andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

The six luxurious and carefully designed safari lodges of the andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve are havens of sophistication and style in the pristine bush surroundings of South Africa’s lush Maputaland region.

Thanks to the coastal rainfall pattern, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve enjoys a lush green environment that encompasses distinct ecosystems: a rare dry sand forest, savannah, woodland and wetland systems, beautiful river courses, mountain ranges, marshes and pans.

This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation gives shelter to a great abundance of wildlife, including not only the Big Five but many less easily spotted species too, such as the elusive cheetah or the black rhino.

andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge

Hand-built by local Zulu people—to minimize the development’s impact on the forest—Phinda Forest Lodge consists of 16 air-conditioned suites with floor to ceiling glass walls, private viewing decks, luxurious en-suite bathrooms—and rim-flow swimming pool.

Guests can dine in the traditional African boma, under a romantic canvas of stars, candles and lanterns.

andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge

Perched on a ridge overlooking the reserve, Phinda Mountain Lodge gives dramatic views of the forest from the 25 air-conditioned suites—each with a private plunge pool, viewing deck and outdoor shower. A great family safari destination with lots of activities & special touches for kids.

andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge

Uniquely carved into the rocky mountainside, the Rock Lodge consists of 6 romantic, air-conditioned suites, constructed of stone and wood, each with a private plunge pool.

Almost suspended in air over the deep valley below, the Rock Lodge guests enjoy sweeping views across the bushland.

andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

The exclusive Vlei Lodge is positioned where the Reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system meets the edge of the sand forest.

Six glass suites, raised on stilts and topped with thatched roofs offer private spaces where guests can relax and unwind in plunge pools and watch the drama of the African wilderness unfold.

This small, romantic and intimate lodge ensures complete seclusion, understated luxury and African sunsets.

andBeyond Zuka Lodge and The Homestead

andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is also home to two sole-use safari villas, Zuka Lodge and The Homestead. Luxurious and intimate, these villas offer private and exclusive safari experience.

Zuka Lodge embodies cool, coastal bush style whilst The homestead cutting-edge suites feature unique sliding panel windows, inviting outdoors in. Both are great for families or small groups of friends.

Getting there:
The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.

in our opinion

andBeyond’s Phinda Private Game Reserve is an ideal mix of ethnic décor, superb cuisine, personal service, and exclusivity.

With only a handful of lodges sharing an area of 23,000 hectares (56,800 acres) and careful trained rangers and trackers in search of prime wildlife sightings, guests are assured a private and intimate game viewing experience.

For couples, choose Rock Lodge or Vlei Lodge—they are more private (& children under 12 are not allowed).

What we love

• Excellent Big Five game viewing, with spectacular sightings of the cheetah and rare black rhino;
• Stunning and varied scenery;
• Fantastic diversity of activities. Situated within close proximity of the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, with unspoiled beaches and spectacular reefs nearby, Phinda combines bush and beach adventure. You can experience big five game viewing, swim with dolphins and go fishing all in the same day. Walking safaris, river cruises and canoeing on the Mzinene River are available too;
• Guests at Phinda experience game drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles, led by extremely well trained and very confident rangers and Zulu trackers;
• The exceptionally friendly staff and personal attention;
• The good range of accommodation prices mean there is something for all budgets here;
• The distinct habitats of the game reserve inspired the design of Phinda’s six unique lodges. Each lodge has its own unique setting, individual charm and character;
• Bush dinners in unique, unexpected settings and delicious food.

What you should know

• The lodges are all-inclusive, but this excludes top-brand spirits;
• You can’t walk from the main restaurant or lounge area to your room alone at night without an escort;
• The quickest and easiest way to get to Phinda is by air. You can fly to Richard's Bay from either Johannesburg or Durban, followed by a short flight or road transfer to the lodge;
• Should you choose to travel by road, the distance from Johannesburg to Phinda is approximately 600 km (370 miles) and takes about seven hours to cover on tarred roads. The drive from Durban to Phinda is roughly 350 km (220 miles) and takes three to three and a half hours.