Phinda Game Reserve, South Africa


Phinda Game Reserve covers 15,000 hectors of land encompassing seven unique ecosystems. Exciting game viewing offers guests the chance to spot the big five as well as marine species like dolphins and turtles. Phinda's seven splendid safari lodges offer sophistication and style in pristine African bush surrounds. The lodges all have their own personality. The glass suites in Forest Lodge appear to float among the tree of the dry sand forest where as Mountain Lodge is more traditional in design offering a stunning view of the Umbobo Mountains. Rock Lodge blends into the surrounding cliff face on which it is based and offers a romantic retreat with private plunge pools and viewing decks accompanying each room. Vlei Lodge’s six stilted glass and thatch suites are situated in the rare Dry Sand Forest offering an exclusive and private retreat and the slightly larger Zuka Lodge is perfect for family gatherings and special occasion safaris. Lastly Getty House is a sophisticated sole-use villa, a cutting-edge private residence overlooking an extinct volcano now covered in lush green vegetation and ringed by gently rolling hills.

Location

Phinda Game Reserve is 3 hours drive up the coast from Durban. It is also possible to get a Federal Air flight from Johannesburg to the lodge, or you can get a flight to Richard’s Bay nearby.

Highlights

  • Waking up in a forest suite and watching wildlife right outside the window.
  • Looking out across the reserve from you own private plunge pool at Rock Lodge.
  • Dining outside in the boma at Mountain Lodge, lit by lamplight and candles.
  • Exhilarating Walking Safaris
  • Exceptional African Big Five game viewing
  • Excellent Birdwatching and Leopard Research Safaris
  • Thrilling beach and bush adventures

Facilities

  • Swimming pool (except at Rock Lodge where guest have private plunge pools)
  • Indoor and outdoor dining areas
  • Game viewing deck
  • Lounge and gift shop

Activities

Twice daily game drives, bush walks, Mzinene River canoeing or cruising and white rhino tracking are all included. At an extra cost it is possible to do the flight of the fish eagle light aircraft flight, scuba safaris, deep sea fishing, Maputaland beach activities, beach horse riding, night turtle drives (in season) and cultural visits.

Meal Basis

Fully inclusive accommodation including all meals, selected beverages, laundry service and activities: game drives, canoeing, river boat cruises and bush walks

Child Policy

Children are welcome at all Phinda lodges excluding Phinda Rock Lodge (for safety reasons). Mountain Lodge is recommended for families as triple rooms can be booked, for children 11 and under sharing.

Accommodation

  • Mountain Lodge has 20 spacious suites with air conditioning and en suite bathrooms.
  • Forest Lodge has 16 spacious glass suites with air conditioning, en suite bathroom and private viewing deck.
  • Rock Lodge has 6 romantic suites with air conditioning, en suite bathrooms and private plunge pool and viewing deck. 3 of these suites also have an outdoor shower.
  • Vlei Lodge has 6 stilted glass and thatch suites with en-suite bathroom
  • Zuka Lodge has 4 thatched Zululand bush cottages with air-conditioning, fans and en suite bathrooms. Perfect for family gatherings and special occasion safaris. Each room overlooks a busy waterhole and the lodge comes with private ranger/host, tracker, butler and chef plus sole use of an open 4x4 safari vehicle.
  • Getty Lodge is a sole use villa comprising 4 suites perfect for family gatherings and special occasion safaris. An interactive kitchen allows for intimate and informal dining. The lodge comes with private ranger/host, tracker, butler and chef plus sole use of an open 4x4 safari vehicle

Accommodation

Phinda Game Reserve Video

Star Rating 1 reviews

Read Reviews of the Phinda Mountain Lodge

Honeymoon to South Africa during September 2011

Phinda was superb, the staff were very attentive, the food was excellent and the game viewing was extraordinary.

Signed:

Customer Review

Holiday to South Africa during January 2012

South Africa Review

We loved South Africa. From Table Mountain in Cape Town, Stellenbosch in the wine country, Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route and Amakhala in the Eastern Cape we feel we managed to cram in two weeks so many wonderful aspects ofSouth Africa had to show and are desperate to return and see more of th...

Rated... 5stars

Signed:

Celia Pool

South Africa Factfile

Timezone:
EAT (UTC+2)
Language:
English, local languages
Currency:
South African Rand
Best time:
Year round destination
Flights:
9 hours from Europe
Visas:
Not needed for many Europeans, call for info
Weather:
Click here for weather information