Nestled inside 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of Africa’s last remaining dry sand forest lies Phinda Forest Lodge, one of the world’s first eco-designed luxury safari lodges.

With its seven distinct habitats, Phinda Private Game Reserve is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’, a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes and pans. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, the reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five, as well as 436 bird species.

On the edge of the forest, just before a clearing that overlooks a small waterhole, lies the lodge’s sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, an ideal respite in between game drives. Expansive decks in the spacious guest area, look out onto panoramic views of an open grassy meadow. In the evenings, when warm firelight welcomes you to the traditional African boma, wide-eyed bush babies watch inquisitively from the trees above, as you indulge in a lantern-lit feast beneath a canvas of stars.

Suites

Invite the beauty of the forest indoors and unwind in absolute tranquillity, in one of Phinda Forest Lodge’s 16 suites.
Set in a rare and beautiful sand forest, the glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge’s suites offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. A dense canopy provides privacy, and floor to ceiling windows invite the forest in, with the wonderful opportunity to view wildlife roaming outside your glass “bubble”, fluttering birds nesting in the foliage and the gentle rustle of forest sounds.

Dining

The spacious interactive kitchen brings a cheerful atmosphere to the lodge allowing guests to see their mouth watering meals being prepared.

All meals are included as well as a selection of soft drinks, house wines, local branded spirits and beers. Lets not forget the tea and coffee and refreshments whilst you are on your game drives.

Safari

29 866 ha (73 800 acres) of private, traversing across seven distinct habitats allows for a diversity of landscapes and game viewing on twice-daily game drives. Limited number of vehicles at sightings and sensitive off-roading practices affords close-up sightings of wildlife.

Phinda is home to a magnificent variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, but is best known for its large population of cheetah and black rhino. The sand forest is home to the shy suni and the rare red duiker, two tiny antelope that are seldom encountered elsewhere.

A variety of incredible adventures are available, including twice-daily game drives, nature walks, conservation and community experiences, sleep outs, village tours, specialist safaris, as well as nearby ocean activities