andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

Location

Offering the best Big-Five safaris in KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a large reserve spanning over 22,000 hectares and home two seven unique ecosystems. andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge has a stunning mountain-top location, majestically positioned with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Located between the Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, it's home to the Big Five, plus over 380 bird species and the marine diversity off the nearby coast is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Phinda is approximately 1.5 hours from Richards Bay Airport, with SA Express offering daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay.

Accommodation

25 suites are positioned split-level to optimise the view from the veranda and to ensure complete seclusion and privacy. Each of the air-conditioned, spacious suites feature a private outdoor shower and plunge pool, en-suite facilities and overlook the majestic views of the mountains and reserve. Paved pathways lead down the mountainside from the main lodge to the suites. The main lodge encompasses many guest areas, including a lounge, and shaded terrace and bar, displaying spectacular views of the Lebombo Mountains.

Dining

An a-la carte restaurant serves diners at the Phinda Mountain Lodge, with a variety of meals on offer. Lunch is served either on the terrace, patio or in the dining room, and dinner held under the stars in an open-air boma. Guests can request to dine in the wild, eating within the bush amongst scenic views and wildlife gazing on the open plain in the distance.

Facilities

Two daily game drives, commencing at dusk and dawn, provide ample opportunities for guests to spot the abundance of wildlife, including cheetah, lion, leopard, antelope and rhino. For those seeking something different to the game drives, specialist safaris including birding, photographic, rhino capture and research, tracking and family and private safaris can be arranged. A variety of adventures including Zulu village tours, Maputuland beach adventures, night turtle drives, scuba safaris, endangered wild cats projects, swimming with whale sharks and whale watching can be arranged, alongside river cruises and canoeing on the Mzinene River.