Phinda Mountain Lodge

Phinda Mountain Lodge

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.

The Lodge

With wrap-around views of the spectacular Ubombo Mountains and the South African bushveld below, Phinda Mountain Lodge is set apart from other safari lodges due to its dramatic location.

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.

Facilities

There are 20 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 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.

Fauna and Flora

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.

Activities

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.

Twice-daily game-drives
Enjoy exceptional Big Five game viewing in open 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced rangers and Zulu trackers.

Interpretive Bush Walks
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.

Mzinene River Canoeing (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.

Mzinene Riverboat Cruise (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 water birds, as well as crocodiles and hippos lazing about.

White Rhino Tracking
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.

Activities in this area

• 7 Wonders in 7 Day
  From: R 51 000.00 per safari

• Bush Skills
  From: R 14 850.00 per safari

• Rhino Darting
  From: R 14 850.00 per safari

• Birding
  From: R 5 610.00 per safari

• Deep Sea Fishing
  From: R 4 800.00 per boat

• Flight of the Fish Eagle
  From: R 1 160.00 per person

• Beach Adventure
  From: R 1 190.00 per person

• Isikolethu Zulu Cultural Tour
  From: R 690.00 per person

• Turtle Drive
  From: R1 290.00 per person

• Horse Riding
  From: R 990.00

• Scuba Diving
  From: R 1 060.00 per person