Phinda Mountain Lodge

Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the iSimangaliso/ Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 23 000 hectares (57 000 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including the 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.

The accommodation

With wrap-around views of the spectacular Ubombo Mountains and the South African bushveld below, Mountain Lodge is set apart from other safari lodges due to its dramatic location. It has 25 air-conditioned suites each with en suite bathrooms, Each suite has a private sitting room, personal bar and verandah. The lodge has aPrivate plunge pool and romantic al fresco shower. But best of all is the game viewing; the big Five - cheetah, white and black rhino, elephant, nyala and lion- can be seen from this place. You can observe the serenity of the South African wilderness from your private deck, surrounded by the indigenous trees and shrubbery of the pristine Zululand bushveld.

Each suite features a comfortable sitting area below the large beds. Paved pathways lead down the mountainside from the main guest areas to the spacious suites – a subtly executed blend of avant-garde and ethnic design. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is enjoyed in the dramatic boma (outdoor dining area) illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns, or served to you in a spectacular clearing in the bush under a star-studded sky. Phinda is renowned for wonderful bush banqueting in surprising settings.

Things to doGame driving and walking safaris

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 also offers a range of optional thrilling Indian Ocean adventures from scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to spectacular air safaris.