Perched on a dramatic hilltop with wraparound views of the spectacular Ubombo mountain range, and the surrounding Zululand bush, andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is a dramatic safari destination. Boasting 16 suites, three family cottages (two rooms each) and the exclusive family suite, offering breath-taking raptor’s-eye views of the reserve below. Roomy luxurious suites boast natural light through expansive glass windows, elegant en-suite bathrooms inspired by Zulu basket ware designs, a beautifully appointed personal bar, private sitting area, lounge and a spacious veranda with a plunge pool and outdoor shower. A succulent, landscaped garden of aloes and cycads create a welcoming atmosphere at the entrance. Intimate sitting areas brim with sunlight, and open decks make the most of the magnificent views. A spacious bar area links to the pool, spa and gym that features state-of-the-art equipment, and a yoga deck with a view.

Delicious meals are served in the dining area that features an interactive kitchen and pizza oven, and under a star-studded sky in the traditional stone and reed Boma, theatrically illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns. andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge is renowned for its bush banquets in natural, unexpected settings, and guests may well find themselves savouring their meal in a spectacular clearing in the bush. The rim flow pool follows the contours of the hill, with magnificent views of the Lebombo foothills, and the Safari shop showcases the best of regional basket and beadwork.

About Phinda Private Game Reserve

andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 28 555 hectares (70 560 acres) of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, andBeyond Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 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.

With its seven distinct habitats, Phinda is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’, a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans. Home to 1 000 hectares of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, the reserve is situated in close proximity to the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, offering an unmatched combination of bush and beach adventures.

Guests at Phinda experience unforgettable interpretive game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, led by professionally trained andBeyond rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as a wide range of optional adventures in the bush and on the beach.