Vlei Lodge, Phinda Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Location

Offering the best big five safari in KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a large reserve spanning over 22,000 hectares and home two seven unique ecosystems. Ensuring an intimate and personal safari experience, Vlei Lodge is positioned on the edge of the forest, overlooking an open meadow and watering hole. Phinda is approximately 1.5 hours from Richards Bay Airport, with SA Express offering daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay.

Accommodation

Even within the suites, guests are made to feel as if they are on safari. Each spacious suite is carefully positioned to ensure a prime view of the animals from all angles- the game viewing never ends. Each suite boasts a private sitting area, en-suite facilities, private plunge pool, dressing room and game viewing deck, with dazzling views of the beyond.

Dining

An a-la carte restaurant serves diners at the Phinda Vlei Lodge, with a variety of meals on offer. Lunch is served either on the terrace, patio or in the dining room, and dinner held under the stars in an open-air boma. Guests can request to dine in the wild, eating within the bush amongst scenic views and wildlife gazing on the open plain in the distance.

Facilities

Two daily game drives, commencing at dusk and dawn, provide ample opportunities for guests to spot the abundance of wildlife, including cheetah, lion, leopard, antelope and rhino. For those seeking something different to the game drives, specialist safaris including birding, photographic, rhino capture and research, tracking and family and private safaris can be arranged. A variety of adventures including Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives, scuba safaris, endangered wild cats projects, swimming with whale sharks and whale watching can be arranged, alongside river cruises and canoeing on the Mzinene River.