They say that people who live in glass houses shouldnt throw stones and that is certainly true at Phinda Forest Lodge!
Our designers have created a calming atmosphere of Zulu Zen. And theres no need to worry about the privacy of your retreat - in spite of the floor to ceiling glass walls, the towering torchwood trees and fertile forest floor that surround your suite ensure a sense of seclusion.
Set in rare and beautiful sand forest, the glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Phinda Forest Lodge is one of the worlds first eco-designed luxury lodges. Floor to ceiling windows invite the forest in but the dense canopy provides privacy.The dainty forms of dwarf forest antelope dart among and below the suites, raised on stilts to float between the sandy forest floor and the leafy canopy above. Waking up to rustling forest sounds and bird song, surrounded by delicate leaf-filtered light, a pervading sense of peace and calm will set the tone for your entire day.”
Why visit Phinda Forest Lodge:
- Day and night game drives, walking safari and river cruises
- Sensitively constructed in rare sand forest
- Tiny duiker and suni antelope graze between and under the stilted glass suites
- Contemporary Zulu Zen style; secluded bliss, tucked away from the rest of the world
- Phinda Adventures Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives, scuba safaris, black rhino tracking on foot, swimming with whale sharks, whale watching
- Specialist Safaris birding, photographic, rhino capture and research, tracking, walking, family and private safaris
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: All year round; best game viewing from March to end of September.
RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN: Children are welcome. See our Family Travel page.
GUEST SAFETY: The lodge is not fenced off and we request guests be extremely vigilant at all times.
LODGE AMENITIES: Air-conditioned glass suites, rim-flow swimming pool, ineractive kitchen, open-air dining
Accommodation at Phinda Forest Lodge:
Cradled in a maze of ancient vegetation, each air conditioned suite provides serene, reflective spaces to watch the secrets of the forest unfold.
The dappled green shade works its magic on guests and animals alike, providing an intimate glance into the world of the forest dwellers. Tiny suni and red duiker graze among the vines and massive tree trunks, and a short walk to the main guest area could easily become a close encounter with a graceful nyala or an agile impala.
Fresh duiker tracks in the sandy paths point the way towards the lodges rim flow pool, where you can relax in the shade of the wooded canopy. While away an afternoon on the spacious private veranda of your suite, secluded from all except an occasional red tonga squirrel in the treetops. Invite the tranquillity of the forest inside and take a soak in your oversized bathtub with huge glass windows offering yet another perspective on the play of leaves and light outside.
Mealtimes on the open air dining deck bring about their own distractions, as monkeys frolic in the branches and an ever-changing assortment of wildlife grazes on the open plain in the distance. In the evenings, when warm firelight welcomes you to the boma, wide-eyed bush babies watch inquisitively from the dense foliage above.
Honeymoon Offer:
Save 50% on one partner’s accommodation when you book a minimum of 2 nights stay and travel within 6 months of date of marriage.
Activities available at Phinda Forest Lodge:
- A Night Under the Stars
- Black Rhino Tracking on Foot
- Endangered Wild Cats Project
- Family Safari
- Indian Ocean Scuba Safari
- Luxury Walking Safari
- Maputaland Beach Adventure
- Morning and Afternoon Game Drives
- Photographic Safari
- Private Safari
- Specialist Birding Safari
- Swimming with Whale Sharks
- Tracking Adventure
- Turtle Nesting Adventure
- Zulu Village Tour
Family Travel at Phinda Forest Lodge:
Children of 16 years and above, are welcome at Phinda Forest Lodge, although the rooms are not suitable for triple configuration.
Rate Includes: Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, laundry, safari activities, 1-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability), emergency medical evacuation insurance, VAT, transfers to and from the lodge airstrip.
A single supplement of 50% is only charged from the third single room per booking.
By Air:
Federal Air operates a daily flight from Johannesburg International Airport to Phinda Airstrip.
Daily scheduled flights by SA Express from Johannesburg International Airport to Richards Bay Airport.
Transfers from Richards Bay Airport to Phinda are available by road
By Road:
Phinda is accessible by road by two-wheel drive vehicle -- driving time from Johannesburg is six hours and from Durban is three hours.
The turn-off from the N2 is between the towns of Mkuze and Hluhluwe and is clearly sign-posted.
Unfortunately no children under 16 years allowed.
