andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge, located in the Phinda Game Reserve, is a gracious and elegant respite amongst 22 000 hectares of reserve and wildlife. Its setting in the wetlands of Maputaland in KwaZulu-Natal, explains the 7 diverse habitats on the reserve, all of which contain their own eco-systems and attract different animal, bird and insect species. The lodge itself comprises of six luxuriously appointed suites, decorated in subtle African tones, with a nod to Balinese style. There is an air of sophistication in every aspect of one’s experience at Phinda Vlei that keeps guests from all around the globe returning year after year.
andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge offers Big 5 game viewing, and sightings of black rhino and cheetah. Guests have documented the incredible experiences they’ve had on game drives in Phinda, including watching kills, and mothers with their young. Their experienced guides make game drives all the more exceptional – guides who seem to go out of their way to make each guest’s experience of the wild absolutely mind-blowing.
Each suite has its own viewing deck and plunge pool, allowing guests to relax in cool waters whilst observing buck and zebra grazing in the grassy vlei. The menu is Pan-African inspired, starting with a generous brunch spread, which has captured the heart of many a hungry guest, after a 3 hour morning game drive! Meals are served in various places, from the more sociable dining deck, by the fire in the sitting room or on the edge of the vlei. ‘Happiness’, the resident chef, presides over the feasts presented at every meal time and takes absolute pride in his creations.
At Phinda, one can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the wilderness from the seclusion of a suite, as each one is positioned to offer sweeping views of wild animals stopping to drink and graze. Guests have often awoken to elephants drinking from their plunge pools and monkeys swinging through the trees! andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge offers the ultimate wildlife experience, from tranquil suites, through to a theatre of wildlife.