gallery of 9 photos

Hluhluwe Umfolozi Reserve, South Africa

Phinda Forest Lodge

Phinda is a great location. Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from safaris in 4x4 vehicles in highly concentrated game areas to day trips to the beach and the Indian Ocean. Couple this with the fabulous luxury of the Phinda Forest Lodge and guests get to experience a highly diverse safari in a malaria free zone. We like Forest Lodge's design with its glass walls the best of the lodges in Phinda.

The charter between the greater Kruger National Park and Phinda is expensive, but we like how the regions complement each other.  — Mango's view

Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, Phinda comprises 22,000 hectares (54,500 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Nestled below the Lebombo Mountains of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a Zulu word meaning "the return." In one of the biggest reintroductions of game in Africa, Phinda was restocked with lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, giraffe and other big game in an operation dubbed "phinda izilwane," return of the wild animals.

Phinda is not only a luxury destination; it is also a dynamic working model in wise land management and creative wildlife conservation.

Phinda Forest Lodge is set deep in the heart of a rare Dry Sand Forest. The lodge comprises 16 private stilted suites, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, luxurious dining and sitting areas, and an expansive viewing deck with panoramic views of the game-filled plains.

The air conditioned glass suites are built on stilts and appear to float between the rare Dry Sand Forest floor and the towering torchwood trees. The suites are situated to ensure absolute privacy and each bathroom features twin hand basins, bath, separate shower and separate water closet. All suites have a personal bar on their private veranda.

Guests can look forward to exciting game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach. There is a crafts gallery with a range of local Zulu artifacts.

Includes: All meals, drinks (except premium brands), safari activities, & laundry