AndBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

Described as 'Seven Worlds of Wonder', Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal has an abundance of riches to surpass every dream of an African safari.

One of the finest game-viewing experiences, Phinda features not only the Big 5, but a plethora of other animals and birds within its 28,555 hectares, which encompasses 7 distinct habitats - dry sand forest, savanna, woodland and wetland systems, beautiful river courses, mountain ranges, marshes and pans.

Enjoy exceptional Big 5 game viewing in open 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, or go on an interpretive bush walk and learn more about the traditional uses and the legends surrounding indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as how to identify tracks. Or catch sight of some of Phinda's incredible birdlife while paddling along the river in a sturdy canoe, or watch a magnificent sunrise or sunset while enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Mzinene River in Phinda's riverboat.

In addition, 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.

Fringing Phinda's unique vlei (wetland) system at the edges of the Sand Forest is AndBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge - a study in intimacy and integration with the environment. Each of the 6 elegant and exclusive suites overlook the vlei, where you are likely to see herds of grazing antelope and zebra. Relax in your own private plunge pool and watch the dramas of the bushveld unfold on your very doorstep.

Savour delicious and innovative meals on the expansive viewing decks, or in a dramatic bush setting near the lodge.

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 also 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.

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.

General Information For Guests

All suites are air conditioned, and have a ceiling fan, indoor shower and bath, a lap pool, in-room safe, personal bar, telephone and a hair dryer. In addition, each suite has a complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars.

Wi-Fi is available in the suites and at the main guest areas.

Activities that are available include guided bush walks and morning/afternoon game drives.

Also available as an additional and highly recommended enhanced safari experience for Phinda guests, the &Beyond Night Eye experience enables wildlife lovers to, quite literally, see what lies beyond after dark. The experience includes the use of a private safari vehicle that is accompanied by a dedicated guide, tracker and professional camera operator. The specialised and unobtrusive photographic rig itself consists of a high definition infra-red camera that is mounted at the passenger seat behind the tracker, and is connected to 3 separate high definition monitors (one mounted on each row of the vehicle) giving each guest a clear view of the real-time action that is unfolding around them. The Night Eye experience departs at exactly the same time as the normal afternoon drive, allowing photographers to make the most of the afternoon light before the night life emerges. The experience may be purchased in-lodge but due to high demand, pre-booking is recommended (additional cost and subject to availability).

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

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.