The Phinda Reserve was established in 1991 by CC Africa (&Beyond's prior name) when 52 square miles (135 sq kms) of prime wildlife habitat, as well as areas that had been badly degraded by cattle grazing and farming, was purchased between what was then the Mkuzi Game Reserve and the Sodwana State Forest Reserve, just northwest of Lake St. Lucia. Over the next decade, the degraded land was repaired and restored to its natural state and wildlife that had occurred in this area before the farming was re-introduced.

The name "Phinda" means "Return" in the local Zulu language, in reference to the land being returned to its natural state.

Huge vistas from the main area deck at Phinda Mountain Lodge.

"Phinda was born out of a belief that the beauty of Maputaland was worth saving from the spiral of destruction into which it has been drawn. Its first target was to repair habitat damaged by almost a century of cattle farming, to return the wildlife which had once roamed the Maputaland plain, and to build luxury, world-class destinations for visitors, without whom there would not be a viable plan. The second task was to reconnect the rural communities with the land by giving people the opportunity to participate at every level in sustainable conservation development by providing employment, training and the infrastructure for small business development." - Dave Varty, Founder of CC Africa, from "The Return - The Story of Phinda Game Reserve"

Today, Phinda is arguably the most diverse wildlife destination in South Africa, with seven distinct habitats and a huge diversity of wild animals and birds. The reserve is home to all of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, rhino - both black and white rhino, elephant, and buffalo), as well a great diversity of antelopes and other plains game. Phinda has become especially well known for having the best cheetah viewing in the country.

Other wildlife commonly seen at Phinda include giraffe, zebra, blue wildebeest, nyala, impala, waterbuck, suni antelope, duiker, and more. Besides lion, leopard, and cheetah, other predators include spotted hyena, jackal, and sometimes African wild dog spend time in the reserve. Hippo and crocodile are seen in the permanent waterways. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve.

Mountain-view suite interior and view to the pool deck.

There are a variety of lodges and camps for guests in Phinda, all of which are operated by &Beyond and all of which offer an assortment of activities. Twice daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, as well as one-hour nature walks are the mainstay activities.

Other activities offered include Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, sea turtle nesting adventures, SCUBA diving, Indian Ocean excursions, black rhino tracking on foot, specialist walking safaris, conservation experiences, and under-the-stars sleepouts.

Phinda Mountain Lodge offers a total of 23 guest units of three types: 16 mountain-view suites, 6 cottages (which are convertible to 3 double/family cottages), and one 4-bedroom family suite. All the units are temperature-controlled. All units except for the family suite have a private plunge pool (the family suite has a footpath leading directly to the lodge pool). All units, including the family suite, have private, outdoor decks.

The main lodge is built with high-pitched ceilings under thatched roofing and includes multiple guest areas, including a dining room, lounge, and inviting bar. The traditional stone-enclosed boma is a spectacular setting for dining under the stars. There is a large rim-flow swimming pool, a fully-equipped gym, and a Wellness Center offering spa treatments. The lodge is excellent for families with children.

AndBeyond are one of Africa's leading safari operators and they strive to minimize energy consumption at all their camps. Phinda Mountain Lodge is connected to the national grid with a backup generator available. Strict eco-friendly environmental standards are maintained so that no harmful chemicals or waste is allowed to enter the pristine ecosystem of the Phinda Reserve.

Main area pool and view at Phinda Mountain Lodge.

About Phinda Game Reserve

The Phinda Private Game Reserve was established by &Beyond in 1991 with the goal of rehabilitating what was then disused and overgrazed farmland to its natural state. The idea was to return the land to its natural state, reintroduce naturally occurring wildlife, and integrate the local Zulu communities into the project by establishing eco-tourism lodges.

The property was completely fenced and the indigenous Zulu people living around the new reserve were employed, which invests these communities in the project. Over time the reintroduced wildlife thrived and safari tourism was introduced. The project continues to be a tremendous success and the more land has been added to the reserve over the years, with surrounding communities seeing the benefits of being involved.

Phinda is one of the best places in Southern Africa to see cheetah.

The name 'Phinda' (pronounced "pin-dah") means "return" in the Zulu language, which refers to the return of this land from farming to its natural state and the return of the local Zulu people to being directly involved in what happens to their own land.

The original reserve in 1991 covered just over 50 square miles (131 sq kms) and today, Phinda covers 155 square miles (299 sq kms) and borders the uMkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Park to its north.

The reserve contains an incredible diversity of ecosystems, with seven distinct habitats ranging from savanna, woodland, wetland, dry sand forest, open bush, and mountain bush. There are are also dramatic rock outcroppings rivers, marshes, and rain pans. Phinda protects 3.9 square miles (10 sq kms) of South Africa's dwindling dry sand forest.

A black rhino seen on game drive in the Phinda Reserve.

All of Africa's Big Five animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and both species of rhino) are found here, as well as abundant cheetah, spotted hyena, giraffe, impala, zebra, greater kudu, warthog, baboon, and more. Crocodiles and hippos are resident in the Mzinene River, which forms the reserve's southern border. Bird life is also abundant owing to the diverse habitats, with a species list over 400.

Phinda is involved with multiple ongoing research and conservation projects in the reserve, including efforts to study and conserve elephant, black rhino, white rhino, lion, cheetah, leopard, suni antelope, pangolin, red duiker, and others. Guests are offered a chance to participate when the researchers are available.

Lions in the Phinda Reserve.

The reserve offers several safari camps, all operated by the same company, which makes for an exclusive game viewing experience, and similar to that of the private reserves bordering Kruger National Park. The guiding is superb and game drives are conducted in open 4WD vehicles, with wildlife sightings well controlled to minimize vehicle numbers.

Visitors to Phinda will have a diversity of options for activities, including safari drives and bush walks in the reserve, as well as day trips to the unspoiled beaches and rich coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, located a short drive to the east. Sea turtle nesting on the beaches takes place between November and January.

ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES

Accommodation

23 guest accommodations in total comprising:

16 mountain-view suites, each with two three-quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base). Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a king size bed. Max 2 guests in each suite; 1 triple suite available (children 16 years and younger only).
6 cottages (convertible to 3 family cottages), each with two three-quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base). Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a king size bed. The cottages are situated in pairs with an inter-leading door connecting the lounges from each cottage, so that they can serve as a double cottage that is ideal for a family or two couples. Max 2 guests in each cottage; 1 triple cottage available (children 16 years and younger only). Family cottage setup permits max 2 adults and 3 children (16 yrs and younger).
1 family suite, consisting two 2-bedroom sides with a joint living room in the middle of the suite. Each side of the suite has one master bedroom and a smaller bedroom with twin beds for children. Each side also has its own ensuite-facilities, consisting of a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, outdoor shower, bathtub, and separate toilet. There is also a large, shared private deck from which a pathway leads directly to the lodge pool. The family suite comes with a private game-drive vehicle and dedicated guide. Max 4 adults and 4 children (16 yrs and younger). No triple room option.

Each temperature-controlled cottage and suite includes en-suite facilities with a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, outdoor shower, bathtub, and separate toilet. Each cottage and suite also has its own private plunge pool (note that the family suite does no have a private pool). The units are all constructed with wood and glass under thatching with a contemporary safari-style décor.

The cottages and suites are connected to the camp's main area by brick footpaths on the ground.

Mountain-view suite interior at Phinda Mountain Lodge.

The cottages include a lounge which leads onto an outdoor deck, which is perfect for private dining. The cottage bedroom leads to a second private deck with a plunge pool and loungers. The cottages are quaint, covering 700 square feet (65 sq meters) in area.

The spacious mountain-view suites have expansive glass panels and an indoor sitting area. A sizable, private outdoor deck is accessible from the bedroom or bathroom and offers views over the reserve. The deck includes a rim-flow plunge pool with loungers and a private dining table. The suites cover 1 260 square feet (117 sq meters) in area. The distance between the guest suites is approximately 50 feet (15 meters).

The family suite has a shared indoor lounge and each adult bedroom has a doorway adjoining it to the respective children's bedroom. A large shared private deck is accessible via the shared indoor living room and from each of the adult bedrooms. The family suite covers 2 690 square feet (250 sq meters).

Other items and features in the guest cottages and suites include:

Air-conditioning unit for warm summer days and nights.
Heating for cold nights.
Private daybed on the outdoor deck.
Healing Earth treatments offered in-room or in the Massage Sala.
Personal bar and coffee station.
Complimentary pair of Swarovski binoculars (one per suite).
In-room Wi-Fi (also available in main guest areas).
Overhead fan.
Telephone.
Hairdryer.
In-room safe.

Phinda Mountain Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 55 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 16 suites, 2 persons in each of the 6 cottages, 8 persons in the family suite, and 3 allowable triples.

Includes & Excludes

Includes:

All meals and local beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
Safari experiences (twice-daily game drives, one-hour nature walks, birding) accompanied by an experienced guide.
Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per suite for use during your stay.
Emergency medical evacuation insurance.
Wi-Fi access.
Tourism Levy & VAT.

Excludes:

Phinda Adventures (Zulu village tour, Maputaland beach adventure, sea turtle nesting adventure, SCUBA diving, Indian Ocean excursion, black rhino tracking on foot, specialist walking safaris, conservation experiences, and under-the-stars sleepout).
Purchases from the Safari Shop.
Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars.
Spa / wellness treatments.
Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.

Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.

Children

Families can rest assured that your children will always be safe and well cared for (both during activities and at the lodge) by the lodge staff.

Children of any age are accommodated at Phinda Mountain Lodge:

Three triple rooms are available between the cottages and mountain-view suites.
Children under the age of 3 years are not permitted on game drives.
Children aged 3-11 years are permitted on game drives at the discretion of the ranger (private vehicle required).
Children aged 3-15 years are not permitted on nature walks outside of the lodge grounds.
Children aged 16 and above are permitted on specialist walking safaris.
Children that share a vehicle with other guests not in their party may be subject to activities only at the lodge manager’s discretion.
Please note: The lodge is not fenced off and children are required to have an adult accompanying them at all times.

AndBeyond’s WILDchild program, designed especially for children aged 3-12 years, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but forges strong bonds between young guests, our planet, and its people.

Each WILDchild receives a backpack filled with age-appropriate goodies.
Activities are seasonal and include bark rubbing, bug collecting, frog safaris, ‘poo walks’, baking with the chef, and more.
Special children’s menus available.
Child minders are available on an hourly surcharge basis (best to pre-book this with us).

Facilities

The main lodge has high-pitched ceilings with thick wooden beams under thatch roofing. The décor is contemporary safari-style with natural wood, fabrics of blue and gold, and furnishings made from wood, metal, and woven materials.

Main guest area facilities include:

Inviting bar and guest lounge with fireplace.
Rim-flow swimming pool.
Outdoor stone- and reed-enclosed traditional boma for outdoor dining nights.
Interactive kitchen with pizza oven (popular with adults and children alike).
Kids Lounge stocked with games and other fun and educational materials.
Fully-equipped state-of-the-art gym.
Wellness Centre and Massage Sala offering Healing Earth treatments (private in-room treatments also offered).
Conference / meeting room that seats 8-12 people comfortably.
Safari Shop.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access (also available in the guest suites).
Guest toilets in main area.

Activities

Activities included in the rate:

Day and night game drives in open 4x4 Land Cruisers.
A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per guest cottage for use during your stay.
Guided one-hour walking safaris.
Birding.

Optional activities at additional cost:

Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability which needs to be booked in advance).
One photographic safari vehicle fitted with state-of-the-art camera mounts is available and ensures exclusivity during your stay (dependent on availability, best to book in advance).
Phinda Adventures (Zulu village tousr, Maputaland beach adventures, sea turtle nesting adventure, SCUBA diving, Indian Ocean excursions, black rhino tracking on foot, specialist walking safaris, conservation experiences, and under-the-stars sleepouts).
Wellness treatments (offered in-suite).

Example of a typical day:

Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
Return to the lodge for a meal and rest period.
Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or around the campfire before retiring.

Great Good Fair Poor

WHEN TO VISIT

May thru September are the prime wildlife viewing months throughout much of Southern Africa and that rule holds for the Phinda Reserve too. The wintertime months have comfortable temperatures and wildlife tends to congregate at or near the permanent water sources as infrequent rains cause the landscape to dry up.

The vegetation is also more sparse during the winter and off-road driving is easier as the ground becomes hard and dry.

Summer still offers very good game viewing, but with regular rains threatening safari activities and the thicker bush, the wildlife viewing becomes more challenging. Offsetting the threat of wet weather are the spectacular colors, dramatic skies, prolific bird life, and loads of baby herbivores that can be experienced during the summer.

Phinda Mountain Lodge is open year-round.

Summer / Rains

The wet season in eastern South Africa is during the summer, from October through April. This is summertime and it can best be described as hot and humid, with regular rainfall. January and February are usually the heaviest rain months, but October through December also receive substantial rainfall.

October and November can experience all-day rains and afternoon showers can be expected most days. Temperatures range from 63-66°F (17-19°C) at night and in the early morning to 80-83°F (26-28°C) in the afternoon.

December through February is a very rainy period, with afternoon showers almost every day, but usually not all-day rain. Daytime temperatures average 86-90°F (30-32°C), but it can be much warmer. Overnight temperatures are warm but pleasant, averaging 66-70°F (19-21°C).

The rains abate a bit during March and April and the daytime temperatures also begin to drop, bringing some relief after months of heat and high humidity. Temperatures during the afternoon average 82-86°F (28-30°C) and overnight temperatures drop to a comfortable 62-66°F (17-19°C).

Winter

The winter months are from May through September and although rains can still occur at any time during the year, this is the driest period and the temperatures are also the most comfortable. Wildlife viewing is best during this period, as the bush dries and animals are congregating around water sources.

May experiences a decrease in the summer rains and high humidity, but the bush is still lush and thick after the summer. Daytime temperatures average 78-80°F (26-27°C) and drop to a pleasant 56-58°F (13-14°C) overnight.

June through August are an excellent time for wildlife viewing in KwaZulu-Natal. Rain is very infrequent and temperatures continue to drop, with mornings being quite chilly, which requires dressing in layers for the the early morning. Daytime temperatures average 76-78°F (24-25°C) but overnight can be cold, averaging 51-53°F (10-11°C). Bring warm clothes if you plan to visit during this period!

September offers prime wildlife viewing and very pleasant temperatures. Rainfall is infrequent but starting to increase a bit heading towards the coming wet season and it is slowly getting warmer as springtime has arrived. Daytime temperatures average 80-83°F (27-28°C) and the chilly nighttime temps of winter are now not so cold, averaging 58-60°F (14-15°C). Early morning activities will still require dressing in layers.