Phinda Forest Lodge

Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest of Phinda Game Reserve, the spectacular &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge fuses sleek architectural design with the ultimate in conservation principles.

This is one of the world’s first eco-designed luxury lodges boasting suites raised on stilts that seem to float between the sandy forest floor and the leafy canopy above. Up to 32 guests can immerse themselves in distractions both large (the “Big Five”) and small (monkeys and other bush babies).

Inventively designed in a style affectionately known as Zulu Zen, each glass-encased suite offers serene spaces to watch the secrets of the forest unfold. But the real magic ingredients at &Beyond Phinda are the chefs, butlers, housekeepers, security, workshop staff and field staff. Their commitment to creating moments that will take your breath away is truly genuine.

You are invited to wake up to rustling forest sounds and bird song, while tiny duiker and suni antelope graze between and under the stilted glass suites. Soak in a pervading sense of peace and calm that will set the tone for a day filled with once-in-a-lifetime adventures.

Luxury Suites

Cradled in a maze of ancient vegetation, each of the 16 luxury suites boasts a minimalist flair that incorporates high-gloss wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics and brightly accented Zulu artifacts. These elegant and supremely comfortable interiors blend graciously with the surroundings. And there’s no need to worry about privacy as, in spite of the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the towering torchwood trees and fertile forest floor ensure a sense of seclusion.

• Twin beds, which convert to cozy double beds
• En-suite bathroom with oversized bathtub
• Spacious private veranda

Facilities & Services

Designers have created a calming atmosphere known as Zulu Zen. Set in rare and beautiful sand forest, the glass walls of &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.

• Rim-flow swimming pool at the edge of the forest
• Expansive deck overlooking an open meadow
• Interactive kitchen
• Traditional boma
• Safari shop
• In-room massage treatments
• Gym in a bag available on request
• WiFi in guest suites and in shop / reception area
• Child minding available at an additional charge

&Beyond Forest Dining

Delicious continental breakfasts are followed by satisfying lunches, all prepared by expert chefs and served on the open-air dining deck. After the evening game drive, a mouthwatering dinner will be waiting in the open-air boma, or perhaps in a surprising bush location.
Kosher food is available at an extra charge and with prior notice.

Activities

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 23,000 hectares of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Seven distinct habitats showcase one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences as Phinda is home to Africa’s “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), as well as 415 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.
Guests at Phinda experience unforgettable interpretive game drives led by professionally trained rangers and Zulu trackers. You can also note that the lodge is close to popular breeding grounds for highly endangered sea turtles. Spectacular coral reef diving in the Indian Ocean is also easily accessible.

• Twice-daily game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles
• Bush walks
• Birding
• River cruises (seasonal)

Activities at an Additional Charge

Phinda Adventures include Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives, scuba safaris, black rhino tracking on foot, visits to endangered wild cats project and swimming with whale sharks.
Specialist Safaris include birding, photographic, rhino capture and research, tracking, luxury walking, family and private safaris.