Phinda Mountain Lodge

distinctive Camp | Zululand, South Africa

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At Phinda Mountain Lodge, a room with a view isn’t just an option – it’s a guarantee. Poised on the crest of a mountain, the lodge commands majestic views over the surrounding landscape. The Phinda Private Game Reserve, renowned for its prolific and diverse wildlife, offers a world-class safari adventure with ample opportunity to see Africa’s famed ‘Big Five,’ as well as easy access to secluded Indian Ocean beaches and pristine reefs.

Our Expert Says

Phinda is a great area to visit with seven different habitats offering a great range of wildlife. Mountain Lodge has spectacular views of the Ubombo mountain range and the surrounding Zululand bushveld . One of their unique activities is river cruises and canoeing on the Mzinene River, something that is not offered by many places in the area, and is an excellent alternative to game drives.

– Wendy Klausner

The Camp

Location: Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Number of Rooms: 25

With wraparound views of the spectacular Ubombo mountain range and the surrounding Zululand bushveld, Phinda Mountain Lodge is a dramatic safari destination. Twenty-five split-level suites crest the mountain’s edge, offering raptor’s-eye views of the reserve below. This beloved lodge has recently been rebuilt and refurbished, and each luxurious suite now boasts a romantic en suite bathroom, private sitting area and spacious veranda complete with private plunge pool and outdoor shower. The guest area is an impressive U-shaped building with central al fresco courtyard, which provides enticing comfort between wildlife drives. The intimate sitting areas are filled with sunlight, and the dining area overlooks the reserve with the Ubombo Mountains in the distance. Enjoy creative Pan-African meals in the traditional stone and reed boma, romantically illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns, or savor dinner in a bush clearing under a canopy of glittering stars.

Facilities & Amenities

En suite bathroom with tub and indoor/outdoor showers
Shampoo, soap and lotion
Hair dryer
Air conditioning
Room fan
Mini bar
Tea/coffee in room
220v charging outlets in room
In-room safe
Private plunge pool (except in family suite)
Central pool
In-room massage (extra cost)
Wi-Fi in room and main area
Laundry included
Local drinks included (house alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks)
Credit cards accepted (Visa, MasterCard, Diners, American Express)

Wildlife Viewing & Activities

Encompassing more than 56,000 acres of prime African wilderness, Phinda Private Game Reserve showcases one of the continent’s finest wildlife-viewing experiences. Twice-daily nature drives may reveal abundant cheetah and leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and many of the 415 bird species recorded here. Often described as “Seven Worlds of Wonder” because of its seven distinct habitats, Phinda boasts an abundance and diversity of wildlife rivaled by few places in Africa. Track the movements of the endangered black rhinoceros or observe herds of elephant as they meander through fever tree forests. Cheetah, absent here for more than 50 years, have been reintroduced, and today Phinda is considered one of the best places to see and photograph them. Leopards are also tracked daily, and guests have a good chance of encountering these charistmatic cats. Other activities at Phinda include guided nature walks, canoe excursions and sunset cruises on the Mzinene River, and strolls along pristine Indian Ocean beaches.

Zululand has varied concentrations and species of wildlife, and the below chart helps to illustrate major wildlife sightings often experienced in the area. Sightings will be different in the Rocktail Bay area, as it's a coastal destination, and often sea turtles nesting can be observed there. A number of smaller mammals, birds and reptiles are also seen year-round. Exact sightings always depend on weather and wildlife movements.

Country	Park/Reserve	Black Rhino	Buffalo	Cheetah	Eland	Elephant	Giraffe	Greater Kudu	Hippo	Hyena	Leopard	Lion	White Rhino	Wild Dog	Wildebeest	Zebra
South Africa	Zululand

Usually viewed

Frequently viewed

Occasionally viewed

Sporadically viewed

Rarely to never viewed

Climate

Month	Max	Min	Rainfall
January	82° F	68° F	5.2 in
	27° C	20° C	132 mm
February	82° F	70° F	6.02 in
	27° C	21° C	153 mm
March	81° F	68° F	8.03 in
	27° C	20° C	204 mm
April	79° F	59° F	4.88 in
	26° C	15° C	124 mm
May	72° F	55° F	4.13 in
	22° C	12° C	105 mm
June	72° F	55° F	3.62 in
	22° C	12° C	92 mm
July	72° F	55° F	3.11 in
	22° C	12° C	79 mm
August	72° F	59° F	2.2 in
	22° C	15° C	56 mm
September	73° F	61° F	2.68 in
	22° C	16° C	68 mm
October	75° F	63° F	3.39 in
	23° C	17° C	86 mm
November	79° F	64° F	4.72 in
	26° C	17° C	120 mm
December	81° F	68° F	4.57 in
	27° C	20° C	116 mm

Conservation

A commitment to the environment and well-being of its staff and their communities are at the core of Phinda’s philosophy. The successful reintroduction of several large species of mammals that once thrived here has dramatically increased the vitality of Phinda’s diverse ecosystems. Highlights include the reintroduction of 16 endangered black rhinos, in conjunction with World Wildlife Fund, and the reintroduction of cheetahs and lions. Phinda is also the scene of several cutting-edge wildlife research programs that are generating important new information and ideas that can be applied across Africa. Some of the equally impressive groundbreaking community development programs here include an agreement that restored over 22,000 acres of land to its ancestral owners, the construction of more than 90 classrooms, three libraries, a health clinic and a scholarship program for local students. Phinda also sponsors education and training programs, including construction skills and computer literacy, for members of local communities.