Reopening 01 December 2023
&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Closed for refurbishment from 27 May 2023
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 FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE AND INSIGHT INTO THEIR DAILY LIVES
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:
- Federal Air offer daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg 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, Ulusaba, Vilanculos and Livingstone – all flights route through either Nelspruit or Skukuza
- Private charters from anywhere in South Africa can be arranged to Phinda Private Game Reserve’s airstrip
- 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 (December 2023) and childminders available
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
GLORIOUS FIREPIT
The addition of a new firepit (from December 2023) to enjoy evening drinks
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
BRAND-NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART WELL-EQUIPPED GYM AND SPA OPENING DECEMBER 2023
WILDCHILD PROGRAMME
FUN, INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS TO DISCOVER NEW EXPERIENCES & CULTURES
SUITE
2023: From ZAR 14,000 per person per night
FAMILY SUITE
2023: From ZAR 49,000 per family suite per night
Welcome to Phinda Forest Lodge
We are excited to announce that our beloved Phinda Forest will be temporarily closing for an extensive refurbishment from 27 May 2023 to 30 November 2023
During this period, our timeless Zen-like lodge and suites, inspired by their unique location in the distinct and delicate Sand Forest of Phinda Private Game Reserve, will be completely re-imagined, ensuring that this celebrated destination will be even more memorable. In keeping with our core ethos, the lodge embodies a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment. The iconic rooms were originally built in perfect harmony with the existing flow of the forest, and these existing room structures will be used to redefine the new lodge in a way that will continue the legacy with which it was originally built.
Lodge improvements include the upgrade of all interiors, with some structural changes to the existing suites and main guest area. The lodge’s existing swimming pool is set to be reshaped and tiered, with the addition of an all-new shaded massage sala constructed next to the pool. A new family suite, as well as library and lounge, plus newly-designed walkways with a central firepit linking the main area to the new library, not to mention significant upgrades to the main dining and bar areas can also be expected. The new-look Phinda Forest will also feature a well-equipped state-of-the-art gym. With so many new and exciting additions to look forward to, we cannot wait to welcome you back to our new &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge soon.
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
Phinda Forest will soon have it’s own Family Suite, and coupled with a dedicated WILDChild programme, the Phinda Forest family experience promises fun, interactive activities that offer 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
A sneak peek of what to expect
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake you 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
Choose Phinda Forest Lodge on one these inspirational journeys
Care of the Land, Wildlife & People
&Beyond Phinda's impact in conservation & community
Frequently asked questions
Awards and acknowledgements
Feed your wanderlust
Travel inspiration from from &Beyond Connect
Keep connected
Read more about Phinda
Phinda’s six unique luxury lodges
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