Phinda Rock Lodge
Phinda Rock 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, as well as 436 bird species. Home to 1,000 hectares of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, Phinda Reserve is situated in close proximity to the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean.
Accommodation & Facilities
Phinda Rock Lodge is an intimate and rather quirky lodge set dramatically into a cliff face overlooking the magnificent Leopards Rock. The six large air conditioned suites are suspended off the edge of the cliff providing spectacular uninterrupted views over the deep valley below. Each has a spacious bedroom, stylish bathroom leading to an outdoor shower, as well as a lounge and outdoor deck leading to a private plunge pool. The plunge pool is 1.5 meters deep with steps. The lodge has an elegant dining room, a lounge with French windows that open wide onto the large verandah, and a rooftop terrace for enjoying meals and drinks. While there aren’t any family rooms there are some closer together than others which can be allocated to families, subject to availability.
Eating & Sleeping
Separate mealtimes for children and children’s food is available with prior notice.
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 involve tracking, fishing, painting and making bows and arrows.
• Nature walks are available to children 12 years and older. Specialist walking safaris and big game viewing walk is only available to children 16 years and older.
• 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.
