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Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda’s intimate and luxurious Vlei Lodge offers a tranquil oasis set in the middle of the game reserve. This Big 5 reserve in KwaZulu Natal is known for close-up sightings of cheetah, and rare black rhino, and is home to a spectacular range of wildlife and birds. Estuaries and lakes feature hippo and crocodile populations while nearby beaches are the breeding ground for Leatherback Turtles. Phinda Vlei Lodge offers views of the surrounding landscapes and is thick into wilderness. Game drives are hosted twice daily by remarkable rangers and trackers across the seven ecosystems within the reserve. Specialist Safaris are available for keen birders and photographers, while the proximity to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean allows for excellent scuba safaris and ocean safaris offering breath-taking marine life sightings. With limited vehicle access in the park, overcrowding is prevented and careful off-roading practices by expert rangers allow for thrilling close-up wildlife encounters. Besides Big 5 game drives and bushwalks guests can embark on cultural tours, conservation efforts, sleep-outs under the stars, infrared Night Eye safaris, snorkelling in the ocean, and turtle hatching in season.
Six luxury suites at Phinda Vlei lodge offer your own private oasis with spacious bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms and showcase a mix of elegant antiques and collectibles. Each suite is position in the wilderness offer complete privacy with decks and private plunge pool. The perfect place to unwind and watch the wildlife pass by right in from of you. Back at the lodge, stylish communal areas are ideal for viewing abundant birdlife and wildlife roaming by and an incredible terrace makes for romantic dinners surrounded by lanterns under the glistening African skies. Phinda Vlei lodge decor is rich in fine art, vintage style cottons and curated antiques, and has been is inspired by the elegant plantation style homesteads from KwaZulu-Natal’s sugarcane and pineapple barons.
In addition to Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to a family of 5-star lodges, Rock Lodge, Forrest Lodge, Phinda Homestead 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 vehicles (Max. 6 guests per vehicle).
Activities & Facilities:
- Game drives
- Guided bushwalks
- Stargazing
- Birdwatching
- Restaurant
- Outdoor dinning
- Spa treatments
- Gym in-a-bag
- Viewing terrace
- Bar & lounge
- Firepit
Highlights:
- A 5-star luxury safari lodge located on the edge of Phinda’s Sand Forest, overlooking a vlei.
- Unique position between two habitats, the forest and the grasslands.
- Intimate setting with only 6 Luxury suites.
- Each exquisite suite features a private lap pool and viewing deck overlooking lush plains, where wildlife pass by.
- Exceptional dining with options including the dining room, candlelit deck, your private suite, or a secluded spot on the reserve.
- Magnificent reserve views from the main lodge deck, dinning area and iconic firepit.
- 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 Vlei 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 off all ages are welcome in a twin room – no family or triple rooms available.
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
Natural tones and organic materials make for 6 luxurious contemporary suites with incredible views from each private deck and rim-flow pool overlooking vast wild plains. Suites feature air-conditioning, ceiling fans, Wi-Fi, a min-bar, Read morebathtubs and 4 of the 6 units offer an outdoor shower for extraordinary bathing experience. This is romantic bushveld luxury at its best. Less
Refer to T&C's above
Price R 21,750 per person, per night
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