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Phinda Forest Lodge
Cozy luxury cabins at Phinda Forest Lodge are set within 1000 hectares of unique dry sand forest in the 28,555-hectare Phinda Private Game Reserve located in KwaZulu Natal. This specific ecosystem is the last of its kind in Africa and forms part of 7 other habitat types within the reserve. Phinda Forest Lodge is one of the world’s first eco-designed luxury safari lodges with 16 luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the unique forest in a fairy-tale setting. Savour the forest sounds and chirping birds from secluded private balconies over morning coffee. The luxury lodge’s communal area features a rim-flow swimming pool and spacious deck with panoramic views over open grasslands and a small waterhole. Evenings at Phinda Forest Lodge are a celebration under the stars with fine cuisine, crackling fires, and a romantic lantern-lit outdoor setting.
Phinda Game Reserve prides itself in remarkable wildlife viewing with expert rangers and trackers leading the way to intimate sightings of cheetah, rhino, lion, leopard, elephant, African buffalo, and hippo. Besides the magnificent array of wildlife and extraordinary birdlife, the lodge’s proximity to the ocean allows for ocean safari’s as well as scuba safaris. The reserve ensures intimate, close-up game sightings by limiting vehicle access within the park and careful off-roading practices to get nearer the animals. Phinda Forest Lodge offers its guests a variety of unmatched activities besides its spectacular Big 5 game drives and bushwalks. Guests can experience authentic cultural tours, join in conservation projects, sleep out under the stars, embark on an infrared Night Eye Experience, and head to the ocean for some incredible snorkelling, scuba diving and turtle hatching (seasonal).
In addition to Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to a family of 5-star lodges, Rock Lodge, Homestead, Vlei Lodge and the family-friendly Mountain Lodge. All of the lodges offer a unique high standard safari experience in ultimate luxury.
Wildlife:
- Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
- The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
- Other wildlife include but is not limited to giraffe, zebra, varieties of antelope, hippo, warthog, and hyena and more.
- Up to 436 bird species have been recorded in the reserve.
Game Drives:
- Game drives are taken in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are accompanied by a ranger, who will share a wealth of knowledge about the animals with you.
- The game drives are 3 to 4 hours long and take place twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
- Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.
- 9 seater open safari vehicle (Max. 6 guests per vehicle).
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Outdoor African Boma
- Firepit
- Spa & Gym
- Viewing terrace
- Bar & lounge
- WILDchild program
Highlights:
- Unique 5-star safari lodge located in the reserves sand forest, a unique habitat, home to rare plants and diverse wildlife.
- One of the world’s first eco-friendly lodges.
- An iconic firepit, woven from invasive wattle, inspired by the dark-backed weaver bird’s nest.
-
Pan-African al fresco dining under the stars, around a blazing fire in the lodge’s traditional African Boma.
- 16 Luxury suites nestled within a canopy of trees, floating on stilts above the forest floor.
- Each suite boasts floor-to-ceiling glass wall and private verandas with breathtaking forest views.
- An expansive 2-bedroom Family suite (consisting of 2 inter-leading suites) is available for families.
- A sparkling rim-flow swimming pool and sundeck offer panoramic views of the open reserve, where animals often graze.
- Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
Location:
- The reserve lies between Mkuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Zululand region of Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
- KwaZulu Natal lies on South Africa’s warm east coast.
Getting there:
- Phinda Private Airstrip is the closest airstrip, Federal Air offers daily scheduled flights directly from Nelspruit to the private airstrip.
- The closest commercial airports are Durban (DUR) or Richards Bay (RCB).
- Flight time from Cape Town to Durban: 2 hours
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Durban: 70 minutes
- Flight time from Johannesburg to Richards Bay: 70 minutes
- Phinda Game Reserve is a 3.5-hour drive from Durban, and 2 hours from Richards Bay.
Child Policy:
- Phinda Forest Lodge welcomes children of all ages.
- Children under 6 years are not permitted on the game drives unless a private vehicle is hired.
- Children 0 – 5 years stay free of charge.
- Children 6 – 16 years pay 50% of the adult rate.
- Children 6 – 16 years in their own room; 1st child pay the adult rate, 2nd & 3rd child 50% of the adult rate.
Inclusions & Exclusions:
- Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bushwalks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
- Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.
Rates:
- The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
- Rates are charged per person, per night.
- Single supplement of 50% applicable.
- Rates displayed are valid until 10 January 2026.
Special Offers:
- 15% off for +6 nights stays
- 20% off for +8 nights stays
- Long stay discount exclude Jun – Aug
- Honeymoon offer includes 50% off one partners accommodation, plus extras.
- Honeymoon offer is valid for travel within 6 months of date of marriage.
Accommodation Options
Sixteen enchanting suites feature floor to ceiling glass walls allowing sightings of small animals and incredible birdlife. The feeling of having the outdoors as part of your living space is remarkable, yet safe from the elements in a truly luxurious setting with air-conditioning, Read moreceiling fans, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar and bathtub and shower. Secluded suites each offer their own private timber verandah ideal for morning coffees and quiet meditation. Guests can relax with pampering massages and savour world-class cuisine while children can embark on wildlife program full of fun and child-friendly adventures. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price R 17,100 per person, per night
Family suites additional children’s bedroom, linked via a small passageway with a closable door for privacy, includes a super-king bed (which can be converted to a twin) and a separate bathroom. Suites feature air-conditioning, Read moreceiling fans, Wi-Fi, a mini-bar. Secluded suites each offer their own private timber verandah ideal for morning coffees and quiet meditation. The main bedroom ensuite has a bathtub and shower.Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price R 59,850 per person, per night
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