Phinda Mountain Lodge

Phinda Mountain Lodge is situated in the 28,555 hectare Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region. The reserve encompasses an impressive seven diverse ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife, including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. Children of all ages are welcome.

Accommodation & Facilities
Phinda Mountain Lodge is a very welcoming and relaxed family friendly safari lodge. The main building is on top of a hill and has wrap around views of the Ubombo mountain range and the surrounding Zululand bush. It has a large dining room and bar both decorated in a traditional African style. The large swimming pool and dedicated children’s play room are close by. The 25 five split-level suites are spread throughout the wooded area below the main building and have foreshortened views into the surrounding bush. Each room boasts a large modern bathroom, outdoor shower, private sitting area, and a spacious verandah complete with a private plunge pool. Nyala and other wildlife often comes close to these buildings.

There is one family suite which has two en-suite adult rooms, and two interleading children’s rooms, with a shared lounge area and private veranda, sleeping a maximum of four adults and four children. Guests in this accommodation have  exclusive access to a private safari guide and vehicle. There are three family cottages (each consisting of two adjoining suites) which sleep two adults and three children. Each suite has its own en-suite bathroom, with indoor and al fresco showers, as well as private plunge pool with a sloping bottom. Families staying in a family cottage will have exclusive access to a private safari guide and vehicle.

Eating & Sleeping
Separate meal times and a children’s menu is available on request including finger food, pizza, burgers etc. Babysitting is available at a cost of R60 an hour.

Wildlife & Activities
In addition to day and night game drives with highly knowledgeable &Beyond rangers and trackers, guests can enjoy bush walks. Rhino notching, rhino tracking on foot, and elephant collaring are also offered on a limited basis at an additional cost. Phinda’s close proximity to the Maputaland coastline means that guests can enjoy beach activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and beach picnics. Horse riding is also on offer, along with visits to local villages, viewing turtle nesting sites, and sleep outs. Many of these activities are subject to additional fees, and can be arranged and paid for locally; several of them are for children of 12 years and upwards; please ask us for more details.

Specifically for children …
• Children can take advantage of the WildChild Programme. This offers fun, interactive activities and expeditions tailored to the children’s age and interest. Each young traveller will receive a WildChild backpack with scrapbook and other goodies and they will find an assignment for the following day laid out on their pillow.
• Expeditions may include :- Frogging, kiddies game drives (no elephants, lion, cheetah and leopard to be viewed), baking and pizza making in the interactive kitchen, painting the Jeep with water-based paint, pellet gun shooting under the supervision of the ranger and parents, plaster of Paris paw-prints, various board games, and football on the lawn
• Children under six years will not be permitted on adult game drives unless a private vehicle has been booked and then it is at the discretion of the individual ranger
• Maputaland coastline trip – the main destination is Sodwana Bay which is a two hour drive from the camp.
• Horse riding – minimum age 12 years. Suitable for beginners, novices and experts. Hard hats are provided.