Phinda Private Game Reserve - Rock Lodge

Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 54 500 acres of prime conservation land. 

Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana rivals the Great Barrier Reef.

Phinda is owned by Conservation Corporation Africa (CC Africa), Africa’s leading ecotourism organisation who are committed to providing world-class holiday experiences alongside investment in sustainable conservation development and community empowerment. CC Africa owns 36 exceptional camps and lodges at 17 destinations including Phinda.

“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. ”
(annoted piece from CapeCairo)

Phina Rock Lodge is set into a cliff-face overlooking the beautiful Leopard Rock.

There are 6 six stone and adobe suites with en suite bathrooms, private sitting areas, decks and plunge pools with breathtaking views of the valley below.

• Six romantic, air-conditioned suites
• Private plunge pools and game-viewing decks
• En suite bathroom
• Three suites feature outdoor showers
• Adventurous bush banqueting
• Exceptional warm and friendly service

Private plunge pool

Capture fiery sunsets from the game viewing deck suspended over South Africa’s bushveld, or relax in your private sitting room while observing an abundance of birdlife in the trees surrounding this safari lodge and animals in the valley below.

Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served in the dining area under hand-wrought chandeliers, on the Lodge’s exclusive deck or enjoyed in the privacy of your suite. Phinda is renowned for excellent cuisine served in adventurous bush clearings under the African night sky.

As for activities, Phinda provides unique Specialist Safaris that are tailored to specific fields of conseration, animal species or general safari interest. For example their 7 Wonders in 7 days.

There’s also:
Twice-daily game-drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles with experienced rangers and Zulu trackers.

Interpretive Bush Walks, where you can learn more about the traditional uses and the legends surrounding indigenous trees and shrubs, how to identify tracks and see rare birds on walks led by armed rangers and trackers.

Mzinene River Canoeing – paddling along the river flanked with lush forest you can see some of the incredible birdlife.

Mzinene Riverboat Cruise – a leisurely cruise at sunrise or sunset where you can see some of the 200 or more waterbirds, as well as crocodiles and hippos.

White Rhino Tracking - with a professional armed ranger and tracker you can set off in a 4×4 safari vehicle, searching for fresh signs of white rhino activity and then experience the thrill of tracking white rhino on foot.

Plus: deep see fishing, scuba safaris, night turtle drives, beach horseriding…

PHINDA ROCK LODGE RATES for Jan – Dec 2007
Per person per night sharing - £238 - £300
Includes: all meals, drinks, 2 game drives daily or Canoe, or Riverboard Cruise, emergency medical evacuation insurance and taxes