Why you'll love it here
- Take in iconic wildlife sightings with exclusive game viewing up close to the big five
- Explore seven distinct habitats of South Africa for diverse wildlife viewing
- Situated nearby beautiful unspoilt beaches
- Spend a magical night sleeping under a blanket of stars
- Enjoy unique safari experiences including The Photography Safari
Jackie
Travel Specialist
Included in your holiday
- Lounge passes and meet & greet service in UK airports
- Transfers to and from your hotel
- All flight luggage allowances
- Personal concierge service
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- Full ATOL protection
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
The Phinda Private Game Reserve rings 73,800 acres of protected safari land, situated in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It's renowned for being one of the continent’s most magnificent and attractive game viewing experiences, and famously home to Africa’s big five. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast seeking an unforgettable luxury safari experience, explore what Phinda Private Game Reserve has to offer.
During your stay, you'll catch glimpses of the well-known species that reside across the land. Watch as the lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos and rhinos all wander the reserve, gathering around water holes to cool off and fight for their prey. Be sure to set your eyes to the sky and the trees to see the active birdlife, with 436 bird species soaring through the air.
Your accommodation is the epitome of luxury to elevate your safari stay. Each lodge offers something unique to you and your loved ones, so be sure to explore what each one offers to perfectly suit you. If you’re seeking a romantic safari getaway with magical dining experiences and excellent views of the bustling bush alive with wildlife, the Rock Lodge is perfect for you. If you’re travelling with little ones, the Mountain Lodge is a family-friendly lodge offering spacious accommodation and facilities including a gym and a massage sala.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is comprised of seven distinct habitats, and located close to the Indian Ocean coast, making for an extensive list of activities to enjoy from safaris to marine exploration. The Phinda Adventures offer something for families with children. Let the little ones explore the magic of Africa’s wildlife and wilderness with WILDchild adventures. Photography enthusiasts can enjoy an exciting tour lead by a safari specialist who knows all the best spots for an awe-inspiring snapshot. Couples can enjoy a magical night under the stars, falling asleep in the comfortable beds nestled under a mosquito net. Phinda offers so many exciting experiences for you to get the best out of your safari getaway, so be sure to explore what more they have to offer you.
Room Options
Each lodge provided by Phinda Private Game Reserve offers something unique to elevate your experience in the safari.
Mountain Lodge
With 16 suites, 3 family cottages and a family suite, you’ll find the perfect accommodation for you and your family at The Mountain Lodge. Let off steam or enjoy some family fitness fun at the fully equipped gym, or wind down from your safari adventures with a treatment at the massage sala. In all rooms aside the Family Suite, there is a plunge pool, perfect for cooling off in the toasty heat. Alternatively, you can splash about in the main lodge pool.Rock Lodge
The Rock Lodge is recommended for adults only due to its cliffside location. This is a beautiful spot for couples seeking a romantic stay. Rock Lodge hosts six suites, all made from detailed stone with wooden accents. Spend dreamy evenings in your plunge pool and viewing deck under the magical sky of sweeping stars. Enjoy a romantic meal at the rooftop terrace in the moonlight, and be sure to visit the guest area for the best view of the bush below coming alive with birdlife and wildlife.Vlei Lodge
The Vlei Lodge offers a unique location for game viewing from the comfort and privacy of your suite. All six suites are sprawled on the outskirts of a sand forest, overlooking the grassy meadow. Hide away in your private sanctuary, embellished in luxurious amenities accompanied by quirky antiques and collectables. Enjoy your free time in your private lap pool, or relax in tranquillity on your viewing deck. Socialise in the main area and snuggle in front of the firepit before dinner.Forest Lodge
The Forest Lodge is returning 30 November 2023 with exciting new refurbishments. The lodges are undergoing a total replenishment, elevating them to a space where you can immerse yourself in the Zen-like interior that imitate their surroundings. Be sure to check out what they have to offer in the main guest area, from the reshaped swimming pool to the all-new massage sala. Keep up your fitness in the state-of-the-art gym and indulge in the restaurant and bar’s refreshments.Zuka Lodge
Nestled among the Zuka Hills, hidden between the lush plains of woods is the Zuka Lodge. Hosting four suites that are situated in the perfect spot to overlook the swampy marsh that attracts the wildlife, birdlife and wildebeest during the rainy season. When you’re not watching the wildlife, retreat to your private oasis that holds a luxurious ensuite with a circular bath to soak in. Pair your down time with curling up on your comfortable lounge chairs or some time on your private veranda.Homestead
The Homestead is a sole-use villa, offering a homely atmosphere and is highly recommended for families. The villa hosts four private bedrooms and bathrooms, all decorated in the inviting warm tones of the safari land. Refuel in the interactive kitchen, and enjoy your mornings of fitness in the fully-equipped private gym. You can also unwind for the evening in the spa after long days exploring the safari’s. With this villa comes bespoke game drives, tailored completely to your preferences.Facilities/Amenities
Amenities
At Phinda Private Game Reserve, they want you to get the best experiences and create the best memories on their private reserve. Each guest at all lodges will receive a pair of Swarovski binoculars for game viewing, and WiFi coverage across all suites. A laundry service is also available in certain lodges, great for that extra step of freshness while staying in the wilderness.
If you’re opting for Homestead or Zuka Lodge, you’ll have a round-the-clock butler, who is available to take care of you and your family’s needs.
Wellness and Fitness
If you’re dedicated to your fitness, be sure to enjoy a morning or evening in the fitness centre with beautiful views of the reserve. You’re bound to have some stiffness after long days of game viewing, and the spa is the best place to relieve it. Spend some time in the lodge’s spa and unwind with some treatments, including massages.
Restaurants & Bars
Mountain Lodge Dining
If you’re residing in the Mountain Lodge, you can enjoy a meal in a social setting with an interactive kitchen where you can see the pizza oven, great for your kids choosing their own meal. The stone and reed boma are lit up by candles of a night, setting the scene for a romantic evening for your al fresco dining experience.
Rock Lodge Dining
Because of the superb location of The Rock Lodge for wildlife and birdlife watching atop the bush, their dining area offers unforgettable views. While the beautiful creatures of the safari are roaming below, enjoy the al fresco dining experience on the extended outdoor deck. Opt for an evening meal to elevate your romantic experience under a blanket of stars.
Vlei Lodge Dining
Spend an evening in the warmth of the fire pit before you enjoy a delicious meal. While you are unwinding before your meal, you can enjoy some pre-dinner drinks while you enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the main guest area.
Forest Lodge Dining
While the Forest Lodge is being refurbished, all new facilities are expected to elevate your safari experience, including upgrades to their main dining areas and lodges. They will reopen 30 November, 2023, so be sure to see what is new and improved.
Zuka Lodge Dining
The Zuke Lodge offers an interactive café-style kitchen to bring something unique to your day-to-day experience. You can opt for indoor seating to take in their bush-style interior or sit on their extended deck area for the chance to glimpse the wildlife and soak in the sweeping wilderness of the safari.
Homestead Dining
Here in the Homestead Villa, you will experience the home away from home feeling. You can enjoy the personalised touch of this lodge with an interactive kitchen experience, hosted by the lodge’s private chef. You’ll have meals completely tailored to you, so sit back and let the lodge’s professionals take care of you.
Activities & Entertainment
Safari
The Phinda Private Game Reserve gives you the option to choose from an exciting list of Phinda Adventures to make the most of your safari trip. Each of their experiences offer something new and unique, making for some unforgettable memories and spectacular stories to tell when you’re home.
Phinda is home to the Big Five, and you can watch as they hunt, drink and lay under the hot African sun with game drives. Soak in iconic sights as you explore what Phinda is best known for, with sights of cheetah’s and the black rhino. Explore 73,000 acres of diverse landscapes during your exclusive game viewing. Perhaps a game drive at night with experts to see the exciting wildlife at nightfall.
Their experiences are tailored to your preferences with exciting opportunities to really immerse yourself in the safari’s beauty, including a photographic safari. If you’re a photography enthusiast, you can take this tour lead by guide specialists to get the shots of a lifetime. Let the experts take you to the best spots for wildlife and breathtaking views and snap away. You can take the fully equipped photographic vehicle with a state-of-the-art camera.
Join experts of the safari to explore the different areas for different species. The Birding Safaris are accompanied with a bird specialist guide for you to search for nearly 440 bird species across Phinda’s seven habitats. Opt to take this safari tour at pre-dawn dusk for the best chance at seeing Phinda’s bird species from Rudd’s Apalis to Neergard’s Sunbird. Phinda’s superb location offers the chance to explore the wildlife of the Indian Ocean. Explore all the marine life beauty from Turtle Nesting Adventures and fishing to scuba diving with tropical fish.
Enjoy a night under the stars with a sleepout on comfortable beds, protected under a mosquito net. Enjoy this experience after an afternoon game drive through the Phinda Game Reserve, and retell the tales to your fellow guests around the roaring campfire of the evening. You’ll be provided refreshing drinks and a meal prepared by your guide on the fire. Drift off to sleep with your head turned to the stars and the sounds of Africa’s wildlife, perfect for a romantic end to your day.
Embark on a guided tour to view the safari on foot, with nature walks and big game viewing walks. Your tour guide is a specialist in the best and safest routes to take so you can get a closer look at the Big Five and the awe-inspiring views.
Families
If you have come with family, you can enjoy andbeyond’s family safaris. They provide a special WILDchild programme for children between the ages of 3-12, with exciting activities that bring the magic of Africa to life. With WILDchild, your kids with receive a backpack that is filled with goodies for their seasonal adventures. While on their tours, they will encounter exciting and safe activities from bug collecting, frog safaris and bark rubbing to enjoying a baking session with the chef. When it’s time for them to refuel, they can indulge in some dishes from the special children’s menu. Childminding services are also available at an additional cost.
South Africa travel information
- Time zone: +2 GMT
- Flight time: 11-12 hours
- Recommended airlines: Emirates, British Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways
- Currency: South African Rand
- Tipping guideline: 10-15%
- Health considerations: There is a risk of malaria in certain areas of South Africa, including the Kruger National Park. However, transmission occurs typically between the months of September and May only. In June, July and August, the risk is considered to be very low. There is a low to very low risk of malaria in the rest of South Africa throughout the year.There is no risk of yellow fever in South Africa, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein
- Population: 61,020,221
- National languages: 11 official languages including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, and Xhosa
- Electricity and plugs: Type C, D, M, N, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for South Africa if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our South-africa experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
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Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Jackie
Travel Specialist
South Africa travel guides
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