&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
Star Rating:
Address:
Private Bag X 27
Benmore
Johannesburg
2010, South Africa
South Africa
Benmore
Johannesburg
2010, South Africa
South Africa
Telephone:
+ 27 11 809 4300
Fax:
+ 27 11 809 4400
Website:
Also listed in:
Hotel Description
Set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of activities. Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, Phinda enjoys a lush green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems - a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivercourses, marshes and pans.
This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation shelters an abundance of wildlife, including not only the Big Five but many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as the elusive cheetah or the scarce black rhino. With only a handful of lodges sharing an area of 23 000 hectares (56 800 acres) and careful trained rangers and trackers in search of prime wildlife sightings, guests are assured an exclusive game viewing experience.
Adding to Phinda’s wildlife charms, the marine diversity of nearby Sodwana on the coast is easily accessible, with scuba diving, fishing and even turtle watching only some of the adventures available from Phinda.
This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation shelters an abundance of wildlife, including not only the Big Five but many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as the elusive cheetah or the scarce black rhino. With only a handful of lodges sharing an area of 23 000 hectares (56 800 acres) and careful trained rangers and trackers in search of prime wildlife sightings, guests are assured an exclusive game viewing experience.
Adding to Phinda’s wildlife charms, the marine diversity of nearby Sodwana on the coast is easily accessible, with scuba diving, fishing and even turtle watching only some of the adventures available from Phinda.
Luxury Hotel Accommodation
Phinda, with its Seven Worlds of Wonder, is home to six equally unique lodges that each complement their habitat harmoniously. Forest Lodge is nestled in the heart of a rare, dry sand forest, while Mountain Lodge boasts remarkable views out over the Reserve. Vlei Lodge, on the edge of the forest, overlooks the vast wetland, and Rock Lodge sits suspended over a deep valley below. Phinda's two sole-use safari villas, Zuka Lodge and The Homestead, are luxurious and intimate, offering the perfect 'home away from home' for friends or families sharing a safari together.
PHINDA FOREST LODGE
Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, Phinda’s Forest Lodge is a mass of exquisite contradiction. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters and provides privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while tiny duiker graze below, 16 Zulu Zen suites blend into the dappled shade.
PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE
With wraparound views of the ancient Ubombo mountain range, Phinda’s Mountain Lodge balances majestically above its beautiful surroundings. The 25 suites scattered along the mountainside offer complete privacy and luxury.
PHINDA ROCK LODGE
Carved into the rocky mountainside facing spectacular Leopard Rock, Phinda’s Rock Lodge offers complete seclusion, suspended in air over the deep valley below. Six stone and adobe suites burrow into the heart of the Cliffside, with solid wooden shutters and doors opening up onto a private viewing deck and plunge pool balanced on the very edge of a breathtaking precipice.
PHINDA VLEI LODGE
At the edge of the Reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system at the edge of the sand forest, Phinda’s Vlei Lodge offers an intimate safari experience, with elegant and gracious spaces designed for quiet contemplation of the African wilderness. The six elegant thatched suites look out onto an ever-changing parade of animals on the open vlei.
PHINDA ZUKA LODGE
Cradled in a valley and surrounded by densely wooded hills studded with aloes, sole-use Zuka Lodge embodies cool, coastal bush style. Four thatched ensuite cottages cluster around a central guest area with an open, interactive kitchen, a large wooden dining table for friends and family, and a cosy fireplace for evening gatherings.
THE HOMESTEAD
In this exclusive private safari villa, the beauty of Africa’s wide open spaces is brought right indoors. Large sliding doors in four luxurious suites let in breathtaking vistas. Personal touches and the warmth of a dedicated team of staff, including a private ranger, tracker, butler and chef, bring renowned African hospitality to life.
PHINDA FOREST LODGE
Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, Phinda’s Forest Lodge is a mass of exquisite contradiction. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters and provides privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while tiny duiker graze below, 16 Zulu Zen suites blend into the dappled shade.
PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE
With wraparound views of the ancient Ubombo mountain range, Phinda’s Mountain Lodge balances majestically above its beautiful surroundings. The 25 suites scattered along the mountainside offer complete privacy and luxury.
PHINDA ROCK LODGE
Carved into the rocky mountainside facing spectacular Leopard Rock, Phinda’s Rock Lodge offers complete seclusion, suspended in air over the deep valley below. Six stone and adobe suites burrow into the heart of the Cliffside, with solid wooden shutters and doors opening up onto a private viewing deck and plunge pool balanced on the very edge of a breathtaking precipice.
PHINDA VLEI LODGE
At the edge of the Reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system at the edge of the sand forest, Phinda’s Vlei Lodge offers an intimate safari experience, with elegant and gracious spaces designed for quiet contemplation of the African wilderness. The six elegant thatched suites look out onto an ever-changing parade of animals on the open vlei.
PHINDA ZUKA LODGE
Cradled in a valley and surrounded by densely wooded hills studded with aloes, sole-use Zuka Lodge embodies cool, coastal bush style. Four thatched ensuite cottages cluster around a central guest area with an open, interactive kitchen, a large wooden dining table for friends and family, and a cosy fireplace for evening gatherings.
THE HOMESTEAD
In this exclusive private safari villa, the beauty of Africa’s wide open spaces is brought right indoors. Large sliding doors in four luxurious suites let in breathtaking vistas. Personal touches and the warmth of a dedicated team of staff, including a private ranger, tracker, butler and chef, bring renowned African hospitality to life.
Facilities
GUEST ACCOMMODAT ION
All the lodges feature air conditioned suites, each with ensuite bathroom comprising bath, shower, separate w.c. and twin hand basins. All suites have a sitting area, personal bar and private veranda, some with plunge pools and romantic al fresco showers. Each suite has air conditioning, room fans, seperate w.c, in-room safes, personal bars, telephones, hairdryers. Laundry included. Childminding, in-room massage at an extra cost.
GUEST AREAS
Guest areas include a Safari Shop, open-air boma, shaded swimming pool and observation decks.
SAFARIS
Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, nature walks and excellent birding on Phinda Private Game Reserve. Riverboat cruises and canoeing along the Mzinene River. Optional Phinda Adventures, which are available at an additional cost, include breathtaking coastal flights, beach excursions including snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, turtle viewing (season Nov/Dec/Jan), horse riding and cultural visits.
Includes three meals daily.
All the lodges feature air conditioned suites, each with ensuite bathroom comprising bath, shower, separate w.c. and twin hand basins. All suites have a sitting area, personal bar and private veranda, some with plunge pools and romantic al fresco showers. Each suite has air conditioning, room fans, seperate w.c, in-room safes, personal bars, telephones, hairdryers. Laundry included. Childminding, in-room massage at an extra cost.
GUEST AREAS
Guest areas include a Safari Shop, open-air boma, shaded swimming pool and observation decks.
SAFARIS
Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, nature walks and excellent birding on Phinda Private Game Reserve. Riverboat cruises and canoeing along the Mzinene River. Optional Phinda Adventures, which are available at an additional cost, include breathtaking coastal flights, beach excursions including snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, turtle viewing (season Nov/Dec/Jan), horse riding and cultural visits.
Includes three meals daily.
Location
By road: 6 hours from Johannesburg, 3 hours from Durban, 11/2 hours from Richards Bay. By air: SA Express offer daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay. Road transfers from King Shaka International Airport to Phinda can be arranged. Phinda
Airwing can also arrange private charters from anywhere in South Africa directly to Phinda’s airstrip.
Airwing can also arrange private charters from anywhere in South Africa directly to Phinda’s airstrip.