Phinda Private Game Reserve is a rich and diverse park that encompasses 28 555 hectares of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve is positioned between the Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (a World Heritage Site), as well as being within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline.
Children of all ages are welcome at Phinda Mountain Lodge. Child rates will apply.
Children under the age of 6 years are not permitted on game drives unless a private vehicle is pre-booked.
Children on game drives are at the discretion of the Lodge Manager, taking into account both the child's behavior and the behavior of the animals.
The WILDchild program is available for children, and childminding services are offered for a nominal fee.
The landscape is lush with grassy woodlands and broad, sweeping mountain ranges. It is home to the famous Big Five.
Situated between two habitats, the sand forest and the grasslands, the glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of a unique ecosystem and are part of one of the world’s first eco-designed luxury lodges.
The lodge features 18 glass-walled Suites, each raised on stilts between the sandy forest and surrounding trees. The suites are equipped with luxurious en-suite bathrooms featuring slate hand basins, air conditioning, viewing decks with comfortable seating, and a minibar. It is common to see forest antelope grazing around the suites and hear the birds in song.
Phinda Forest Lodge is set in a calming atmosphere of Zulu Zen. Despite the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, the towering torchwood trees and fertile forest floor surrounding your suite ensure complete privacy and a sense of seclusion.
Lodge facilities include a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool at the forest's edge, an interactive kitchen, a safari shop, and a traditional boma for open-air dining. Additionally, there is Wi-Fi in the guest area and suites, and expansive decks in a spacious seating area where daytime meals can be enjoyed while overlooking an open meadow frequented by grazing animals.
In the evenings, guests are welcomed into a traditional lantern-lit African boma, where they enjoy a sumptuous dinner beneath a canopy of stars.
Adventures at &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge include twice-daily game drives, bush walks, and seasonal river cruises. Additional activities include cultural excursions, scuba safaris, and specialist safaris such as birding, photography, tracking, family safaris, and luxury walking experiences.
Phinda Private Game Reserve's unique meeting of riverine and rare sand forest habitats is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including lions, giraffes, white and black rhinos, antelope, elephants, leopards, buffalo, cheetahs, wildebeest, and 415 bird species.
Phinda Forest Lodge is ideal for solo explorers, couples, and families seeking a unique safari experience.
Accommodation, three meals daily, soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas and coffees, refreshments on game drives, laundry, safari activities, and one-hour nature walks accompanied by experienced armed trackers (subject to availability).
Transfers other than from the lodge airstrip, champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, cigars, gratuities, landing fees, government bed levy, conservation or park fees, and all items of a personal nature.
Time is luxury. We streamline your choices for the perfect safari.
✅ Free travel insurance before 31 Jul 2025
✅ An expert will reach out to you within 24 hours
✅ SAFARI.COM voted Africa's Leading Safari Company in the World Travel Awards 2024 + 2025
✅ Same price as booking direct, with expert care included
✅ With you before, during and after your safari
✅ We handle it all. Flights, transfers, lodging & activities
July 11, 2025
Anja was a pleasure to deal with
Anja was a pleasure to deal with. Africa is a large continent so it’s a process to nail down an itinerary with so much choice. We felt she understood our needs & listened to our concerns. We are very happy & excited for our future trip.
July 1, 2025
Great service
Patience and great service - my advisor, Anja, helped me out through the process and assisted me through my tweaks and changes. very pleased!
July 1, 2025
So Amazing I Booked Another!
I had such an incredible time on my first safari I booked with Anja back in April that I’ve already booked another one for the fall. She’s super friendly, really easy to chat with, and always quick to help out. Couldn’t recommend her more!