Almost like a small-scale exotic castle, Phinda Rock Lodge seems to cling to its steep cliffs, giving you excellent views across the valley. It’s a small, intimate lodge, ideal if you’re looking for a romantic, unhurried safari with excellent game viewing.

Highlights
  • Big 5 reserve, with excellent chance to spot the big cats
  • Known for its regular cheetah sightings
  • Home to both white and black endangered rhino
  • The incredible diversity of landscape and habitat attracts a large variety of wildlife and abundant birdlife
  • Close to Zululand’s pristine beaches, ideal for beach and bush safaris
  • Intimate, luxury lodge with only six suites
  • No children under 12 allowed

Please note: From 01 February to 30 April 2017, the lodge will be closed for an extensive refurbishment of its suites and guest areas.

Not far from Phinda Mountain Lodge, Rock Lodge is perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the surrounding valleys and mountains. The views are uninterrupted and endless.

Small, Intimate Suites

There are only six suites, done out in bright, exotic colours. Each luxurious suite is secluded and has its own private plunge pool, viewing deck and romantic outside shower.

Luxurious Main Lodge

Set high up over the valley below, Phinda Rock Lodge gives you a dramatic eagle-eye view of its lush surrounds and nearby Leopard Rock. There’s also an active waterhole in the valley below where you can watch the various game come to drink and cool down at all hours of the day and night.

Superb Game Viewing

As with all the Phinda lodges, Rock Lodge offers game drives on open safari vehicles which are permitted off-road to get closer to unique sightings. The only other vehicles you're likely to see are from the other andBeyond lodges within the reserve, so your game viewing is uncrowded and almost always rewarding as the guides are in constant radio contact, calling in sightings. Private game-viewing vehicles can be arranged if available at an additional cost.

Variety of Activities Nearby

Mzinene River Boat Cruise, excellent for birding (no additional charge)

Additional Costs Apply:

Maputaland Beach Adventure - sun soaking, swimming and snorkelling
Indian Ocean Scuba Safari at Sodwana Bay - one of the world's top 10 dive sites
Black Rhino tracking on foot - with an expert ranger and tracker
Turtle Nesting Adventure (November to February only)
Swimming with Whale Sharks - accompanied by skipper and certified dive-master
Zulu Village Tour - invited to an authentic Zulu homestead

Getting There

By air: Direct scheduled flights connect from OR Tambo International, Johannesburg to Phinda on several days of the week. Daily flights also connect from Johannesburg to Durban and Richards Bay Airports. There's also a light aircraft service between Richards Bay and Phinda.

By road: From Johannesburg, approx. a 6½-hour drive; from Durban - 3-hour drive and from Richards Bay - 2-hour drive to Phinda. Road transfers can be arranged.

Our Take on Phinda Rock Lodge

Perched on top of its hill, you feel like you're towering above it all with wonderful views in all directions. It's a small, personal safari lodge, with excellent service, warm hospitality and the guides are superb. Perfect for romantic safaris or small group getaways to celebrate special occasions and anniversaries.

Includes
  • Accommodation and all meals, teas and coffees
  • Refreshments on game drives
  • Safari activities
  • Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
  • Laundry
  • Emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • VAT
  • Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip
Excludes
  • Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, beers and cigars
  • Telephone calls
  • Adventures at Phinda
  • Government bed levy, conservancy and/or park fees
  • Landing fees
  • Safari shop purchases
  • Gratuities and all items of a personal nature
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