Phinda Rock Lodge

&Beyond Phinda Rock Lodge looks out over a lush valley in the Phinda Private Game Reserve, like a small private castle amidst a tangle of wild African sights and sounds. The suites of this architectural delight cling dramatically to steep cliffs with views across the valley towards spectacular Leopard Rock.

When you first set eyes on the ochre walls of Phinda Rock Lodge, you will need a second look to realize you haven’t arrived at a Mexican hacienda. While the rugged adobe-style building would not be out of place in a desert pueblo, the lush bushveld vegetation and wildlife roaming the surrounding slopes leave no doubt that you are in Africa.

With only six suites carved into the rocky hillside, you’ll feel that you are part of an elite tribe of rock dwellers suspended in a cozy hideout that offers complete seclusion from the world below. Here, guests are treated like treasured family members and time is shared with fellow safari adventurers, who soon become friends. You are invited to immerse your body, mind and spirit in the romance of this intimate safari lodge.

Clifftop Suites

Combining Malian influences with pueblo panache, each of the six suites are seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing breathtaking views. Constructed from contoured stone and adobe, and boasting some of the most scenic al fresco bathing on the African continent, your closest neighbour is likely to be an inquisitive spotted genet paying you a friendly visit on the deck.

• Twin beds, which convert to cozy double beds
• En-suite bathroom with tub
• Outdoor showers (in four suites)
• Private deck with rim-flow plunge pool
• Solid wooden shutters and doors

Facilities & Services

Rock Lodge’s comfortable sitting areas offer the perfect vantage point for taking in everything from fiery sunsets, to abundant birdlife in the surrounding trees, to the wildlife roaming the bush below.

• Game viewing deck
• Lounge with fireplace
• In-room massage treatments
• Gym in a bag available on request
• Child minding available at an additional charge
• WiFi in guest areas and in suites

&Beyond Clifftop Dining

Guests enjoy continental cuisine and local South African specialties. Delicious meals are served in the dining area, under hand-wrought chandeliers and, on occasion, unforgettable bush banquets lit by the starry night sky delight and enchant guests. Intimate in-suite dining can be arranged.
Specific food requirements are happily accommodated upon request, while kosher meals are available at an extra charge and with advance notice.

Activities

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 23,000 hectares of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Seven distinct habitats showcase one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences as Phinda is home to Africa’s “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 415 bird species. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
Guests at Phinda experience tailor-made adventures led by professionally trained rangers and Zulu trackers. You can also note that the lodge is close to popular breeding grounds for highly endangered sea turtles. Spectacular coral reef diving in the Indian Ocean is also easily accessible.

• Twice-daily private game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles
• Bush walks
• Birding
• River cruises (seasonal)

Activities at an Additional Charge

Phinda Adventures include Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives, scuba safaris, black rhino tracking on foot, visits to endangered wild cats project and swimming with whale sharks.
Specialist Safaris include birding, photographic, rhino capture and research, tracking, luxury walking, family and private safaris.