Ultimate Luxury

&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

Phinda Vlei Lodge offers exquisite, classic style and intimacy against the backdrop of truly wild Africa in all her splendour. The lodge comprises six elegant thatched suites to offer that exclusive safari experience.

Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

The lodge is located in an incredibly rare location – on the edge of 200 hectares of the worlds 500 hectares in the midst of beautiful waterways.
With only 6 suites its incredibly private and excellent for couples wanting a true safari experience with the ability to see the Big 5 as well at lots of rare species.
The rooms are a lovely fusion of contemporary and colonial with unique antiques in each.
While away the warm days in your private plunge pool looking out at the wildlife which frequent the grassy plains in front of the lodge.

Phinda Reserve is cradled in the arms of the Ubombo Mountains and flanked to the east by golden beaches and the Indian Ocean, in KwaZulu-Natal. This is one of Africa’s most diverse wilderness areas, boasting seven ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife.

Phinda Vlei Lodge is an elegant and exclusive lodge whose stilted suites of thatch, teak and glass overlook Phinda’s unique ’vlei ’ or pan system at the edge of the forest. Each of the six suites boasts a large, airy double bedroom with spacious en-suite bathroom and gorgeous free standing tubs, private plunge pool and outdoor deck, ideal for bird and game watching.

Relax and unwind in the comfortable sitting area in front of a warm and inviting open fireplace. Savour delicious and innovative Pan African meals, served on the expansive game viewing decks or in a beautiful and remote bush setting.

Here you can enjoy twice daily game drives, interpretive bush walks where you can explore the fascinating ecosystems of the rare dry sand forest and canoeing/boat cruises on the Mzinene River. You can also go diving in the Indian Ocean or why not take to the skies to get a totally different perspective of the Phinda Game Reserve's wonderfully diverse landscape.

When to visit

Best time to visit

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Top tip:

Phinda has both black and white rhino as well as lion, leopard, buffalo and elephant.

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Location

Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Vlei Lodge lies within the northern region of the 56 800 acre Phinda Private Game Reserve. Situated in the Maputaland region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, neighbours the iSimangaliso/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site to the east and is only 30 km (19 miles) due west of the white-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.

By road, Phinda is 6 hours from Johannesburg, 3 hours from Durban and 1 hour 30 minutes from Richards Bay. SA Express offer daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay. Road transfers from King Shaka International Airport to Phinda can be arranged. Airwing can also arrange private charters from anywhere in South Africa directly to Phinda’s airstrip.

Our Top Tours Featuring This Hotel

South Africa Uncovered

Feel on top of the world as you road-trip through the Drakensburg Mountains, passing jaw-dropping scenery. Take to the trails on mountain bikes, go wild swimming in beautiful dams and waterfalls and hike through vast vistas, learning about the Anglo-Zulu battle in the heart of the Drakensburg. Track white rhino on foot with a renowned guide and explore the massive sand dunes and wetlands of St Lucia. This trip is ideal for second timers to Africa, wanting something truly unique.

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Top Things to Do Nearby

&Beyond Wild Child programme

Specially designed activities ensure your children get the most out of their safari experience, with activities such as tracking footprints and making traditional bows and arrows to add to game drives with their parents.

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Activities at Rhino Ridge

During a stay at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge you will head out on twice daily game drives into the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve to find an incredible array of animals, from elephant, lion, wild dog, and of course rhino.

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Activities at Montusi Mountain Lodge

A stay at Montusi Mountain Lodge can be as active or relaxed as you like, either enjoy the stunning views from the comfort of the lodge, or get out and about on foot, bicycle and much more.

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Pangolin Rehabilitation Experience

Participate in a pioneering pangolin initiative at Phinda Private Game Reserve.

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Rorke's Drift Tour

Listen at sunset as this tour follows the famous story of Rorke's Drift. Following on from the Isandlwana morning tour, you'll learn of how the remaining British fell back to the mission station to protect the church and hospital.

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Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Hotels?

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