At the heart of Phinda Forest lodge lies a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, as well as expansive decks in a spacious seating area, which looks out onto panoramic views of an open meadow where animals frequently graze.

Set in rare and beautiful sand forest, the glass walls of Phinda Forest Lodge offer a sweeping view of one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. Phinda Forest Lodge is one of the world’s first eco-designed luxury lodges. Floor to ceiling windows invite the forest in but the dense canopy provides privacy. The dainty forms of dwarf forest antelope dart among and below the suites, raised on stilts to float between the sandy forest floor and the leafy canopy above. Waking up to rustling forest sounds and birdsong, surrounded by delicate leaf-filtered light, a pervading sense of peace and calm will set the tone for your entire day.

The suites feature luxurious ensuite bathrooms with slate hand basins and viewing decks where guests can drink in the sight of graceful nyala and duiker in the dappled shade of the forest.

Daytime meals on the open air dining deck bring about their own distractions, as monkeys frolic in the branches and an ever-changing assortment of wildlife grazes on the open plain in the distance.

In the evenings, when warm firelight welcomes you to the traditional African boma, wide-eyed bush babies watch inquisitively from the dense foliage above as you in indulge in a mouth-watering, lantern-lit feast beneath a canvas of stars.

Adventures at Phinda Forest Lodge include twice-daily game drives, bush walks and seasonal river cruises. A host of additional activities can be enjoyed too. These include cultural excursions, scuba safaris and specialist safaris such as birding, photographic, tracking, family and luxury walking safaris.

Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses 28 555 hectares of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal; Daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Phinda’s private airstrip