Phinda Forest Lodge

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GENERAL INFORMATION

• A luxury game lodge situated in the depths of the botanically unique Sand Forest in the Phinda Private Game Reserve
• An award-winning luxury lodge offering both a bush and beach safari experience
• The bedroom suites were hand-built by local Zulu people to minimise its impact on the rare Sand Forest
• Guests experience the sensuous delight of luxurious minimalism offset by the verdant forest scene beyond the chalet's glass walls

Phinda Game Reserve, located between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush waterways of the World Heritage Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park, boasts 17 000 hectares span seven unique ecosystems. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Set deep in the heart of a rare Dry Sand Forest, the Phinda Forest Lodge comprises private stilted suites, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, luxurious dining and sitting areas overlooking a tranquil open grassy vlei (wetland pan). The elevated lookout deck is a prime bird-watching spot for the approximately 400 species at Phinda.

Guests can look forward to exciting game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach. Come face-to-face with lions and rhino before breakfast, swim with dolphins after lunch and catch a marlin before dinner - that's the Phinda experience, one of the most exciting safari destinations in Africa.

Town & Country – 2001
Chosen as Best Hotel for Wildlife Enthusiasts
Tatler's Travel Guide – UK – 2001
Listed among the 101 Best Hotels in the World
Association of Southern African Travel Agents - 1998
Voted as Best Game Lodge in Southern Africa

ROOMS

The lodge's 16 raised glass-encased chalets have a bedroom, lounge and spacious en suite bathroom with a bath and separate shower. The glass walls display the sea-green canopy with wide-screen effect. A few short paces outside, wooden decks have been erected around the growing trees to minimise impact on the unique Sand Forest, and birds and animals such as the tiny red duiker, suni antelope and rare red squirrel move quietly through the forest.

Although surrounded on three sides by glass, the fertile forest floor and towering torchwood trees ensure privacy in each of the chalets. The chalets evoke the luxurious minimalism of classic Japanese architecture with polished beechwood and slate floors.

DINING

Savour flamboyant cuisine infused with Pan-African flair. You may dine on the deck viewing the grassy plains, or indulge in the romance of al fresco dining beneath a starlit sky around the forest boma (enclosed reeded area). Large tables for eight glow in the light of the central boma fire.

At bush banquets, dinners are served in a clearing in the bush under a star-studded sky. The incredible effort, the spectacular settings, visual impact and fairytale atmosphere of dining under the stars make for a truly appetising experience. Phinda is renowned for its elegant bush breakfasts.

For more Phinda lodges, see Phinda Mountain Lodge and Phinda Rock Lodge.

FACILITIES

• Swimming Pool
• Parking
• Babysitting
• Wedding Facilities
• Internet
• Gift Shop
• Laundry Service
• Children of all ages welcome