Phinda Mountain Lodge – The ideal family safari destination, offering uninterrupted mountain views

Perched on a hilltop, with wraparound views of the lush Lebombo foothills, Phinda Mountain Lodge is the ultimate family safari destination in Phinda Private Game Reserve. Phinda Mountain Lodge features three room types, with 16 suites, six cottages (that can be turned into three adjoining family cottages), and one family suite. Natural light streams through the expansive glass windows of the suites and cottages, while private decks provide breathtaking views of natural beauty. Each accommodation option features an outdoor shower, well-stocked personal bars and private plunge pools.

Rock Lodge – Intimate stone suites with dramatic views across the Zululand Valley

Dramatically set into a cliff face, Phinda Rock Lodge’s six intimate and private suites are seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing breathtaking views of Phinda Private Game Reserve. Each romantic suite, constructed from contoured stone, boasts solid wooden shutters and doors, which open onto a private plunge pool and viewing deck. Featuring spacious ensuite bathrooms, four of the suites also offer outdoor showers. Guest areas offer the perfect vantage point for viewing the reserve’s abundant birdlife and the wildlife roaming in the bush below. French doors open onto an extended outdoor deck, the perfect setting for al fresco meals, while a rooftop terrace provides a romantic venue for dining beneath the stars.

Phinda Forest Lodge – An iconic lodge built in perfect harmony with the forest

The Phinda Forest Lodge will be temporarily closing for an extensive refurbishment from 27 May 2023 to 30 November 2023. During this period, the 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. 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.

Phinda Vlei Lodge – A secluded, plantation-style hideaway on the edge of a rare sand forest

Phinda Vlei Lodge is an intimate and romantic safari lodge, overlooking a unique vlei (wetland system) on the edge of Phinda Private Game Reserve’s rare sand forest. Phinda Vlei Lodge’s unique location offers ever-changing game viewing from the comfort of your suite. Set on the edge of a sand forest, and overlooking a vast grassy meadow, each of the six thatched suites ensure exclusivity and incredible wildlife sightings. The air-conditioned suites each feature a beautiful, plantation-style bedroom, with a luxuriously spacious ensuite bathroom and dressing room that effortlessly blends a sense of old-world luxury with quirky, contemporary features. The suite’s interiors showcase a mix of curated antiques and collectables combined with bold fabrics. Take advantage of a private lap pool and game viewing deck that overlooks lush plains and observe antelope and other curious wildlife grazing nearby, as well as a variety of birdlife. Unwind in the beautiful surrounds of the main guest area, which also includes a handsome library, as well as a fire pit setting, ideal for pre-dinner drinks.

Phinda Zuka Lodge – An exclusive-use safari retreat overlooking a private, low-lying marsh rich in wildlife

Set amongst the densely wooded Zuka Hills of Phinda Private Game Reserve, studded with aloes and overlooking a small private marsh, lies Phinda Zuka Lodge, a private sole-use villa, ideal for families and small groups. Just four individual thatched Zululand bush suites, make up this intimate lodge that can be reserved as a sole-use villa for private gatherings, or on an individual room booking. Phinda Zuka’s overall ambiance is that of cool, coastal bush-style; embodying the sophistication of simplicity. The charming suites cluster around a swampy marsh which turns into a popular waterhole during the rainy season, and a diversity of wildlife is regularly seen and birdlife flourishes. Each suite boasts a luxurious ensuite bathroom, complete with a circular bath chamber, double showers and twin hand basins. Comfortable lounge chairs, on private verandas, allow for gentle contemplation or an afternoon siesta.

Phinda Homestead – An exclusive-use villa, brimming with personal touchers, for the world’s travel connoisseur

Tucked into the edge of a dappled forest in the north of Phinda Private Game Reserve, lies Phinda Homestead, a gracious sole-use safari villa, complete with a dedicated ranger, tracker, butler and chef. Blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings, and designed like a contemporary bush farmhouse, Phinda Homestead is an elegant and homely sole-use villa, ideal for both families and small groups. Four private bedrooms and spacious bathrooms fuse harmoniously with the cool, expansive, and inviting guest spaces. An interactive kitchen brings the lodge’s private chef into the centre of the guest experience, while a fully equipped private gym and spa allow for relaxation between safaris. Game drive times, as well as meals, are tailored completely to the guests’ preference to create a fully personalised safari.