Phinda

The Phinda Resource Reserve in Zululand boasts seven diverse ecosystems and an amazing range of wildlife including the "big five." It contains four wonderful wildlife lodges: Phinda Mountain Lodge, Forest Lodge, Rock Lodge, and Vlei Lodge; each have their own individual charms.

The main building at Mountain Lodge has magnificent views from the top of a hill. There is a central dining room and bar with a swimming pool close by. The twenty rooms are dotted among the woods below, with great views into the surrounding bush.

Rock Lodge is constructed of roughly hewn stone and adobe and is set into a rock face overlooking the magnificent Leopards Rock. There are six chalets suspended off the edge of the cliff with spacious bedrooms and an adjoining bathroom leading to an outdoor shower. The chalets also have a lounge and outdoor deck area with a private plunge pool.

Forest Lodge is situated in the rare Sand Forest and features 16 luxury glass chalets built on stilts.

Vlei Lodge has only six beautifully decorated rooms with superb adjoining bathrooms and individual plunge pools out on the wooden verandas.  Views from Phinda across the open grassland "vleis" are stunning.

Activities offered include twice daily game drives in open Land Rovers, riverboat cruises on the Mzinene River, and canoeing. Phinda is close to the Maputaland beaches and guests can enjoy such activities as deep sea fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and beach picnics. For an additional cost the "Flight of the Fish Eagle" gives Phinda guests a bird's eye view of the pristine Maputaland coastline and the famous Greater St Lucia Wetland Park- now a world heritage site, as well as some of the world's highest forested sand dunes.