Sunbird Lodge sits in 2.5 acres of lush tropical gardens in Phalaborwa, the "town of two summers", less than 3 km from the Kruger National Park's Phalaborwa Gate and the Hans Merensky Golf Estate, and under 2 km from the town centre. It is a family-run lodge with the emphasis firmly on good quality and friendly service, and a proud member of BirdLife South Africa: the gardens draw an abundance of birdlife, and the rooms are named for the birds that visit them, from Bateleur and Heron to Roller, Weaver and Sunbird itself.

The lodge began life in 1967 as a Palabora Mining Company manager's house, and was converted room by room from 2004: the pool buildings became guest rooms, lapas went up, the main house rooms were opened onto the gardens, and the cottages beyond the pool were added. The aim throughout has been to add rooms without losing the peace, harmony and sense of space of the gardens.

Ten en-suite rooms are spread between the main house, the garden and the poolside, all with air conditioning and ceiling fans, DSTV, a fridge, tea and coffee facilities, a desk, free wifi and a private patio looking onto either the gardens or the pool. Days end at the pool, under one of the lapas with a drink from the bar, around the braai and fire pit, or simply stargazing from the lawn.

Phalaborwa makes an excellent base: the Kruger is minutes away, with SANParks morning and sunset walks and open-vehicle game drives departing from the gate, and within ninety minutes lie the Olifants River, God's Window, the Three Rondavels, Graskop and Pilgrim's Rest, with microlight and balloon flights over the reserves. The lodge is happy to arrange it all.