Phinda Rock Lodge | Best South Africa Safari Lodges

The place

We find Phinda Rock Lodge perched above the steep descent down into the valley, as though about to take flight. I run my fingertips along the rough-hewn adobe walls and feel an instant connection with the dramatic, rocky landscapes of Maputaland. The rugged nature of our surroundings is softened by the lush green forest, just as the architecture is softened by colourful cushions and rugs. I mentally reserve the armchair closest to the fire – and then I’m distracted by the cry of an eagle. We step out onto the shaded viewing deck in time to see the raptor descend on powerful wing beats to the trees on the top of the large white rock opposite us. The lodge manager, Eric, tells us this is Leopard Rock, so our hopes for our game drives ratchet up another notch. He lets our delighted eyes travel the horizon, and then down into the valley.

We find Phinda Rock Lodge perched above the steep descent down into the valley, as though about to take flight. I run my fingertips along the rough-hewn adobe walls and feel an instant connection with the dramatic, rocky landscapes of Maputaland.

The rugged nature of our surroundings is softened by the lush green forest, just as the architecture is softened by colourful cushions and rugs. I mentally reserve the armchair closest to the fire – and then I’m distracted by the cry of an eagle.

We step out onto the shaded viewing deck in time to see the raptor descend on powerful wing beats to the trees on the top of the large white rock opposite us.

The lodge manager, Eric, tells us this is Leopard Rock, so our hopes for our game drives ratchet up another notch. He lets our delighted eyes travel the horizon, and then down into the valley.

The room

We arrive at our stone suite to find our bags waiting for us. The interior is cool and shadowy, until Eric swings open the wooden shutters with a flourish. Sunlight and a teasing breeze flood in, illuminating the earth tones of the walls, and causing the furled mosquito net to strain at its ties. I love the contrast between the soft bedding and cushions, and the rougher textures of the walls and supporting wooden beams. I close my eyes and let out a deep sigh of contentment – I feel as though I’ve come home, only to a private castle magically suspended in an enchanted forest. An archway leads to the bathroom, where I’m delighted to find that the bathtub is set against a full-height window – bubbles and a view: what more could I want? My partner has discovered our private viewing deck with its plunge pool, and beyond that, our outdoor shower. It’s secreted away amid the trees, and I can already imagine that using it will be like stepping under our own private waterfall.

We arrive at our stone suite to find our bags waiting for us. The interior is cool and shadowy, until Eric swings open the wooden shutters with a flourish. Sunlight and a teasing breeze flood in, illuminating the earth tones of the walls, and causing the furled mosquito net to strain at its ties.

I love the contrast between the soft bedding and cushions, and the rougher textures of the walls and supporting wooden beams. I close my eyes and let out a deep sigh of contentment – I feel as though I’ve come home, only to a private castle magically suspended in an enchanted forest.

An archway leads to the bathroom, where I’m delighted to find that the bathtub is set against a full-height window – bubbles and a view: what more could I want?

My partner has discovered our private viewing deck with its plunge pool, and beyond that, our outdoor shower. It’s secreted away amid the trees, and I can already imagine that using it will be like stepping under our own private waterfall.

What sets it apart

Phinda Rock Lodge’s spectacular cliff-edge location quite literally sets it apart. Phinda Private Game Reserve is more than large enough – and the number of guests kept deliberately low enough – that the mammal least likely to be seen on a game drive is a fellow guest! The biodiversity within the reserve is remarkable, and standout species include cheetah, nyala and black rhino, which can be tracked on foot. The views from the lodge provide real competition for the safari activities, and prompt that age-old safari dilemma: should I stay (and relax) or should I go (on a game drive). Combining both throughout a stay of several days at Phinda Rock Lodge is of course the ultimate way to enjoy this very special place. Community uplift projects with the local Zulu people, and a deep commitment to rhino conservation, provide assurance that these ancient landscapes are in good hands, while unique experiences such as a bush banquet with a hanging bar guarantee lifelong memories.

Phinda Rock Lodge’s spectacular cliff-edge location quite literally sets it apart. Phinda Private Game Reserve is more than large enough – and the number of guests kept deliberately low enough – that the mammal least likely to be seen on a game drive is a fellow guest!

The biodiversity within the reserve is remarkable, and standout species include cheetah, nyala and black rhino, which can be tracked on foot. The views from the lodge provide real competition for the safari activities, and prompt that age-old safari dilemma: should I stay (and relax) or should I go (on a game drive). Combining both throughout a stay of several days at Phinda Rock Lodge is of course the ultimate way to enjoy this very special place.

Community uplift projects with the local Zulu people, and a deep commitment to rhino conservation, provide assurance that these ancient landscapes are in good hands, while unique experiences such as a bush banquet with a hanging bar guarantee lifelong memories.

At a glance

Intimate safari lodge with a cliffside setting, with six stone suites each with private rim-flow pools.
Private reserve, private vehicles available (additional cost), private dining and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, seasonal river cruises, rhino notching (additional cost), specialist safaris (additional costs), cultural visits (additional cost), night turtle dives (additional cost), scuba safaris (additional cost), swimming with whale sharks (additional cost), endangered wild cats project (additional cost) and spa treatments (additional cost).
No children due to steep cliffside location.

Intimate safari lodge with a cliffside setting, with six stone suites each with private rim-flow pools.
Private reserve, private vehicles available (additional cost), private dining and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, seasonal river cruises, rhino notching (additional cost), specialist safaris (additional costs), cultural visits (additional cost), night turtle dives (additional cost), scuba safaris (additional cost), swimming with whale sharks (additional cost), endangered wild cats project (additional cost) and spa treatments (additional cost).
No children due to steep cliffside location.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.