimate sitting areas brim with sunlight, and open decks make the most of the magnificent views.

Each accommodation option features an outdoor shower, well-stocked personal bars, and private plunge pools. A spacious bar area links to the pool, spa, and gym that features state-of-the-art equipment and a yoga deck with a view.

The interactive kitchen and pizza oven complete the dining area. Guest also enjoy meals under a star-studded sky in the traditional stone and reed Boma. Dozens of candles and lanterns support the African sky.
Phinda Mountain Lodge is famous for its bush banquets in natural, unexpected settings, and guests may well find themselves savoring their meal in a spectacular clearing in the bush. The rim-flow pool follows the hill’s contours, with magnificent views of the Lebombo foothills.

Getting to Phinda Mountain Lodge (KZN)

• Airlink offer daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Phinda Private Game Reserve.
• Connect Phinda Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg, Cape Town,  Ngala Private Game Reserve, Kirkman’s Kamp, northern Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Londolozi, Ulusaba, Vilanculos, and Livingstone. All flights route through either Nelspruit or Skukuza
• Private charters from anywhere in South Africa can be arranged to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve’s airstrip
• It is a seven-hour drive from Johannesburg on good roads in a two-wheel-drive vehicle
• It is a three and a half-hour drive from Durban on good roads in a two-wheel-drive vehicle

Itinerary

A typical summer day at Phinda Mountain Lodge:
(Kindly note, times may vary slightly, and winter timings are different)

• 05h30 Wake-up call at the room
• 06h00 Light breakfast in the central area
• 06h30 Depart for your morning activity: game drive, nature walk
• 10h30 Return from the morning activity
• 11h00 Brunch
• Afternoon at leisure – possible activities: Swimming pool, curio shop, spa
• 15h30 Afternoon Tea
• 16h00 Depart on afternoon game drive
• 19h30 Return from the game drive
• 20h00Dinnerr under the stars (weather permitting)

Image Gallery

Rates at Phinda Mountain Lodge

Luxury Suite: R10350.00 PPN

Cottage: R9500.00 PPN

Family Cottage: R34635.00  Per cottage per night

Family Suite: R 41400.00 Per suite per night

Fully inclusive of:

• Accommodation
• Three meals daily
• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, and refreshments on game drives
• Laundry
• Safari activities
• One-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability)
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• VAT
• Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip
• A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars per room for use during your stay

Rates exclude:

• Administration fee
• Telephone calls
• Safari shop purchases
• Gratuities
• All items of a personal nature
• Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars
• Government bed levy
• Conservancy or park fees
• Landing fees
• Phinda Adventures