Phinda Mountain Lodge

Phinda Mountain Lodge, Private Game Reserve in Hluhluwe

Description

Scenic African safari lodge: 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.

With wraparound views of the spectacular Ubombo mountain range and the surrounding Zululand bushveld, Mountain Lodge at &Beyond Phinda is a dramatic safari destination. 25 split-level suites crest the mountain’s edge, offering breathtaking raptor’s-eye views of the Reserve below.

This much-loved lodge has recently been rebuilt and refurbished, and each luxurious suite now boasts a romantic ensuite bathroom, private sitting area, and spacious veranda complete with private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The guest area is a magnificent u-shaped building with central al fresco courtyard, which provides seductive comfort between exciting game drives. The intimate sitting areas are filled with sunlight, and the dining area overlooks the Reserve with the Ubombo Mountains in the distance.

Delicious Pan African meals can be enjoyed in the remarkable stone and reed boma, romantically illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns, or savoured in a spectacular clearing in the bush under an umbrella of twinkling stars. Phinda is renowned for its bush banquets in unique, unexpected settings.

Accommodation

• 20 air-conditioned suites
• Private sitting room and en suite bathroom
• Great family safari destination
• Shaded swimming pool with spectacular game-viewing deck
• African craft gallery

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.

Phinda’s unparalleled safari experiences: 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.

Contact Details Reservations +27 (0)11 809 4300 +27 (0)11 809 4400 Enquire now View Rates View Directions

Attractions

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 Catch sight of some of Phinda’s incredible birdlife while paddling along the river - flanked by lush riverine forest with huge fever and sycamore fig trees – in a sturdy canoe.

Mzinene Riverboat Cruise 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.

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.

BEACH AND BUSH ADVENTURES At an additional cost

Flight of the Fish Eagle Experience a breathtaking 60-minute flight over the diverse Maputaland wilderness of scenic pans, coastal lakes, bushveld, densely vegetated dunes and wildlife, and spot whales, whalesharks, dolphins and turtles in the magnificent Indian Ocean.

Scuba Safaris A 15-minute flight and short drive takes you to one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Diving the reefs of Sodwana Bay allows you to experience a portrait of marine diversity, with approximately 1200 species of fish and spectacular coral formations. (Can be combined with Maputaland Beach Adventures)

Deep-sea Fishing Fly to Sodwana Bay – a fisherman’s paradise inside a Marine Reserve – where a short drive takes you to your 25-foot sport fishing boat rigged for bill (marlin and sailfish), game (barracuda, yellowfin tuna and kingfish) and shark fishing. Phinda supports ‘catch-and-release’ procedures for deep-sea fishing.

Maputaland Beach Adventures A 15-minute flight and a short drive in a specially designed 4x4 beach vehicle takes you to the beautiful beach at Jesser Point. Depending on the tides, you will be driven to a secluded spot where you can enjoy snorkelling, swimming, or simply sunning on the endless beach, as well as a delicious picnic.

Beach Horse Riding A 45-minute drive from Phinda takes you to the beach for an exhilarating one-hour ride followed by a scrumptious picnic snack. (Can be combined with Maputaland Beach Adventures)

False Bay Horse Riding Enjoy the unmatched delight of riding well-schooled horses through False Bay Nature Reserve. A 1.5 hour ride takes you through the rare Dry Sand Forest habitat and along the picturesque False Bay lakeside. After the ride, relax and enjoy a delightful picnic snack while the horses rest at the water’s edge.

Night Turtle Drives (seasonal) A 45-minute drive from Phinda takes you to meet your beach ranger who will show you the wonders of the beach at night. In season, loggerhead turtles and gigantic leatherback turtles make the strenuous trail up the beach to lay their eggs - a humbling experience. Depending on the tides, you will either enjoy snacks, drinks and hot toddies on the beach or a delicious surfside supper.

Isikolethu (“Our Culture”) Community Experience Experience the wonders and diversity of the Zulu culture while exploring the Mduku, Mnqobokazi and Nibela rural communities surrounding the Reserve. Guests will depart after breakfast at 10h00, enjoying visits to Macebo crèche, the Sangoma (witch doctor), Ngubane Homestead and Mdluli Ancestoral Home. After an action-packed morning, guests will return to Phinda in time for a late lunch and their afternoon game-drive.

Accolades

	:AA Guides quality assured
	:Rated by tripadvisor.com