andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

The lodge sits on a crest in Phinda, a private reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal with seven distinct habitats, from dry sand forest to open savanna and rocky hills, and views reach toward the Ubombo mountains. Split-level suites are spread through the woodland below the main building, each with a verandah, private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Families can take one of the cottages made of two adjoining suites or the larger family suite, and there is a swimming pool by the main lodge.

Rangers and trackers run morning and evening game drives, and there are guided bush walks and boat or river cruises when water levels allow. Rhino tracking on foot and conservation work such as rhino notching can be booked at extra cost. Sodwana Bay, about two hours away, is the usual base for snorkeling and diving, so Phinda combines well with a few beach days. The reserve's other lodges are Rock, Forest, Vlei, Zuka and the Homestead.

Mountain Lodge suits families and groups, and the WILDchild program gives children their own activities. It is one of the larger lodges in the reserve, so couples after quiet may prefer Rock or Forest Lodge, and groups wanting privacy may prefer the exclusive-use Homestead or Zuka. Very young children may need a private vehicle to join game drives, so families with small children should check the current policy and budget for one.