About
The ideal family safari destination, offering uninterrupted mountain views
Perched on a hilltop, with wraparound views of the lush Lebombo foothills, Phinda Mountain Lodge is the ultimate family safari destination in Phinda Private Game Reserve.
The iconic &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 29 866 ha (73 800 acres) of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, the reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five, as well as 436 bird species.
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. Natural light streams through the expansive glass windows of the suites and cottages, while private decks provide breathtaking views of natural beauty. Each accommodation option features an outdoor shower, well-stocked personal bars and private plunge pools.
In the main area, guests can swap safari stories around the inviting bar and enjoy meals in the interactive kitchen, complete with a pizza oven (ideal fun for the kids to create their own dinner). A traditional stone and reed boma is illuminated by dozens of candles, and lanterns, and provides the ultimate setting for al fresco dinners. A sparkling lodge rim flow pool follows the natural curves of the mountain, while a new state-of-the-art gym is ideal for fitness fanatics, and a massage sala is available for those wanting to indulge in tranquil treatments.
Choose from a range of exciting Phinda Adventures such as a specialist walking and tracking safaris, a sleepout under the stars, and other participative conservation experiences such rhino notching, elephant collaring or pangolin tagging. Also on offer outside of the reserve, within easy access of the reserve are Zulu village visits, Wild Impact (formerly Africa Foundation) community visits, a Maputaland beach trip, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, or an incredible ocean safari that offers you a host of marine life sightings. Specialist safaris can be arranged in advance and focus on special interests such as birding, photographic, family and private safaris.
- OPEN: June to October, December to March
- CLOSED: April, May and November
- CLOSEST AIRSTRIP (NORTH): Kogatende, 45-min drive from camp
- CLOSEST AIRSTRIP (SOUTH): Ndutu, a 20-min drive from camp
- FAMILIES: Children aged 5 and older
ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES
16 suites, 6 cottages (or 3 adjoined family cottages) and 1 family suite
All rooms feature refreshing alfresco showers
Each room features a private plunge pool in addition to the lodge swimming pool
1 Family Suite and 2 Family Cottages available with an interconnecting door and included private vehicle
Qualified childminders available. Fun interactive WILDchild programme
COMPLIMENTARY LAUNDRY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE SHOULD YOU NEED IT
- FAMILY FRIENDLY
- SAFARI GAME DRIVES
- BUSH WALKING ADVENTURES
- IMPACT EXPERIENCES
- COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES
Your Questions Answered
Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, &Beyond Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
As of November 2019 children travelling on passports of visa-exempt countries will only require a valid passport to enter/exit South African ports of entry (birth certificates will no longer be a requirement for them), as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Casual, comfortable clothing, binoculars, and your sense of adventure are essential for your safari. For everything else, a substantial list listed here should cover most, if not everything.
Rates & Seasonality*
* Special offers may apply
* Contact us for the best available rates
* Rates are correct at the time of publishing and subject to change