Description
Phinda Reserve is cradled in the arms of the Ubombo Mountains and flanked to the east by golden beaches and the Indian Ocean, in KwaZulu-Natal This is one of Africa’s most diverse wilderness areas, boasting seven ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife.
Phinda Rock Lodge is nestled into the side of a mountain, its roughly hewn stone, adobe walls and ochre packed wooden roofs seem to cling to the very rock on which it is built. The décor is subtly ethnic with an emphasis on space and interaction with the unrivalled views.
Its six suites are seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing breathtaking views. Each romantic suite, constructed from contoured stone and adobe, boasts solid wooden shutters and doors, opening onto a private plunge pool and viewing deck. Complete with spacious en-suite bathrooms, three of these suites also feature outdoor showers, providing some of the most scenic al fresco bathing on the African continent.
Comfortable sitting areas provide the perfect vantage point for viewing the abundant birdlife in the surrounding trees, and the wildlife roaming the bushveld below. Phinda is home to a staggering 415 bird species thanks to diverse ecosystems, rare dry sand forests and unique waterways.
Accommodation
Phinda Rock Lodge offers 6 suites seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing breathtaking views. Each romantic suite, constructed from contoured stone and adobe, boasts solid wooden shutters and doors, opening onto a private plunge pool and viewing deck. Complete with spacious en-suite bathrooms, three of these suites also feature outdoor showers, providing some of the most scenic al fresco bathing on the African continent.
Childcare
Children over the age of 11 yrs are welcome at the lodge given its mountain topography and setting.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodge include private plunge pools.
Activities
Swimming, game drives and walking are included in room rates. Activities at an additional charge include scuba diving and scenic flights over the park for a bird's eye view of this unique African landscape.
When to travel
As a country in the Southern Hemisphere South Africa's seasons are the reverse of the north - with winter in June-August and summer December-February. Game viewing is better during the drier months of April to September. The wildflower season is generally from mid August to mid September. The whale watching season runs from June to November.
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Phinda Rock Lodge lies within the northern region of the 56 800 acre) Phinda Private Game Reserve. Situated in the Maputaland region of KwaZulu-Natal, south Africa, neighbours the iSimangaliso/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site to the east and is only 30 km due west of the white-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
How to get there
By road, Phinda is 6 hours from Johannesburg, 3 hours from Durban and 1.5 hours from Richards Bay. SA Express offer daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay. Road transfers from King Shaka International Airport to Phinda can be arranged. Airwing can also arrange private charters from anywhere in South Africa directly to Phinda’s airstrip.
