The Camp

Location: Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Number of Rooms: 6

Dramatically set into a cliff face overlooking the white outcrop of Leopard Rock, Phinda Rock Lodge is an architectural marvel that combines Malian influences with pueblo panache. Its six romantic suites are seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing unobstructed views of the wild and lush Africa bush. Constructed from contoured stone and adobe, each suite features solid wood shutters and doors that open onto a private plunge pool and viewing deck. The spacious en suite bathrooms, with deep bathtubs encased in wide windows, offer spectacular views of the valley. Three of the suites feature outdoor showers, providing some of the most scenic al fresco bathing on the continent. The lodge’s comfortable common areas provide optimal vantage points for viewing the abundant birdlife in the surrounding trees and the wildlife roaming the bush below. This is an intimate lodge, where guests are treated like family members and where fellow adventurers soon become lifelong friends.

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Facilities & Amenities

• En suite bathroom with tub and shower
• 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
• In-room massage (extra cost)
• "Gym in a bag"
• 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)

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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.

Climate

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.

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