Nestled below the Lebombo Mountains of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a Zulu word meaning "the return". One of the most exciting safari destinations in South Africa, Phinda's 25,000 hectares of private game reserve spans seven unique eco-systems. Situated in the rare Dry Sand Forest, Phinda Vlei is an intimate hideaway in the African bush.
Fringing Phinda's unique vlei (wetland) system, this stunning safari lodge is a tribute of intimacy and integration with the African bush. Relax on your private deck or in your personal plunge pool and absorb the beauty of nature. Each of the six stilted glass and thatch suites are decorated using a subtle blend of North and West African styles with a hint of Balinese influence. Views over the vlei ensure fabulous game viewing of a variety of wildlife including herds of zebra and grazing antelope. The atmosphere is exclusive and personal, a mixture of understated sophistication and sheer luxury. Delicious cuisine is served to you in a variety of locations; Vleis' bush banquets are renowned.
The main areas at Phinda Vlei are inviting and stylishly designed. Sitting and dining areas benefit from fireplaces and expansive viewing decks. Guests are welcome to visit the craft shop at Forest Lodge a short distance away. Due to the diversity of eco-systems at Phinda, it is possible to dive in the warm Indian Ocean - an experience to rival Australia's Great Barrier Reef, partake in game drives and walks in search of the 'Big Five', and explore the unique Sand Forest.
Phinda Vlei Lodge
Best time to be there
October to May is the best time to visit the Cape. Game viewing is better during the drier months of April to September. The wildflower season is generally from mid August to mid September. The whale watching season runs from June to November.
Fly to
Cape Town/Johannesburg
flying time
11 hours 30 minutes/10 hours 30 minutes non-stop
time difference
GMT +2 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Itineraries
Cape, Kalahari & Kruger
Highlights - City, desert and bush; Cape Town; Kalahari Desert; Johannesburg; Hot air balloon trips... Read more ...
Cape Town & Garden Route
Highlights - Take a day to enjoy Table Mountain National Park; Drive to Birkenhead House... Read more ...
Deluxe South African Safari
Highlights - Game viewing at Royal Malewane is fantastic and there are plenty of opportunities for seeing big game on the 12,000 hectare reserve... Read more ...
- Overview
- Enquire Now
to speak to a consultant
Guest Testimonial
Quite simply excellent. If I could say one thing it is that Egypt is the place to go right now, as there were virtually no tourists at some of the sights and that,I should think, is quite rare!
- JW, Gloucestershire
World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
A&K Philanthropy
Peninsula School Feeding Association
Aims to reduce short-term hunger and increase attendance of school children, with daily lunches for children who may otherwise not have a meal that day.
Latest from @AKTravel_UK: Buzzfeed rounds up 50 of the best eclipse photos from the weekend: http://t.co/BMQ0BGvV 22 May