Phinda Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of one of Africa's most spectacularly diverse regions, home to no less than seven ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife.

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 18 500 hectares (45 711 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (leopard, lion, buffalo, elephant, black and white rhino) 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.

At Phinda a world of adventure awaits … at dawn and dusk experienced rangers and trackers reveal the wonders of wild Zululand, from the awe-inspiring Big Five to a fascinating array of plants, statuesque antelope to startling insects.
Bush walks during the day not only afford the opportunity of tracking the feisty black rhino on foot, but offer close encounters with nature and a brush with the traditional legends and uses of plants.
 
Catch a glimpse of the imperial world of the Zulu, past and present, or slip silently in canoes or riverboat past hippos and prolific bird life on ancient waterways, exploring fossil finds en route to a magical private picnic.
And there is nothing quite like the "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari, soaring above this Eden, perhaps even witnessing the whale sharks and giant leatherback turtles from above or landing at the diving paradise of Sodwana Bay, where the marine species-diversity rivals that of the Great Barrier Reef.

Unique safari accommodation - Phinda's six splendid safari lodges offer sophistication and style in pristine African bush surrounds.

Phinda Mountain Lodge
Here at the top of a lavish bushveld world, savour panoramas of the Umombo Mountains, ridging away ash-blue to Lake St Lucia coastal plains. Mountain Lodge is a sophisticated harmony of avante garde and ethnic decor, superb cuisine and warm, personalised service.
The grand sweep of the horizon is burnished with the sinking sun, flooding the lodge with golden light as guests descend the hills for their evening game drive or river cruise.
Spacious split-level suites with private lounge and en-suite bathroom all open onto your personal deck overlooking this magnificent reserve, from your lofty retreat

Phinda Rock Lodge
In the south of the reserve you will discover the exclusive Phinda Rock Lodge. Its roughly-hewn stone and adobe walls and ochre-packed wooden roofs are built into the rock face overlooking the magnificent Leopard Rock.

Each of the six suites, garlanded with twisting vegetation and suspended off the edge of the rocky cliff, has a large bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, some leading to an outdoor shower for bush bathing with an unrivalled view. Suites, decorated in subtle ethnic moods, also have their own private lounge, deck and plunge pool.

Dinner at Phinda Rock is an unforgettable affair - a pan African banquet spreads itself beneath the scampering celestial light of uniquely hand-wrought chandeliers as the eagles tumble and swoop at eye-level in the gathering twilight

Phinda Forest Lodge
Literally hand built by Zulu people to minimize impact on the rare Sand Forest, these 16 stilted glass chalets float between the forest floor and the towering torchwood trees.
Within these unique habitats, no luxury has been overlooked, from beechwood and slate floors, to air conditioning and hand-towels tied with fresh leaf wreaths.
At Forest Lodge the walls have become windows opening up to the canopy beyond. Outside, the forest is alive with creatures, from the tiny red duiker and Suni antelope to the Narina trogon and Rare red squirrel. Your private chalet beckons the forest within.

Phinda Vlei Lodge
The Phinda Vlei Lodge are stilted suites of thatch, teak and glass and overlook Phinda's unique wetland system at the edge of the forest- a favourite roaming ground of cheetah.

Each suite boasts a large airy double bedroom with spacious en-suite bathroom, private plunge pool and outdoor deck, ideal for bird and game watching. Experience Africa's first silent safari vehicle, which opens a unique opportunity to witness the hushed and fascinating world of butterflies and birds.
And with the sinking sun still warm on your shoulders, treat yourself to a romantic private dinner on your deck, lit by the gentle glow of oil lamps and the serenade of cicadas. Phinda Vlei offers exquisite, classic style and intimacy against the backdrop of truly wild Africa in all her splendour

Phinda Zuka Lodge
Meaning sixpence in Zulu, Zuka Lodge offers guests a new experience of Phinda’s pristine wilderness. The Lodge’s four intimate cottages are set 15 metres (50 feet) apart, featuring verandas overlooking a busy waterhole where a diversity of wildlife is regularly seen. Sitting areas feature built-in sofas which double as beds for parents travelling with children 5 years and younger. Bedrooms have air-conditioning and fans and are en suite, with a circular stone bath chamber, double showers, separate w.c and twin hand basins.

The exclusive-use Phinda Zuka Lodge is perfect for families or groups of up to eight people. Guest areas include an interactive café-style kitchen, indoor sitting and dining areas, an intimate library with Internet access and a swimming pool with extended wooden decking overlooking the waterhole. Comfortable cushions and suspended wicker chairs on the veranda allow for contemplation of the beautiful surroundings. Characterised by hues of blue and stone, emphasising shape and texture, the overall effect of the Lodge is that of cool, coastal bush style – the sophistication of simplicity.

Phinda Getty Lodge
Phinda Getty Lodge is a sophisticated sole-use villa on Phinda Private Game Reserve and a residence to Tara and Jessica Getty. In a spectacular, innovative new direction for the area, an entire Free State stone farmhouse was dismantled and transported hundreds of miles to Phinda where it is to be transformed into a world-class, cutting-edge private home which will be available for guests at certain times of the year.

The Lodge is a combination of Eastern Free State sandstone with timber, thatch and screeded cement, airy free flowing spaces and hues of grey, slate and celadon are breathtakingly stylish and sophisticated yet refreshingly simple. Natural fibres and textures characterize the interiors.

Accommodation is in four spacious suites featuring unique sliding panel windows with beautiful views. An interactive kitchen allows for intimate and informal dining.
Phinda's exciting safari activities: Safari adventures with your private ranger include morning and evening game-drives in open 4x4 game-viewing vehicles. Boat cruises, canoe trips and bush walks, bush sundowners and visits local villages can also be arranged.

All Inclusive Lodge Rates:

Per person, per night sharing

Phinda Mountain Lodge, from R2605
Phinda Rock Lodge, from R4795
Phinda Forest Lodge, from R2605
Phinda Vlei Lodge, from R4795
Phinda Zuka Lodge, from R15’340
Phinda Getty House, from R28’000

Rates quoted for Phinda Getty Lodge are for the entire Lodge which comprises four spacious suites.

Rates quoted for Phinda Zuka Lodge are for the entire Lodge which comprises 4 cottages.