Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Private Game Reserve
Encompasses an impressive 71,000 acres of protected wildlife land Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five and is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino. Set in rare and beautiful sand forest, the glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Phinda Forest Lodge is one of the world’s first eco-designed luxury lodges. Floor to ceiling windows invite the forest in but the dense canopy provides privacy. The dainty forms of dwarf forest antelope dart among and below the suites, raised on stilts to float between the sandy forest floor and the leafy canopy above. Waking up to rustling forest sounds and bird song, surrounded by delicate leaf-filtered light, a pervading sense of peace and calm will set the tone for your entire day. The sixteen glass encased air-conditioned suites feature luxurious en-suite bathrooms with slate hand basins and viewing decks where you can awake to the sight of nyala and duiker outside the glass walls. Inventively designed in a style affectionately known as Zulu Zen, each suite boasts..
a minimalist flair that incorporates high-gloss wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics and brightly accented Zulu artefacts.
The lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, as well as the expansive decks in its seating area, looks out onto panoramic views of an open meadow where animals frequently graze. A traditional African boma is enclosed with a wooden fence and offers lantern-lit open-air dining beneath a canvas of stars.
With its seven distinct habitats, Phinda is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’, a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans. Home to 2,475 acres of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, the reserve is situated in close proximity to the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, offering an unmatched combination of bush and beach adventures. At Phinda you will experience unforgettable interpretive game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, led by professional rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as a wide range of optional adventures in the bush and on the beach.
AT A GLANCE
- 16 air-conditioned glass suites with viewing decks
- En-suite bathroom
- Rim-flow swimming pool at the edge of the forest
- Interactive kitchen
- Safari shop
- Traditional boma for open-air dining
- Situated in some of the world’s remaining rare sand forest
- Floor to ceiling glass walls allow close-up views of small animals and birds
- Seven habitats allow for much greater diversity in species and landscapes
- 71,000 acre Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) private game reserve
- Wildlife includes cheetah, black rhino, nyala and suni
- Surrounded by incredible birdlife
- Twice-daily game drives, including afternoon into evening drives
- Bush walks
- River cruises (seasonal)
- Phinda adventures include Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives, scuba safaris, black rhino tracking on foot, visits to endangered wild cats project and swimming with whale sharks at an additional charge
- Specialist safaris include birding, photographic, rhino capture and research, tracking, luxury walking, family and private safaris at an additional charge
- In-room massage
- All Inclusive: 3 meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beer, safari activities, laundry
- Wi-Fi internet access in guest areas and suites
- 220v AC power
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
- 2019 - PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE PLACED IN THE TOP 30 RESORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA AT THE CONDÉ NAST TRAVELERS READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
- 2016 - PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE WINS THE VIRTUOSO “SUSTAINABLE TOURISM LEADERSHIP AWARDS 2016”
- 2015 - #36 IN THE TOP 100 HOTELS & RESORTS IN THE WORLD AT THE CONDÉ NAST TRAVELER (US) READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS
- 2015 - CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER INDIA ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S SEXIEST WILDLIFE CAMPS
- 2014 - # 10 IN CONDE NAST TRAVELER “BEST RESORTS IN SOUTH AFRICA” AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST CATEGORY
