AndBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge

Set deep in the heart of a rare dry sand forest, AndBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge fuses spectacular architectural design with the ultimate in conservation principles. The creation of this award-winning safari lodge was an exemplary exercise in building eco-sensitive structures with a light environmental footprint (not one tree was felled during construction).

The lodge is situated in the Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, home to not only the Big 5, but a plethora of other animals and birds within its 28,555 hectares.

Activities include twice-daily interpretive game-drives, bush walks and seasonal riverboat cruises.

The Phinda night eye experience offers you the chance to see the wild world of the bush in the dark, and watch everything play out right in front of you. This experience includes a dedicated vehicle, guide, tracker and specialist cameraman. High definition infra-red cameras are used, providing not only excellent visuals on your drive, but also high quality video footage of your night-eye experience for you to take home, as a memento of your safari.

The lodge's sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, as well as the expansive decks in its seating area, looks out onto panoramic views of an open meadow where animals frequently graze. A traditional African boma is enclosed with a wooden fence and offers lantern-lit open-air dining beneath a canvas of stars.

The 16 air-conditioned suites are built on stilts and appear to float between the forest floor and the towering torchwood trees. Each glass-encased suite boasts a minimalist flair that incorporates high-gloss wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics and brightly accented Zulu artefacts.

The suites also feature luxurious en-suite bathrooms with slate hand basins and viewing decks where guests can drink in the sight of graceful nyala and duiker in the dappled shade of the forest.

Rates Include

All meals; tea/coffee, soft drinks, house wines and local branded spirits; safari activities; one hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability); refreshments on game drives; emergency medical evacuation insurance; transfers to and from the Phinda airstrip; the Phinda Conservation Fee and bed levy; and a laundry service are included.

Children Policy

Children of any age are welcome. Rates available on request. Children aged 5 years and younger cannot participate in game drives. Children aged 6 to 11 are allowed on game drives at the Lodge Manager's discretion. Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris. Babysitting services are available.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris. A medical certificate is required for guests aged 60 years and older. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.

Families can book a tailormade family adventure. Both educational and fun-filled, this safari includes a private safari vehicle, as well as a dedicated ranger specialised in guiding trips with children. Rates available on request.

All of the holidays we prepare are tailor-made, but this might give you an idea of how AndBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge can be included in you own dream holiday.

Exploring KwaZulu-Natal

12 nights

5 Star Accommodation

Phinda Forest Lodge

Phinda Game Reserve

Beverly Hills Hotel

Durban

AmaKhosi Safari Lodge

AmaKhosi Private Game Reserve

Granny Mouse

The Drakensberg

Destination: South Africa.

12 night itinerary including Phinda Game Reserve, Durban, AmaKhosi Private Game Reserve and Drakensberg.

Price Per Person From GBP 3,963USD 5,153ZAR 89,377EUR 4,756

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*Prices are per person and are based on today's exchange rates. Exchange rates are subject to change and are updated daily.

Prices exclude international flights - ask us if you would like to include these.

Guest Rating: 4.8 / 5.0 based on 6 ratings

Directions For Drivers

From Johannesburg: Depart Johannesburg on the R24 highway to Johannesburg, and merge onto the N12/N3. Keep left to continue on N3, follow signs for Heidelberg/Durban/N17/Springs. Take exit 103 for N17 East to Springs. Merge onto N17 and continue on the road for 196 km towards Ermelo. In Ermelo turn left onto Voortrekker Street/N2. Proceed on the N2 towards Piet Retief.

From Piet Retief continue on the N2 through Pongola onto Mkuze. 40 km beyond Mkuze, you will see a 'Phinda' sign-posted turn-off. Do not take this turn-off however as it leads to Mountain Lodge and Rock Lodge. Instead remain on the N2 for an additional 10 km until you reach the Hluhluwe turn-off. Take the Hluhluwe turn-off and follow the signs into the town of Hluhluwe (4 km).

Entering Hluhluwe, you will cross 3 consecutive roundabouts. The 1st roundabout is located just before you enter the town. The 2nd roundabout is located just after the Engen fuel garage. The 3rd is located just before the Total fuel garage. Continue to the 4th roundabout which is opposite the AWF Outdoor Shop. At the 4th roundabout, turn left following the False Bay/Sodwana Bay signage.

As you pass the 'Build-It Hardware Store' you will leave the outskirts of town, and prepare to take a right turn, crossing over the railway line. Signage should indicate Sodwana Bay/False Bay. Continue along this tar road for approximately 28 km (do not take any turns leading to False Bay). When you reach the Mduku Crossing (indicated clearly by numerous consecutive speed bumps), take the 'Phinda' sign-posted D675 turning to your left.

Continue along this road, which soon turns from a tarred surface into gravel, for approximately 2.6 km before you reach a T-junction. At the T-junction, take a right turn onto the D448 and travel for 3.6 km until you reach the entrance gate to the Munyawana Private Game Reserve.

At the gate, a security guard will welcome you and assist with directions to the lodge. The lodge is signposted within the Reserve.

Please note that you drive through the reserve to get to the lodge - do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstanance.

From Durban: Take the N2 highway northbound from Durban, toward Stanger - please note you will pass through 3 toll gates en-route from Durban to Phinda - they accept cash or credit card payments. Go past the towns of Ballito, Tinley Manor, Stanger, Mtunzini, Empangeni, Richard's Bay, Kwambonambi and Mtubatuba.

Continue until Hluhluwe. Take the Hluhluwe turn-off and follow the signs into the town of Hluhluwe (4 km). Then follow the directions as above.

If you need to contact the lodge and it is an emergency, then use their emergency telephone line: +27 (0) 79 149 2278.

General Information For Guests

All suites are air conditioned, and have a lounge area, verandah, ceiling fan, indoor shower and bath, in-room safe, personal bar, telephone, and a hair dryer.

Wi-Fi (complimentary) is available in the suites and at the main reception area.

The main lodge has a swimming pool and a traditional boma for open-air dining. There is also a Safari Shop.

A 'gym in a bag' is available on request.

In-room massages can be arranged.

Babysitting services are available (additional cost).

A laundry service is included in your rate.

Visa, Diners, AMEX and MasterCard credit cards are accepted.

The lodge is not fenced off and guests are requested be extremely vigilant at all times. Security guards accompany guests at all times when walking around the lodge at night.

Adventures at AndBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge include twice-daily game drives and bush walks. Additional activities include black rhino tracking on foot, scuba safaris at Sodwana Bay, turtle nesting adventures (November-February only), Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach trips, photographic or birding safaris, and a 'night out under the stars' experience. The additional activities can be booked on arrival at the lodge.

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (drones) is not permitted in any of the conservation areas managed by AndBeyond, until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed.

Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris. A medical certificate is required for guests aged 60 years and older. The final decision on whether a guest can join a walking safari remains with the guide and lodge manager.

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If you're not sure which place might be best for your own trip then either give us a call or get in touch via the website, and we'd be delighted to run through the options with you.