Care of the land, wildlife & people
Phinda was home to farmland and was reclaimed for wildlife, including the critically endangered ancient sand forest. Cheetah, Rhino and Pangolin are actively protected with more than 30 years of pioneering wildlife victories behind them.
Phinda lodge is so much more than just a hotel. Designed with their core ethos in mind, the lodge embodies a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment. The game park is an impressive 29,866 hectares! Traversing across seven distinct habitats allowing for a diversity of landscapes and game viewing on your visit.
You’ll feel part of the natural landscape on your stay here. They say that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations. Nothing could be closer to the truth for &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve.
Phinda means ‘ the return ‘ in Zulu, not only was the wildlife returned to the land, but a significant portion of the land has since been returned to its ancestral owners making a marked difference in the lives of the local people.
All the things you need to know
Phinda Lodges feature six unique luxury lodges across 6 very different areas within the game reserve :
- Phinda Mountain Lodge : Phinda Mountain Lodge features three room types, with 16 suites, 6 cottages (that can be turned into three adjoining family cottages), and 1 family suite. Natural light streams through the expansive glass windows of the suites and cottages, while private decks provide breath-taking views of natural beauty. Each accommodation option features an outdoor shower, well-stocked personal bars and private plunge pools.
- Phinda Vlei Lodge : Phinda Vlei Lodge’s unique location offers ever-changing game viewing from the comfort of your suite. Set on the edge of a sand forest, and overlooking a vast grassy meadow, each of the six thatched suites ensure exclusivity and incredible wildlife sightings. The air-conditioned suites each feature a beautiful, plantation-style bedroom, with a luxuriously spacious ensuite bathroom and dressing room that effortlessly blends a sense of old-world luxury with quirky, contemporary features. The suite’s interiors showcase a mix of curated antiques and collectables combined with bold fabrics. Take advantage of a private lap pool and game viewing deck that overlooks lush plains and observe antelope and other curious wildlife grazing nearby, as well as a variety of birdlife.
- Phinda Rok Lodge : Each romantic suite, constructed from contoured stone, boasts solid wooden shutters and doors, which open onto a private plunge pool and viewing deck. Featuring spacious ensuite bathrooms, four of the suites also offer outdoor showers.
- Phinda Homestead : Blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings, and designed like a contemporary bush farmhouse, Phinda Homestead is an elegant and homely sole-use villa, ideal for both families and small groups. Four private bedrooms and spacious bathrooms fuse harmoniously with the cool, expansive, and inviting guest spaces. An interactive kitchen brings the lodge’s private chef into the centre of the guest experience, while a fully equipped private gym and spa allow for relaxation between safaris. Game drive times, as well as meals, are tailored completely to the guests’ preference to create a fully personalised safari.
- Phinda Forest Lodge : Just four individual thatched Zululand bush suites, make up this intimate lodge that can be reserved as a sole-use villa for private gatherings, or on an individual room booking. Phinda Zuka’s overall ambiance is that of cool, coastal bush-style; embodying the sophistication of simplicity. The charming suites cluster around a swampy marsh which turns into a popular waterhole during the rainy season, and a diversity of wildlife is regularly seen and birdlife flourishes. Each suite boasts a luxurious ensuite bathroom, complete with a circular bath chamber, double showers and twin hand basins. Comfortable lounge chairs, on private verandas, allow for gentle contemplation or an afternoon siesta.
- Swarovski Binoculars : Complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik Binoculars for the duration of your stay.
- Firepit : A firepit to enjoy your evening drinks around
- Lodge Pool : Large rim flow swimming pool overlooking the nearby wetland system
- Safari Shop : Handcrafted items from the region – Exclusive retailer of Ardmore ceramics
- Fitness & Wellness : State of the art well equipped gym and spa
- Cultural Experiences : Phinda Reserve works closely with the local communities and offers guests excursions to the local villages to experience first hand the various projects that are being run by the foundation.
- Guided walks & tracking adventures : This adventure makes full use of all your senses, allowing you a deeper connection with the African bush. Strap on your boots and feel the wild grasses crush beneath your boots as you follow your expert guide into the pristine, untamed landscapes of the region. Be mesmerised by the morning sunlight as it dances in dewdrops delicately sprinkled on flourishing vegetation.
- Conservation Experiences : Be part of a pioneering conservation story by assisting in the research and monitoring of endangered species.
- Ocean Adventures : Not only is Phinda Private Game Reserve‘s unique location known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of safari activities, but it is also set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.
For The Children :
- Wildchild Programme : Fun, Interactive activities for children to discover new experiences & cultures.
- Family Safaris : The Phinda Forest family experience promises fun, interactive activities that offer kids the opportunity to leave with treasured memories of the African bush.
- Family Suite : A gorgeous lodge suitable for all the family.
Clothes That Blend In :
Muted coloured, lightweight clothing is best for game viewing. Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning and the late afternoon, which can be cold, especially in winter. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.
- Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
- T-shirts
- Shorts or a light skirt
- Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Jackets, windbreaker, fleece, sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
- A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
- Swim and beachwear
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
- Flip flops for around the pool
- Hat or baseball cap
- Warm scarf or pashmina
- Gloves or mittens
- Sunglasses
- Journal
- Bird or wildlife book
Gallery
Don't miss Amazing Hotels: Life Behind the Lobby
If you haven’t been watching the amazing TV show airing weekly on BBC2, then you need to get on catch up quickly and check it out.
The episode based at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa features Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder as they join forces with the hotel staff to learn how to deliver a luxury safari experience. The hotel is open to wild animals while delivering high luxury, so both wonder and danger are around every corner. Rob is put to work tracking cheetahs and preparing meals for the guests, while Monica wields a machete with the habitat team, learning how to rewild the area before taking some excited guests on a game drive.
Let's Chat
We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.
Let's Chat
We are here to help. Our travel experts will organise and book your dream holiday.
call us today or complete our online enquiry form to start your next adventure.