Phinda Forest Lodge (Kwa-Zulu Natal)

Phinda Forest Lodge - cheetah on Big 5 safari

andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge accommodation is set in the heart of a rare, and beautiful sand forest. This award winning safari lodge fuses spectacular Eco-sensitive design. With the ultimate in conservation policies and a light environmental footprint.

On the edge of the forest, just before a clearing that overlooks a small waterhole; lies the lodge’s sparkling rim flow swimming pool. An ideal place to rest in between game drives. Large decks in the lounge area; look out onto panoramic views of an open meadow; where animals frequently graze.

A traditional outdoor African boma offers romantic lantern lit dining; beneath a canvas of stars. WiFi is available in the suites as well as in the Safari Shop / guest reception.

Skip to andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge Rates or Specials and Packages

Phinda Forest Lodge swimming pool
Phinda Forest Lodge swimming pool

Phinda Forest Lodge Accommodation

Suites

The 16 x suites on stilts appear to float between the forest floor and the towering torchwood trees. The glass walls of the air-conditioned suites offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. A dense canopy provides privacy and floor-to-ceiling windows invite the forest in. With the wonderful opportunity to view fluttering birds nesting in the foliage and wildlife roaming outside your glass “bubble”.  It is worth noting that not 1 tree was cut down during construction – the lodge is as Eco-friendly as it comes.

Designed in a style known as Zulu Zen; each handcrafted, glass encased suite boasts a minimalist flair. That incorporates glossy wooden floors, richly tactile fabrics, and brightly accented Zulu artifacts. The suites feature luxurious en suite bathrooms with slate hand basins and viewing decks. Where guests can watch the graceful Nyala and Duiker in the shade of the forest.

andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge accommodation
andBeyond Phinda Forest Lodge accommodation

Family Suites

The Family Suite utilizes an existing suite structure with a newly built second bedroom. Both of the bedrooms feature a super king bed (which can be converted to a twin).

The main family suite bedroom features an en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath, an indoor shower and double vanity. Additionally, it also has his-and-hers wardrobes, a sitting area, a freestanding personal bar, a coffee and tea station as well as a private outdoor veranda.

The additional children’s bedroom, linked via a small passageway with a closable door for privacy, and a separate bathroom with an indoor shower, toilet and single vanity.

Seamlessly blending aspects of Japanese minimalism with an ode to local culture, and aligned to the lodge’s other suites, the family suite celebrates a contemporary design incorporating elements of the natural forest and Zulu artistry through the use of tactile textures and natural materials such as woven matting, textured grass cloth wallpaper, and hardwood floors, with natural stone tiling in the bathrooms.

Phinda family safari
Family Suite layout

Where is Phinda Forest Lodge?

Phinda Forest Lodge is found in Phinda Private Game Reserve in Zululand, Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa. With its seven distinct habitats, it is often described as ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’. A magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland, and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, rivers, marshes, and pans. Showcasing one of the continent’s finest game-viewing experiences; the reserve is home to Africa’s Big Five. As well as 436 bird species.

Birding safari - Lilac Breasted Roller
Birding safari – Lilac Breasted Roller

Phinda Forest Lodge Activities

Phinda Forest Lodge has an abundance of safari activities. In addition, due to it’s position in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, cultural activities are a highlight. Being close to the Indian Ocean, means it is also possible to arrange diving / snorkeling. And visits to turtle nesting sites. We have more detail on these at Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Phinda is home to a magnificent variety of wildlife, including the Big Five, but is best known for its large population of cheetah and black rhino. The sand forest is home to the shy suni and the rare red duiker. These two tiny antelope that are seldom encountered elsewhere. Therefore, Phinda is one of the best places for a South Africa safari. Twice daily game drives, walking safaris and even specialist programs for rhino notching, elephant collaring, or Pangolin tagging are all on offer.

Phinda safari
Elephants
Safari at Phinda Forest Lodge
Lion yawning

Phinda Forest Lodge Accommodation Rates

Suites per person sharing:
From 11th January 2024 until 10th January 2025: R16 000
From 11th January 2025 until 10th January 2026: R17,100

Family Suites per unit
From 11th January 2024 until 10th January 2025: R56,000
From 11th January 2025 until 10th January 2026: R59,850

Single Supplement:
A 50% supplement applies to all single rooms.
A single supplement applies when an adult is sharing with an infant.

The All Inclusive safari rate includes:

Luxurious accommodation
Three delicious meals daily including all teas and coffees
Two scheduled game drives daily in an open safari vehicle
A one hour interactive bush walks accompanied by an experienced Ranger and Tracker. For more details on included and excluded activities plus how to get there; please see Phinda Private Game Reserve)
House wines, local brand spirits, beers, soft drinks, and also water
Laundry service
Transfers to and from the lodge airstrip
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance
VAT / Taxes
A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik binoculars per room for use during your stay.

Rates exclude transfers / park fees and extras.

Discounts at Phinda Forest Lodge

Milestone Celebrations Offer

Celebrate a significant birthday or wedding anniversary with us and receive a 20% discount on your accommodation
Applicable for the following birthdays: 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th etc.
Applicable for the following wedding anniversaries: 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th.
Valid for 6 months before OR after your celebration date. Simply provide your identification or wedding certificate as proof.
Valid for all room types.
May not be combined with other offers or long stay rates.
Offer can only be applied to the room the milestone guests will be occupying.

Valid 11th January – 10th April 2025, 1st May – 30 June 2025 and 1st September – 20th December 2025

Stay longer for less at &Beyond in South Africa: Visit and save up to 15%

Visit and save up to 15% on your accommodation every year.

This is based on per person per night published rates with longer than a 5 night stay.

Long Stay Rates may be applied for a combination of &Beyond lodges in Africa; except between June to August.

Fly me to Phinda

Stay for 3 nights at Phinda Mountain, Phinda Rock, Phinda Forest, Phinda Vlei, or Phinda Zuka Lodges, and we’ll offer a discount to fly you there & back.
In 2024, we’ll credit you with R3,500 (2025 is R5,000) per flight leg on Federal Air flights between Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and Phinda airstrip (in either direction).

OR;Return scheduled transfers between Durban (King Shaka International Airport, Umhlanga) or Richards Bay Airport and Phinda Game Reserve.
The flight is subject to availability and must be booked with us
The offer is valid for a minimum of 2 guests and does not apply to groups of 12 or more
*The offer only applies to Suites at Phinda Mountain Lodge.
Valid until 10th January 2026 using the full paying adult guests rates.

Honeymoon Safari at Phinda Game Reserve Offer:

Each &Beyond lodge offers a unique set of private activities and experiences. Themed in romance; to be sure you have the best honeymoon.
This exclusive Safari Honeymoon Offer includes a 50% saving on one partner’s luxurious accommodation at any of &Beyond safari lodges.
Valid all year for a minimum of a 2 night stay
Honeymooners can travel within 6 months of the date of marriage.

Weddings at Phinda Forest Lodge

A wedding at Phinda Forest Lodge is on most people’s bucket lists – see more details on andBeyond Safari Wedding.

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Phinda Forest Lodge (Kwa-Zulu Natal)
Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Game Reserve Kwa-Zulu Natal South Africa

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