Phinda Mountain Lodge

Face-to-face with lions and rhino after breakfast, up close to a Whale Shark or battling sailfish after lunch. That's the Phinda experience, one of the most exciting safari destinations in Africa. Located between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush waterways of the World Heritage Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda's 17 000 hectares span seven unique ecosystems.

Nestled below the Lebombo Mountains of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a Zulu word meaning "the return". In one of the biggest reintroductions of game in Africa, Phinda was restocked with lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, giraffe and other big game in an operation dubbed "phinda izilwane", return of the wild animals. Game drives are only one aspect of the Phinda experience. There is little that can compete with the "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari - soaring over a bay where the diversity of species rivals Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Or floating past pods of hippo in a canoe or river boat. Scuba diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing are just a hop away. And in the evenings, immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Southern Africa's warrior tribe, the Zulu.

THE LODGES

We offer four diverse lodges within one reserve. Forest, Vlei, Rock and Mountain Lodge each capture the magical flair of CC Africa. Phinda is not only a luxury destination, it is also a dynamic working model in wise land management and creative wildlife conservation.

PHINDA MOUNTAIN

The subtle combination of avant garde and ethnic décor at Phinda Mountain Lodge is inspiring... but nothing surpasses the view of the ash-blue Lebombo Mountains as they sweep down to the coastal plains. Mountain Lodge has 20 air-conditioned chalets with private decks and en suite bathrooms with bath and shower. Paved pathways lead down the mountainside from the main lodge to the chalets. A subtly executed blend of avant-garde and ethnic décor captures the alluring bushveld spirit in each room.

The bar, shaded terrace and main lounge open onto cool verandahs with serene views of the Lebombo Mountains. You will be treated to authentic African hospitality at the reception area and curio shop. Or you may choose to take a refreshing dip in the shaded swimming pool. You can linger on the lookout deck, built for relaxation, bird and game watching.

Lunch is served on the shaded terrace, patio or dining room. Dinners in the dramatic open-air boma (enclosed reeded area) can be relished under starlit African skies.

ACTIVITIES

Twice a day, you may take a game drive in an open Land Rover. An experienced ranger will reveal the sights and sounds of wild Zululand. Guided bush walks allow for closer exploration of the shadowy forest canopies. On bush walks, you will hear about traditional legends and the medicinal benefits of a wide variety of plants.

You could stay at Phinda for a month and still find new things to do, such as:
- Moonlit bush dinners
- Visit to local community school and clinic
- Zulu cultural lectures from 2001
- Private bush breakfasts
- Bird-watching and birding safaris
- Canoeing and river boat cruises
- White rhino tracking

Optional activies at Phinda are: