Phinda Forest Lodge - Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Set in rare and beautiful sand forest, the glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. In spite of the floor to ceiling glass walls, the towering torchwood trees and fertile forest floor that surround the 16 glass suites ensure a sense of seclusion. Raised on stilts the suites seem to float between the sandy forest floor and the leafy canopy above.

At the main building of the lodge lies a sparkling swimming pool, as well as spacious decks, which look out onto panoramic views of an open meadow where animals frequently graze. Lunch and dinner is either served on the open air dining deck or at the traditional boma.

Location

Covering 28’555 hectares, Phinda Game Reserve is situated on South Africa’s east coast in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Only the iSimangaliso Wetland Park lies between Phinda and the Indian Ocean (approximately 30 km), a huge wetland area and UNESCO world cultural heritage, which is spoiled with sufficient rainfall. It includes various lakes, swamps, lagoons, but also dunes, beaches and the offshore coral reefs.

Wildlife

‘Phinda’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘return’, and Phinda is a place where lion, hippo, elephant, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, nyala antelope and many other animals have been relocated in one of the largest ever animal resettlement programmes. The reserve is also home to 400 species of bird.

Phinda can boast with a broad range of various habitat. Its varied area with mountains, grassland, forest, bushveld and marshes is the perfect home not only to the infamous Big Five but also to many other species. Phinda's rhino population is particularly remarkable; read more about the rhino relocation from Phinda to the Okavango Delta, where we were able to finance two of the relocated rhinos (www.swissafrican-foundation.com).

Activities

Day and night game drives, walking safaris, seasonal river cruises, sleep outs in the bush, conservation experiences, Zulu village tours, seasonal night turtle drives, scuba and ocean safaris (extra costs), black rhino tracking on foot.

Good to know

In-room massage treatments, Gym-in-a-bag, childminders and babysitting available. Wi-Fi in guest area and suites. Phinda Forest Lodge is one of the wold’s first eco-designed luxury lodges.

Phinda Forest Lodge on the map

Your alternatives