&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

Fringing the reserve’s wildlife-rich wetland system, along the edge of a rare sand forest, the vibrant and intimate &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge offers a tranquil oasis in the middle of flourishing wilderness.

This charming lodge, which has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment, features just six thatched suites to ensure exclusivity.

Phinda Vlei’s fresh new look is inspired by the elegant, turn of the century, plantation-style homesteads of KwaZulu-Natal’s sugarcane and pineapple barons. It boasts a wonderfully eclectic and rich identity that is, at the same time, homely and nostalgic. Guests can look forward to interiors accented with antique tapestries, fine art, vintage cottons and linens, as well as elegant silver and crystal ware.

Each air-conditioned suite features a spacious room, luxurious en-suite bathroom, and dressing room. The en-suite bathroom provides a sense of old world luxury, while the suite’s interiors showcase a mix of curated antiques and collectibles. Guests can also take advantage of a private lap pool and game viewing deck that overlooks a grassy meadow, where they can observe antelope 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, and a convivial fire pit setting - perfect for pre-dinner drinks! Mealtimes are a delightful affair, with a variety of settings to indulge in the lodge’s delectable menus; one of which is a spacious, all-weather deck that allows for al fresco dining with spectacular views of the surrounding wetland.

About Phinda Private Game Reserve 

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 28 555 hectares (70 560 acres) of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, &Beyond Phinda is home to Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 436 bird species. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.

With its seven distinct habitats, Phinda is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’, a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans. Home to 1 000 hectares of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, the reserve is 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.

Guests at Phinda experience unforgettable interpretive game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, led by professionally trained &Beyond rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as a wide range of optional adventures in the bush and on the beach.