Description
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.
In August 1997 the doors were opened to the elegant and exclusive Phinda Vlei Lodge whose stilted suites of thatch, teak and glass overlook Phinda’s unique ’vlei ’ or pan system at the edge of the forest. Each suite 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's wonderfully diverse landscape.
Accommodation
Phinda Vlei Lodge offers 6 spacious suites with an en-suite bathroom featuring inviting free standing tubs, private plunge pool which brings welcome respite from the heat of the African sun and outdoor deck, ideal for bird and game watching.
Childcare
Children over the age of 8 years are welcome at Phinda Vlei Lodge. Children under 12 years can partake in game drives at the guide’s discretion.
Facilities
Facilities at the lodge include a private bar and plunge pool in each suite. The lodge offers expansive viewing decks and a comfortable sitting area.
Activities
Swimming, game drives, walking boat cruises and canoeing are all complimentary at Phinda Vlei Lodge. Activities at an additional charge include scuba diving and scenic flights for an astonishing bird's-eye view of Phinda's varying habitats. Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, Phinda enjoys a lush green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems - a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivercourses, marshes and pans. The diverse wildlife this brings is nothing short of sensational.
When to travel
As a country in the Southern Hemisphere South Africa's seasons are the reverse of the north - with winter in June-August and summer December-February. Game viewing is better during the drier months of April to September. The wildflower season is generally from mid August to mid September. The whale watching season runs from June to November.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
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.
How to get there
By road, Phinda is 6 hours from Johannesburg, 3 hours from Durban and 1.5 hours 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.
