Summary
Representing the wild heart of KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda Private Game Reserve offers unparalleled wildlife sightings by day, and all the romance of the African bush by night. &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge is one of just six luxury accommodation options located within the boundaries of the reserve, and offers breathtaking architecture complimented by an impressive commitment to conservation.
Built entirely by hand, the lodge comprises 16 stilted rooms, all of which feature incredible floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Despite their transparency, these rooms are afforded complete privacy by their elevated position, and provide a fascinating insight into Phinda’s rare dry sand forest ecosystem. This forest surrounds the lodge on all sides, and is home to a plethora of rarely-seen wildlife- including the tiny suni and red duiker antelope. The park itself is particularly renowned as a sanctuary for the cheetah and the black rhino.
- Focus on your personal interests with a specialist birding, tracking or photographic safari
- For the best bird sightings, take a leisurely cruise down the Mzinene River at dawn or dusk
- Spend an evening swapping bush tales and enjoying good food around the boma’s open fires
- Make the most of Phinda’s proximity to the coast with a turtle safari or a whale watching tour
- Game drives
- Night drives
- Walking safaris
- River cruises
- Birdwatching
- Photography
- Phinda Adventure excursions (inc. whale watching, Zulu village tours and turtle safaris)
The serenity of &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge’s location is accentuated by the quality of its cuisine, the friendliness of its staff, and the diversity of its activities and excursions. In addition to twice-daily game drives, walking safaris and river cruises, guests may choose from a catalogue of Phinda Adventures which highlight the natural and cultural richness of the wider KwaZulu-Natal area.
&Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge comprises 16 stilted guest rooms, all of which boast floor-to-ceiling glass walls and a spacious private verandah from which to admire the surrounding forest views. Despite being constructed entirely of glass, the rooms are afforded a sense of complete privacy by their elevated position. Each one is air-conditioned, and features a luxurious oversized bathtub.
Best Room/Top Tips
There is little difference between the rooms at &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge, other than their proximity to the restaurant. For those with small children or mobility issues, ask for a closer room; for those seeking added privacy and seclusion, ask for one further away from the lodge’s central facilities.
Facilities/Amenities
- Swimming pool
- Expert rangers
- Selection of safari experiences
- Phinda Adventure experiences
- Restaurant
- Bar
Dining
Mealtimes at &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge take place amidst the trees on the restaurant’s beautiful open-air dining deck. The lodge offers modern, gourmet cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner, in addition to a delicious afternoon tea. During the afternoon game drive, guests will be treated to sundowners at a picturesque location within the reserve. In the evenings, it is also possible to dine out in the bush, or by the open fires of the lodge’s traditional boma.
Kids
Children are more than welcome at &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge. However, rooms are not suitable for a triple configuration, and must be booked accordingly. Game drives are available to children aged twelve and over, and to children aged between six and twelve at the lodge manager’s discretion. For children younger than six years old, professional childminders can be arranged at an additional cost. It is possible to book the exclusive use of a safari vehicle for younger children if required. Upon arrival at &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge, all children receive a WILDchild gift bag, complete with a logbook, crayons, pencils and a paw-print tattoo.
