Phinda Mountain Lodge – 4 Stars

WELCOME TO PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE

OVERVIEW:

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 specialist walking and tracking safaris, a sleepout under the stars, and other participative conservation experiences such as rhino notching, elephant collaring, or pangolin tagging. Also on offer outside of the reserve, within easy access of the reserve are Zulu village tours, Africa Foundation community visits, a Maputaland exploration, 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.

ACCOMMODATIONS: 

SUITES:
&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge boasts 16 suites, each cresting the mountain’s edge, and offering breath-taking raptor’s eye views of the reserve below. All 16 luxurious suites boast a spacious room, with large expansive glass windows overlooking the reserve, and an elegant ensuite bathroom with the same magnificent view. Each bathroom has a gorgeous bath, and both a large indoor and outdoor shower. The suite also hosts a beautifully appointed personal bar, a private sitting area, and a spacious decked veranda with a private rim-flow plunge pool and outdoor lounge.

COTTAGES:
In addition to the 16 suites, &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge also offers six intimate cottages, each with a stylish ensuite bathroom, comfortable sitting area, well-stocked personal bar, as well as a wonderfully spacious decked veranda, private plunge pool, and outdoor shower. From each cottage, you can enjoy a passing Nyala antelope and magnificent birdlife.

FAMILY COTTAGE:
&Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge boasts three family cottages, comprised of two regular cottages that are interconnected with a door for easy access. Each cottage has its own ensuite bathroom, with indoor and outdoor showers, as well as a private plunge pool. The suites can accommodate two adults and up to three children. When booking a family cottage, you will have exclusive access to a dedicated private safari vehicle and private guide throughout your stay. The Family Cottage can accommodate a maximum of two adults and two children (three children can be provided for on request).

FAMILY SUITE
Spacious and comfortable, the beautiful family suite at &Beyond 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 featuring indoor and alfresco showers, as well as 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 sunny deck around the lodge pool. Booking the family suite entitles you to a dedicated private safari vehicle and guide for your group, ensuring a tailor-made family safari experience for everyone. The family suite can accommodate up to four adults and four children.

ACTIVITIES:

SAFARI DRIVES:
Go ‘Beyond the Expected’ with a safari theatre experience. Led by our experienced guides, enjoy a morning bush cappuccino rendezvous and evening sundowner stop on your game drives, as well as a complimentary pair of SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars, for your use during your stay with us.

All images are supplied by &Beyond.