Phinda Game Reserve - South Africa
Face-to-face with lions and rhino after breakfast, up close to a Whale Shark or battling sailfish after lunch. That's the Phinda experience, one of the most exciting safari destinations in Africa. Located between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush waterways of the World Heritage Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda's 17 000 hectares span seven unique ecosystems.
Nestled below the Lebombo Mountains of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a Zulu word meaning "the return". In one of the biggest reintroductions of game in Africa, Phinda was restocked with lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, giraffe and other big game in an operation dubbed "phinda izilwane", return of the wild animals. Game drives are only one aspect of the Phinda experience. There is little that can compete with the "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari - soaring over a bay where the diversity of species rivals Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Or floating past pods of hippo in a canoe or river boat. Scuba diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing are just a hop away. And in the evenings, immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Southern Africa's warrior tribe, the Zulu.
THE LODGES
We offer four diverse lodges within one reserve. Forest, Vlei, Rock and Mountain Lodge each capture the magical flair of CC Africa. Phinda is not only a luxury destination, it is also a dynamic working model in wise land management and creative wildlife conservation.
VLEI LODGE Suites of thatch, teak and glass built on stilts overlook Phinda Vlei Lodge's unique "vlei" or pan system. On the verge of a forest, this century-old wetland wilderness is a favourite roaming ground of lightning-fast cheetah. Six suites, crafted from local materials of thatch, teak and glass, are suspended above the Sand Forest floor. The air-conditioned suites overlook a natural vlei system. The airy double bedrooms have en suite bathrooms with a bath and shower. You can enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner on your outdoor viewing deck or cool down in your private plunge pool.
The suites feature ethnic fabrics, hand-crafted cane and timber-framed panels. The décor is a subtle blend of North and West African styles with hints of Balinese influences. The unique architectural design creates the illusion that no man-made structure exists between you and the African wilderness.The reception, lounge and bar areas of this secluded lodge overlook a tranquil vlei (wetland pan). The shaded terrace is a superb vantage point for bird-watching. The lounge has a fireplace, books and a well-stocked drinks cabinet. The guest dining area overlooks the expanse of grassy vlei. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served in sumptuous surroundings.
ACTIVITIES
Twice a day, you may take a game drive in an open Land Rover. An experienced ranger will reveal the sights and sounds of wild Zululand. Guided bush walks allow for closer exploration of the shadowy forest canopies. On bush walks, you will hear about traditional legends and the medicinal benefits of a wide variety of plants.
You could stay at Phinda for a month and still find new things to do, such as:
Moonlit bush dinners
Visit to local community school and clinic
Zulu cultural lectures from 2001
Private bush breakfasts
Bird-watching and birding safaris
Canoeing and river boat cruises
White rhino tracking
Optional activies at Phinda are:
Deep-sea fishing off the Maputaland coast
Turtle viewing (November/December/January) on Maputaland beaches
A visit to the Zulu Cultural Village
Horse riding
"Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari - where you soar over the Maputaland wilderness
Scuba diving (bring your certificate along)
beach adventures including snorkelling at Maputaland coastline
Experience the quiet thrill of tracking white rhino on foot. The armed trackers are familiar with the favoured haunts of the resident rhino and chances of sightings are good. Dunghills, fresh browsing sites and evidence around drinking points or wallows are among the clues assisting in the search. During your "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari, experience the magic of floating weightlessly over the fragile dunes in a light aircraft. As if from nowhere, the Indian Ocean appears before you.
