Situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 22 000 hectares (54 500 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
Perched on a dramatic hill top with wrap around views of the spectacular Ubombo mountain range, and the surrounding Zululand bush, &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is a dramatic safari destination.
Boasting 16 suites, six cottages (or three family cottages), and the exclusive family suite. Roomy luxurious suites boast natural light through expansive glass windows, elegant ensuite bathrooms inspired by Zulu basketware designs, a beautifully appointed personal bar, private sitting area, lounge and a spacious veranda with a plunge pool and outdoor shower.
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.
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 rim flow pool follows the contours of the hill, with magnificent views of the Lebombo foothills, and the Safari shop showcases the best of regional basket and beadwork.
There are 23 air-conditioned suites, each are en-suite and offer you a chance to observe the serenity of the South African wilderness from your private deck. Each suite features a comfortable sitting area.
Delicious meals are served in the dining area that features an interactive kitchen and pizza oven, and under a star-studded sky in the traditional stone and reed Boma, theatrically illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns.
Phinda is renowned for its bush banquets in natural, unexpected settings, and guests may well find themselves savouring their meal in a spectacular clearing in the bush.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of mammals. Predators like cheetah, leopard and lion are tracked on a daily basis and visitors stand extremely good chances of seeing them. The territorial white rhino favour waterhole's and wallows. Herds of elephant and buffalo move throughout the reserve and are easily spotted
An impressive 378 species are recorded. Rudd’s apalis, Neergaard’s sun bird and pink-throated twin spot are endemic to the Maputaland region. Lemon-breasted canary, southern banded snake-eagle and grey wax bill are characteristic of the coastal plain. Among resident birds in the Sand Forest are Narina trogon, African broadbill and square-tailed drongo.
Little can compare to Phinda’s exciting range of safari activities. Apart from the twice-daily game-drives, nature walks, riverboat cruises and canoe trips along the Mzinene River (available at no additional cost), Phinda not only offers thrilling Indian ocean adventures from scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to spectacular air safaris, but also many bush activities.
Enjoy exceptional Big Five game viewing in open 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced rangers and Zulu trackers.
Learn more about the traditional uses and the legends surrounding indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as how to identify tracks and see rare birds on walks led by armed rangers and trackers.
(weather permitting, and depending on water levels)
Catch sight of some of Phinda’s incredible bird life while paddling along the river - flanked by lush riverine forest with huge fever and sycamore fig trees – in a sturdy canoe.
(weather permitting, and depending on water levels)
Watch a magnificent sunrise or sunset while enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Mzinene River in Phinda’s riverboat. See some of the 200 or more waterbirds, as well as crocodiles and hippos lazing about.
Set off with your professional armed ranger and tracker in a 4x4 safari vehicle, searching for fresh signs of white rhino activity. When tracks are found, experience the quiet thrill of tracking white rhino on foot.
Phinda Mountain Lodge's guest suites crest the mountain’s edge, offering breath-taking raptor’s-eye views of the reserve below. Each luxurious suite boasts an elegant ensuite bathroom, private sitting area and a spacious veranda with a plunge pool and outdoor shower.
Phinda Mountain Lodge’s six guest cottages each feature an elegant ensuite bathroom, private sitting area and a veranda with a plunge pool and outdoor shower. The cottages are slightly smaller than the suites, and feature interleading doors which convert them into family cottages.
Spacious and comfortable, the beautiful family suite at andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is designed to provide just the right balance of privacy and security for larger families travelling with children. The suite boasts a shared lounge area as well as two elegant adult bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom (with indoor and al fresco showers) and two interleading children’s rooms, ensuring that parents can keep a watchful eye on younger children. A private veranda off the shared lounge offers the ideal setting for gathering and swapping tales of the day’s adventures, whilst a nearby pathway leads directly to the covered deck around the lodge pool. Booking the family suite entitles you to a dedicated private safari vehicle for the group, ensuring a tailor-made family safari experience for everyone. The family suite can accommodate up to four adults and four children.
andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge boasts three family cottages, conveniently interlinked via a door for easy access. Each cottage has its own ensuite bathroom, with indoor and al fresco showers, as well as a private plunge pool. The suites can accommodate two adults and up to three children. When booking a family cottage at Phinda Mountain Lodge, you will have exclusive access to a private safari vehicle and guide throughout your stay.
A single supplement of 50% applies for all single rooms.
Unless otherwise stated, all rates listed are based on a minimum 2 night stay. Surcharges may apply for a 1 night booking.
Rates are applicable to South African Residents. ID Copies will be requested at the time of booking for special last minute rates when available.
Special discounted rates for International Residents are available on request.
Rates exclude the Munyawana Conservation Fee of R 99 per person per night & a Bed Levy of R 5.70 per person per night, subject to change and must be pre-paid upon booking.
Views of the spectacular Ubombo mountain range, 16 suites, three family cottages and the exclusive family suite, Private plunge pools, Close to Beach / Coastal, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
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