Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve

Beautifully situated in an ecotone where elements of highveld, middleveld and lowveld mingle, Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve offers a remarkable diversity of habitats in a small area (500 hectares).

The reserve contains outstanding views and landscapes, most notable the Phophonyane River, which tumbles down several hundred meters in a series of cascades and rock pools.

The water featured tropical gardens give privacy to the self-catering, fully furnished cottages and safari tents to ensure an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

Both within the camp and spreading out across the nature reserve, a network of trails winds through the forest, crossing meandering waterways and finally culminating on the lip of the 80m high Phophonyane Falls. Exposed at this point are some of the world`s oldest rocks dated to 3.55 billion years.

Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve is one of the most beautiful places to stay in Swaziland.

Phophonyane Falls Ecolodge and Nature Reserve accommodation:
Each unit is individually woven into the lush fabric of tall sub-tropical forest, and there is no place at the lodge where the soothing sound of the running water isn`t heard.

All meals can be enjoyed at the lodge`s renowned and stylishly furnished restaurant ,where healthy home-cooked meals and fine wines are a feature and a roaring log fire lulls the senses and warms the heart.

Cottages:
Cottages 1 & 2 : Are double storey thatched cottages, which sleep a maximum of 5 people, upstairs there is a double bed and a single bed and downstairs there are 2 single beds. The cottages are very comfortably furnished, with a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom downstairs,  fireplace, braai facilities and large private gardens. These cottages are ideal for families.  

Cottage 3 (Guest Suite) : A cosy one bedroom cottage with a king size bed, en suite bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, covered veranda, braai facilities and a large private garden.

Beehives
Beehives 1 and 2 - The stylishly ethnic beehives are in a stunning location with a magnificent view over the waterfalls down to the valley below. The beehives are luxurious and romantic versions of Swazi traditional accommodation complete with windows and en suite bathrooms, done with natural materials and original artwork and ceramics.

Beehive 1 contains a king size bed and sleeps two.
Beehive 2 contains a king size bed and a single bed and sleeps three.

Tents:
Tented Camp (Tents 1 and 2). These safari tents are situated on the edge of the river, apart from the rest of the lodge. Each tent has a double bed and a single bed, carpeting and electricity. These tents share a stone-and-thatch fully equipped kitchen, which has a lounge area and a balcony overhanging the river. Tents have a private separate bathroom with shower 35 metres away with a 20 stair climb.

Standard Safari Tents (Tents 4). This tent is nestled in the riverine forest with its own private balcony overlooking the river. The is very comfortable and has a double bed and a single bed, it is also fully carpeted and has electricity. This unit has a private separate bathroom with shower a stone’s throw away from the tent.

Luxury Safari Tents (Tents 3, 5 and 6)
Tent 5 has a large deck, a queen size bed and an en suite bathroom with bath and shower.
Tents 3 & 6 have a deck, a double bed and a single bed with ensuite bathroom with shower.

Restaurant
The Driftwood Restaurant at Phophonyane has a romantic and tasteful African ambience, spaciously laid out with high ceilings and spectacular views over the surrounding mountains and valleys. The a-la-carte menu has a variety of dishes, including Swazi traditional dishes, and a wine list with a good selection of fine South African wines. The magnificent viewing deck is always available to guests for meals at their request.

There is a very comfortable lounge area with a great collection of travel and art books, as well as a well stocked library for the convenience of guests.

Good reception for all South African and Swazi cell networks is available at the Lodge. In the evening the gardens are adorned with a warm gentle glow from a network of pathway lights that lead you to the stylishly furnished restaurant where you are treated to home cooked meals.

One can enjoy a sundowner on the restaurant veranda overlooking the valley. For those chilly wintry nights one can enjoy a romantic evening in front of an open log fire.

Phophonyane Falls offers:
- Swimming in the natural rock pool situated near the lower Phophonyane falls and commands a spectacular view of the valley below
- Walking trails leading to breathtaking views of the waterfalls, cascades and the surrounding mountains and forest.
- Small game such as red duiker and bushbuck.
- 230 bird species , Wood Owl and Bushbaby sounds and sightings.
- 4x4 drives to Gobolondlo Mountain, historical sites and to the Nsangwini bushmen paintings.
- The nature reserve and restaurant, which can be visited for lunch by day visitors.
- Day trips can be made to the Kruger National Park, which is only 70 km away.
- Self-guided excursions to art and craft markets and the wide expanses of Malololtja Nature Reserve and the giant Maguga Dam.
- Gobolondlo Mountain Drive (A panoramic Feast)

Kruger National Park, South Africa
Situated just 70km north of Phophonyane is Malelane Gate the southern entry into the Kruger National Park. Early risers are able to visit the park and either return to Phophonyane the same day or spend the night at our beautiful chalet on the banks of the Crocodile River, along the Kruger Park boundary. The chalet is situated in a game area and guests can enjoy the sight of plains game in the garden while enjoying stunning views of the Kruger Park from the balcony.

Malolotja National Park
The park is located 30 km south of Pigg`s Peak. It offers a unique experience for visitors with breath taking pristine landscapes and wilderness hiking ranking amongst Southern Africa`s finest. 65 species of small and large mammals occur in the park including leopard, aardwolf, oribi, red hartebeest, eland and black wildebeest. Malolotja is also host to more than 280 bird species including the Blue Swallow, one of the rarest birds in Southern Africa.