Phinda Private Game Reserve

Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve enjoys a lush green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems. &Beyond Phinda is often referred to as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder.’ This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation shelters an abundance of wildlife, including not only the Big Five but many rarer and less easily spotted species, such as the elusive cheetah or the scarce black rhino.

Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, the award-winning Forest Lodge fuses architecture and conservation. The lodge was hand built by local artisans, with a minimal footprint on the forest floor – not one tree was felled during construction. An exquisite contradiction, floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters and provides privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while dainty suni graze below, the 16 Zulu Zen suites blend harmoniously into the dappled shade.

Dramatically set into a cliff-face overlooking spectacular Leopard Rock, the unique Rock Lodge is an architectural fascination. Its six suites are seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing breathtaking views. Each romantic suite, constructed from contoured stone and adobe, boasts solid wooden shutters and doors, opening onto a private plunge pool and viewing deck. Complete with spacious ensuite bathrooms, these sublime suites also feature outdoor showers, providing some of the most scenic al fresco bathing on the African continent.

This is an intimate lodge, where guests are treated like treasured family members and time is shared with fellow safari adventurers who soon become friends. Striking sunsets are witnessed from the game viewing deck suspended over Africa’s bushveld, and delicious Pan African meals are served in the dining area under hand-wrought chandeliers.

Fringing Phinda Private Game Reserve’s wildlife-rich wetland system, situated along the edge of the rare sand forest, the sophisticated Vlei Lodge is intimately integrated into the surrounding bush. Gracious and elegant, this charming lodge comprises six thatched suites decorated in a subtle blend of North and West African styles, with hints of a Balinese influence. Each suite, which features a luxurious ensuite bathroom, dressing room, private plunge pool and game viewing deck, overlooks a grassy meadow where guests can observe herds of grazing antelope and zebra, as well as a variety of birdlife.

The atmosphere is exclusive and personal, with a mixture of understated sophistication and pure luxury. Large private lap pools provide the ideal place to relax and enjoy the drama of the African wilderness unfold, while warm and inviting open fireplaces make the comfortable guest sitting area the ideal place to unwind on a cool afternoon. Delicious and innovative cuisine is served on the expansive outdoor decks or in a beautiful and remote bush setting, creating lifelong memories.