Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, the award-winning Forest Lodge fuses architecture and conservation. The lodge was hand built by local artisans, with a minimal footprint on the forest floor – not one tree was felled during construction. An exquisite contradiction, floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters and provides privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while dainty suni graze below, the 16 Zulu Zen suites blend harmoniously into the dappled shade.

On the edge of the forest, just before a clearing that overlooks a small waterhole, lies the lodge’s rim-flow swimming pool, an ideal respite in between game drives. Expansive decks in the guest area look out onto  an open grassy meadow. In the evenings warm firelight welcomes you to the traditional African boma, where you indulge in a lantern-lit feast beneath a canvas of stars.

Phinda offers additional activities at extra cost and need to be booked in advance; such as a specialist walking and tracking safaris, a sleep-out under the stars, an infrared Night Eye drive, and other participative conservation experiences such rhino notching or pangolin tagging. Also on offer outside of the reserve, within easy access of the reserve are Zulu village tours, Africa Foundation community visits, a Maputaland exploration, Maputaland beach trips, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, or an ocean safari that offers you a host of marine life sightings.

Specialist safaris with a private guide need to be arranged in advance and focus on special interests such as birding, photographic, family and private safaris. A spa with extensive treatments is also available in camp.

What we at Conservation Safari Company specifically like about Phinda is the variety of activities and habitats it offers; from the unique sand forest to vlei systems and wetlands as well as the opportunity to see species like black rhino and cheetah which are less common in the Kruger area. This makes it the perfect compliment to reserves in the Kruger area but also a fantastic single safari destination. It is also considerably warmer in the winter months and it offers the opportunity to visit a nearby Zulu village to gain insight to one of our most famous local tribes.

Rates are inclusive of all meals, drinks (local brands) and safari activities.