Designed in a ‘Zulu Zen’ style, Phinda Forest Lodge is a calm and tranquil forest retreat within a wildlife-rich private reserve. Built by the local Zulu people with as little environmental impact as possible, wake up at the lodge to the sounds and dappled light of the forest from the comfort of private floor-to-ceiling glass suites.
Awarded: Bronze
Location
The lodge sits within a sand forest in the 23,000 hectare Phinda Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal. With the Indian Ocean on one side and the Ubombo Mountains on the other, the reserve consists of seven diverse ecosystems where all Big Five can be spotted, as well as a number of marine and bird species. Explore the grasslands, woodlands, wetlands, forests, marshes, pans and mountains of the reserve in drives and walks.
Rooms
16 glass suites are elevated on stilts and made private by towering torchwood trees. With minimalist architectural design, the huge interiors maintain an African feel with dark wooden furnishings and a lounge space decorated with colourful art. Large outdoor decks sit at the front of the space for forest and wildlife views and en-suites have bathtubs and showers.
Communal Areas
Reached by pathways through the forest, the main area is open-sided with a lounge and dining space full of L-shaped sofas, glass coffee tables and a fireplace. Interesting artefacts are laid throughout and the space leads to a deck where guests can watch for plains game in the open meadow. A swimming pool forms the focal point of the lodge, surrounded by loungers and next to a small bar to keep you refreshed throughout the day.
Activities
Take morning and afternoon game drives through the seven ecosystems of the reserve in search of the Big Five and a number of smaller predators. Take bush walks with experienced guides to learn of the small life inhabiting the reserve and even go in search of the black rhino on walking safaris.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Temperatures begin to drop with pleasant midday highs and cool mornings. The likelihood of rainfall also declines during this period, ultimately improving the chances of good game viewing opportunities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities. The winter months mark the best time to visit this region, as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water sources.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
Temperatures begin to rise once again, as do the chances of rain. As soon as the first rains arrive the landscape transforms, which can be a beautiful sight to witness. These rains do however disperse wildlife, decreasing the likelihood of good sightings. The first true rainfall can arrive at any period over these months but is obviously more likely by October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
A humid and hot time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms. With ample water sources, wildlife does tend to be more dispersed during these months, vegetation is also a little thicker – so unfortunately not an ideal for period game viewing.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
Explore KwaZulu-Natal Game Reserves Properties
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Mountain Lodge
The five-star Phinda Mountain Lodge sits on a hillside offering impressive views of the Ubombo Mountains. With plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the scenic views and ..
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers four-star, private luxury within Africa’s oldest proclaimed reserve. Part owned by the local Mpembeni community, the lodge is a ..
What People Say
-
The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
-
We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
-
Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
-
Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
