Phinda Private Game Reserve

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Experiences – Wildlife & Safari, Romantic Escapes

Getaway Experiences
  • Embark on thrilling morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, led by expert rangers who provide insights into the behavior and ecology of the animals.
  • Enjoy a marine safari experience, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat cruises to witness marine life such as dolphins, whales (seasonal), and sea turtles.
  • Enjoy guided bird walks and drives to spot a variety of birds, including raptors, waterfowl, and endemic species.
  • Interpretive bush walks within easy reach of your lodge to take in the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush, accompanied by an armed ranger.
  • Learn about the reserve's conservation projects, including efforts to protect endangered species and support local communities.
  • Have the opportunity to engage with local Zulu communities and learn about their traditions, customs, and daily life.
  • Enjoy specialized photographic safaris for enthusiasts looking to capture the stunning wildlife and landscape.
Highlights
  • A premier Big Five safari destination, showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences,
  • The Reserve has earned itself numerous prestigious awards in conservation and ecotourism. 
  • It offers seven distinct habitats ranging from vast grasslands to magnificent mountains
  • Phinda offers a choice of six luxurious safari game lodges, each blended harmoniously with their unique surroundings. 
  • Beautiful beaches and reefs are nearby  including world-class scuba diving, it is the perfect mix of beach and bush
  • Overview
  • Rooms
  • Services & Amenities
  • Tariffs & Packages
Overview
phinda private game reserve dining al fresco

The exclusive Phinda Private Game Reserve is nestled in the lush Maputaland region of northern KwaZulu-Natal. It showcases one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, including that of cheetah. Phinda is often described as "Seven Worlds of Wonder” and boasts seven distinct habitats - a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, river courses, marshes and pans. With unspoiled beaches and spectacular reefs nearby, as well as an abundance of wildlife, Phinda offers the perfect bush and beach adventure.

Location

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is located in northern KwaZulu-Natal. It is accessible by a flight to Richard's Bay from either Johannesburg or Durban, followed by a short flight or road transfer to the lodge. The distance from Johannesburg to Phinda is approximately 600 km and takes about seven hours. 

Rooms

Phinda is home to 6 unique lodges that have been designed to complement the different habitats of Phinda perfectly. From the gorgeous Zen chalets of Forest Lodge to the romantic Vlei Lodge, you will be hard-pressed to find finer accommodation in the region.

  • Phinda Forest Lodge

    The luxurious 16 air-conditioned suites at the Phinda Forest Lodge are built on stilts and appear to float between the rare Sand Forest floor and the towering torchwood trees. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters and provides privacy. The bathrooms at the Lodge feature twin hand basins, bath, separate shower and separate w.c.   The suites offer a personal bar on their private veranda. 

  • Phinda Mountain Lodge

    The Phinda Mountain Lodge features 25 air conditioned luxurious suites with a wraparound view of the ancient Ubombo mountain range and the Zululand bushveld. The lodge design is focused on light and space, offering complete privacy and luxury. All suites offer a sitting area, personal bar and private veranda complete with plunge pool and romantic al fresco shower.

  • Phinda Rock Lodge

    The Rock Lodge is characterised by contoured stone and adobe structures nestled into the cliff face and overlooking the spectacular Leopard Rock. These six exceptional suites provide their own private sitting area, personal bar, plunge pool and deck with magnificent views of the spectacular Leopard Rock and the waterhole in the valley below. Three of the suites feature outdoor showers sheltered deeply in leafy bushes for the feeling of showering in your own private waterfall.

  • Phinda Vlei Lodge

    At the edge of the Reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system, Phinda’s Vlei Lodge’s six suites offers an intimate safari experience, with elegant spaces designed for quiet contemplation of the African wilderness. The lodge is intimately integrated with its surroundings, and the atmosphere is an elegant blend of sophistication, luxury and a subtle flavour of North and West Africa. The suites are intimate and romantic, each comprising a luxurious en-suite bathroom, dressing room, sitting room, private plunge pool and viewing deck. At Vlei Lodge, guests can view games from the comfort of their bathroom.

  • Phinda Zuka Lodge

    The beautiful Phinda Zuka Lodge is a sole-use villa for groups of up to eight guests. Cradled in a valley and surrounded by densely wooded hills, it is a home away from home – allowing guests the luxury of a tailor made safari experience. Groups are provided with a private host/ranger, tracker, butler, chef, and private safari vehicle. Four thatched ensuite cottages cluster around a central guest area with an open, interactive kitchen, a large wooden dining table and a cosy fireplace for evening gatherings. It overlooks a waterhole rich with birdlife, and where an abundance of wild game regularly gather to drink. Each cottage includes a luxurious and spacious en-suite bathroom with a circular stone bath chamber. Private verandas are equipped with comfy lounging chairs, perfect for an afternoon siesta.

  • Phinda - The Homestead

    The Homestead is a sole-use villa with four luxurious suites, perfect for families and friends. In this exclusive private safari villa, the beauty of Africa’s wide open spaces is brought right indoors. Large sliding doors in four luxurious suites let in breathtaking vistas. Personal touches and the warmth of a dedicated team of staff, including a private ranger, tracker, butler and chef, bring renowned African hospitality to life. The suites feature sliding panel windows allowing for stunning views of the African landscape. At the heart of The Homestead is the outdoor sitting area, and an interactive kitchen allows for informal and intimate dining. For respite from the African sun, guests can enjoy the beautiful infinity swimming pool overlooking the surrounding trees and bush.

Services & Amenities

  • Home to six unique, luxury lodges that have been designed to complement the different habitats perfectly
  • Unique & exclusive dining experiences
  • Swimming Pool 
  • Conference Venue
  • Massage treatments 
  • Safari’s with a wide range of magnificent African wildlife 
  • Guided bush walks accompanied by a game ranger

Tariffs & Packages

Estimated Average Price: From ZAR 30,000 per night excluding taxes.


 
Terms & Conditions:
  • The estimated average price listed is for the base category room and is only indicative and may /may not include taxes. Please speak to or mail our luxury travel consultants with your dates of travel or fill out our enquiry form and we will revert with the best currently available price / offer for the chosen room category
  • The exclusive and/or special offers, if listed, are subject to availability and can be withdrawn without prior notice. Proof of eligibility maybe required to avail of some types of special offers (eg: honeymoon offers)
  • The booking, payment and cancellation policies of the hotel/s will apply and our luxury travel consultants will advice you of the same at the time of reservation
  • Check in time for most hotels worldwide is 1400 hrs and check out time is 1200 hrs. Early check in will be on request and is subject to availability
  • We do not levy any booking fees or service charges