The five-star Phinda Mountain Lodge sits on a hillside offering impressive views of the Ubombo Mountains. With plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the scenic views and luxurious suites to retreat to after a day exploring the Phinda Private Game Reserve, this stylish lodge is perfect for those seeking plenty of solitude, wilderness and luxury.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
Situated in the Phinda Private Game Reserve, the lodge enjoys a large expanse of African Bush which is home to all of the Big Five as well as a host of marine life such as turtles and dolphins. Surrounded by the Ubombo Mountains and with the shores of the Indian Ocean to its east, the reserve covers 23,000 hectares of land compromising seven ecosystems and is renowned for sightings of cheetah and the rare black rhino.
Rooms
25 split-level suites are spread along the mountainside boasting authentic African architecture and design. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open out to a veranda, private plunge pool and outdoor rain shower and interiors are modern and stylish with light pink and creamy tones. Each room has an en-suite with free-standing bathtubs. For extra space, three family cottages are available, equipped with a private vehicle and ranger for a personalized safari experience.
Communal Areas
The main lounge is a charming space full of sofas and two levels of wooden decking decorated with lanterns and sofas where guests can dine overlooking the mountains or enjoy an evening drink under the stars. A shaded swimming pool is a welcome spot to cool off in with scenic poolside views.Â
Activities
Guests can take morning and evening game drives with highly experienced guides. Drive out to the middle of the bush for breakfast or to Mzinene River for a boat cruise. Guided walking safaris allow guests to experience the smaller creatures and plant life native to the reserve and cultural excursions include Zulu village tours.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
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What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
