Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Game Reserve
Accommodation
Vlei Lodge with its six thatched suites is one of the most exclusive accommodation in the area. Overlooking the reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system on the edge of the sand forest, its location offers ever-changing game viewing from the comfort of each guest suite. With each suite carefully positioned for a prime view of the animals coming out to drink at the waterhole, the safari just never stops.
All six suites feature spacious en-suite bathrooms, dressing rooms and private verandas with plunge pool. Phinda Vlei’s fresh look is inspired by the sumptuous, turn of the century, plantation-style homesteads of KwaZulu-Natal’s former sugarcane and pineapple barons.
The main guest area has an extensive library and a convivial fire pit setting, perfect for sundowners in the evening. Dining is either indoors or on the "all-weather" deck overlooking the surrounding wetland.
Location
Covering 28’555 hectares, Phinda Game Reserve is situated on South Africa’s east coast in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Only the iSimangaliso Wetland Park lies between Phinda and the Indian Ocean (approximately 30 km), a huge wetland area and UNESCO world cultural heritage, which is spoiled with sufficient rainfall. It includes various lakes, swamps, lagoons, but also dunes, beaches and the offshore coral reefs.
Wildlife
‘Phinda’ is a Zulu word meaning ‘return’, and Phinda is a place where lion, hippo, elephant, buffalo, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, nyala antelope and many other animals have been relocated in one of the largest ever animal resettlement programmes. The reserve is also home to 400 species of bird.
Phinda can boast with a broad range of various habitat. Its varied area with mountains, grassland, forest, bushveld and marshes is the perfect home not only to the infamous Big Five but also to many other species. Phinda's rhino population is particularly remarkable; read more about the rhino relocation from Phinda to the Okavango Delta, where we were able to finance two of the relocated rhinos (www.swissafrican-foundation.com).
Activities
Day and night game drives, walking safaris, seasonal river cruises, sleep outs in the bush, conservation experiences, Zulu village tours, seasonal night turtle drives, scuba and ocean safaris (extra costs), black rhino tracking on foot.
Good to know
Gym-in-a-basket, childminders and babysitting available. Wi-Fi in guest area and suites.
