Phinda Forest Lodge
Phinda Forest Lodge is situated in the 28,555 hectare Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region. The reserve encompasses an impressive seven diverse ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife, including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino, as well as 436 bird species. Home to 1,000 hectares of Africa’s remaining rare dry sand forest, Phinda Reserve is situated in close proximity to the unspoiled beaches and spectacular coral reefs of the Indian Ocean. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
Phinda Forest Lodge is set deep in the heart of the beautiful sand forest. The lodge is a masterpiece of glass, wood and minimalist design, set on stilts above the forest floor. Forest Lodge’s 16 glass encapsulated en-suite, air-conditioned rooms are designed to give the feeling of being at one with the forest habitat and guests can enjoy a private glass treehouse amid the stunning forest and its incredible bird and wildlife. There are no family rooms but there are a few additional beds for smaller children that can be added to rooms to make triples. There are also rooms that are closer to each other which are allocated to families subject to availability. The lodge is not fenced off so children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Guests can relax and unwind in the lodge’s airy and stylish sitting areas that overlook the game-filled plains or beside the rim-flow swimming pool. The pool has steps and is 1.7m deep.
Eating & Sleeping
A children’s menu is available from which parents are asked to order in advance. Typical dishes include chicken strips and chips, kiddies burgers and chips and crumpets in the morning. A baby sitting service is provided by the housekeeping ladies and costs R50 per hour.
Wildlife & Activities
In addition to day and night game drives with highly knowledgeable &Beyond rangers and trackers, guests can enjoy bush walks. Rhino notching, rhino tracking on foot, and elephant collaring are also offered on a limited basis at an additional cost. Phinda’s close proximity to the Maputaland coastline means that guests can enjoy beach activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and beach picnics. Horse riding is also on offer, along with visits to local villages, viewing turtle nesting sites, and sleep outs. Many of these activities are subject to additional fees, and can be arranged and paid for locally; several of them are for children of 12 years and upwards; please ask us for more details.
Specifically for children…
• Children can take advantage of the WildChild Programme. This offers fun, interactive activities and expeditions tailored to the children’s age and interest. Each young traveller will receive a WildChild backpack with scrapbook and other goodies and they will find an assignment for the following day laid out on their pillow. Expeditions may involve tracking, fishing, painting and making bows and arrows.
• Children under six years will not be permitted on game drives unless a private vehicle has been booked and then it is at the discretion of the individual ranger.
• Maputaland Coastline Trip – the main destination is Sodwana Bay which is a two hour drive from the camp.
• Horse riding – minimum age 12 years. Suitable for beginners, novices and experts. Hard hats are provided.
