Phinda Homestead
Phinda Homestead is a sole use luxury safari villa situated in the 22,000 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. The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the elegant yet elusive cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino. 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, offering an unmatched combination of bush and beach adventures. Children of all ages are welcome.
Accommodation & Facilities
Recently reopened following a complete rebuild, Phinda Homestead is ideal for small groups or families. Beautifully constructed from wood and thatch and inspired by the natural surroundings and Zulu culture, it is decorated using a clever blend of contemporary chic and traditional African arts and crafts. Large sitting and dining areas with sliding doors open out onto stunning African vistas, an outdoor boma, bar and seating areas. The infinity swimming pool has child friendly steps and a sloping bottom and is complete with large veranda and sunloungers.
There are four large air conditioned suites, each equipped with en-suite facilities including generous bathtubs and marble sinks ideal for up to eight guests. For groups with lots of children, an extra children’s room is available with two bunk beds accommodating an additional four kids.
Lodge facilities include a gym and massage area, library, WiFi throughout and is fully staffed including a dedicated butler, chef, ranger and tracker team as well as private safari vehicle.
Eating & Sleeping
A private chef means children and parents can decide what they want to eat and when they want to eat. Childminders are available at an additional cost of R60 / hour.
Wildlife & Activities
Guests can enjoy twice-daily vehicle based game drives with highly knowledgeable &Beyond rangers and trackers. Phinda’s close proximity to the Maputaland coastline (a 90 min drive) means that guests can also enjoy beach activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving (min age 12 yrs) , deep-sea fishing and beach picnics. Horse riding trips (min age 12 yrs) outside the reserve around the nearby Saint Lucia lake can also be arranged and paid for locally.
Specifically for Children
The private vehicle and guide means that the pace can be set to suit your own needs and guests have the flexibility to pick and choose how they fill their days.
For safety reasons nature walks are available for kids aged 12 years or older. For safari walks into potentially dangerous animal areas (rhino, buffalo herds, elephant bulls etc…) the kids need to be 16 years or older. The guide and trackers are happy to entertain the children with a variety of different activities including:
- Painting the safari vehicle.
- Fishing (depending on water levels).
- Bush skills such as tracking.
- Spoor identification, animal call identification and impala dung spitting competitions.
- Board games are also available.
