&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
One of the world’s first eco-designed luxury safari lodges, nestled inside Africa’s last remaining dry sand forest
UNIQUE SAND FOREST
A one-of-a-kind eco-lodge set within one of Phinda’s most distinctive and delicate habitats
SAFARI GAME DRIVES
DAY AND NIGHT SAFARIS WITH EXPERT GUIDES IN SEARCH OF BIG FIVE AND OTHER RARE ICONIC WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
BUSH WALKING ADVENTURES
EXPLORE THE AFRICAN BUSH AND ITS QUAINT FAUNA AND FLORA ON FOOT WITH AN EXPERIENCED GUIDE
IMPACT INITIATIVES
JOIN OUR CONSERVATION TEAM WITH SCHEDULED RHINO, ELEPHANT OR PANGOLIN RESEARCH PROJECTS
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES
VISIT NEARBY ZULU COMMUNITIES AND GAIN INSIGHT INTO THEIR DAILY LIVES WITH AFRICA FOUNDATION
Location:
Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Zululand region of northern KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, intimately wedged between Mkuze Game Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (previously St Lucia Wetland Park). The reserve is also 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 nearby Sodwana Bay.
Getting to Phinda:
- Airlink offers daily flights from Johannesburg to Nelspruit.
Federal Air offers daily scheduled flights directly from Nelspruit to Phinda Private Game Reserve. - Connect Phinda Private Game Reserve to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Ngala Private Game Reserve, Kirkman’s Kamp, northern Sabi Sand
Nature Reserve (Londolozi and Ulusaba) in South Africa or to Vilanculos in Mozambique and Livingstone in Zambia via Airlink. All flights route through either Johannesburg, Nelspruit, or Skukuza in South Africa, where layovers may vary. - Private charters from anywhere in South Africa can be arranged to Phinda Private Game Reserve’s airstrip.
- More cost-effective routes include a commercial flight to Richards Bay, followed by a two-hour scheduled road transfer.
- It is seven-hour drive from Johannesburg on good roads in a two-wheel drive vehicle.
- It is a three and a half-hour drive from Durban on good roads in a two-wheel drive vehicle.
- Self-drive directions to Phinda Forest Lodge can be downloaded at the bottom of this webpage.
SPACIOUS GLASS SUITES
16 AIR CONDITIONED SUITES WITH FLOOR TO CEILING WINDOWS SET IN A FORESTED CANOPY
EXCLUSIVE FAMILY SUITE
New Family Suite comprising two Suites - childminders available on request
FULLY-STOCKED PERSONAL BAR
ALL ROOMS FEATURE A FULLY-STOCKED PERSONAL BAR, AND TEA AND COFFEE STATION
FULL WI-FI COVERAGE
FULL WI-FI COVERAGE IN ALL SUITES AND GUESTS AREAS THROUGHOUT THE LODGE
LAUNDRY INCLUDED
COMPLIMENTARY LAUNDRY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE SHOULD YOU NEED IT
SWAROVSKI BINOCULARS
COMPLIMENTARY PAIR OF SWAROVSKI OPTIK COMPANIONS FOR THE DURATION OF YOUR STAY
BIRD’S NEST FIREPIT
Woven out of invasive wattle – the perfect pre-dinner drinks spot
SPARKLING LODGE POOL
LARGE RIM-FLOW SWIMMING POOL OVERLOOKING THE NEARBY WETLAND SYSTEM
SIGNATURE SAFARI SHOP
Handcrafted items from the region - exclusive retailer of Ardmore ceramics
FITNESS & WELLNESS
New state-of-the-art well-equipped gym and intimate wellness spa
WILDCHILD PROGRAMME
FUN, INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS TO DISCOVER NEW EXPERIENCES & CULTURES
SUITE
From ZAR 17,100 per person per night
FAMILY SUITE
From ZAR 59,850 per family suite per night
Welcome to Phinda Forest Lodge
Set in the heart of one of Africa’s most unique and delicate ecosystems, the rare and endangered Sand Forest, Phinda Forest Lodge embodies the rarity of the natural habitat it protects.
The iconic &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 29 866 hectares (73 800 acres) of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, the reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five, as well as 436 bird species.
Located within the reserve is the sand forest, a captivating and distinctive habitat, home to numerous unique plant species and many curious creatures beneath its canopy. Situated within the rare sand forest is Phinda Forest Lodge, one of the world’s first eco-friendly lodges that has been meticulously designed in perfect harmony with the forest’s natural flow, blending seamlessly into its surrounds. In keeping with our core ethos, the Zulu-zen inspired lodge embodies a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment ensuring to continue the legacy in which it was originally built. A real-life example of how development can be both environmentally and socially responsible without compromising luxury and quality.
Unwind in absolute tranquillity in one of the lodge’s 16 air-conditioned suites. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters, providing the utmost privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while tiny duiker graze below, the suites feel as if they are one with the forest while each suite’s private veranda allow for gentle contemplation with breathtaking forest views. A new family suite completes the lodge offering, ensuring families an intimate and comfortable safari experience.
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Shared guest areas include an elegant lounge and gallery, a large central Zulu-inspired bar counter, an intimate wine cellar and spacious interactive kitchen. Browse the lodge’s small yet expansive curation of South African art and natural history books or discover the epic work by renowned local artists, Cecil Skotnes retelling the assassination story of King Shaka Zulu. Sip and swirl on your favourite South African varietal or opt for a wine pairing in the cellar to elevate your dining experience. Stay active in the lodge’s state-of-the-art gym, featuring all the necessary fitness equipment and enjoy a relaxing array of Healing Earth treatments in the lodge’s wellness spa. The lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool and sundeck looks out onto panoramic views of the open vlei where animals frequently graze – the perfect space to while away the afternoon before safari game drives. While the lodge’s uniquely designed central firepit, woven out of invasive wattle to resemble the nest of the dark-backed weaver bird’s home, is the perfect pre-dinner drinks spot to swap stories from your day’s adventure.
Choose from a range of exciting Phinda Adventures such as a specialist walking and tracking safaris, a sleepout under the stars, and other participative conservation experiences such rhino notching or pangolin tagging. Also within easy access of the reserve are Zulu village visits, Africa Foundation community visits, a Maputaland exploration, Maputaland beach trip, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, or an incredible ocean safari that offers you a host of marine life sightings. Specialist safaris can be arranged in advance and focus on special interests such as birding, photographic, family, and private safaris.
Why we love it
IMPRESSIVE GAME VIEWING
29 866 hectares (73 800 acres) of private, traversing across seven distinct habitats allows for a diversity of landscapes and game viewing on twice-daily game drives. Limited number of vehicles at sightings and sensitive off-roading practices affords close-up sightings of wildlife.
ICONIC WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Phinda is home to a magnificent variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, but is best known for its large population of cheetah and black rhino. The sand forest is home to the shy suni and the rare red duiker, two tiny antelope that are seldom encountered elsewhere.
ENGAGING FAMILY SAFARIS
The lodge’s Family Suite, coupled with a dedicated WILDchild programme, promises a fun and interactive experience for family members of all ages, offering kids the opportunity to leave with treasured memories of the African bush.
LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCES
A variety of incredible adventures are available, including twice-daily game drives and night drives, nature walks, conservation and community experiences, African bush sleep outs, village tours, specialist safaris, as well as nearby ocean activities.
Rates & Offers
Tailormake your stay
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
Experience Phinda Forest Lodge
Visiting Phinda Forest Lodge allows access to a range of unique included and excluded experiences
Explore Phinda sightings
Our guides and guests' best safari moments
LEAVING OUR WORLD A BETTER PLACE
It was at Phinda that &Beyond’s Care of the Land, Wildlife and People impact vision
was tested and shaped. Here, 29 866 ha (73 800 acres) of farming land was reclaimed for wildlife, including
790 hectares of critically endangered ancient sand forest. Cheetah, rhino and pangolin are actively
protected, with more than 30 years of pioneering wildlife victories behind us.
Along with Africa Foundation, the reserve works closely with neighbouring communities,
employing locally and investing in community education and welfare.
Sustainability practices are a daily priority and include the elimination of plastic bottles
and a focus on energy-saving initiatives.
Tailormade tours
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Care of the Land, Wildlife & People
&Beyond Phinda's impact in conservation & community
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