Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Vlei 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. Children of all ages are welcome although the lodge is primarily aimed at couples and adult groups.
Accommodation & Facilities
Phinda Vlei Lodge is a stylish and intimate property with just six beautiful thatched air conditioned en-suite rooms. The atmosphere in this elegant lodge is both exclusive and personal with a mixture of understated sophistication and ultimate luxury. As well as a private sitting area and en-suite bathroom each suite has a dressing room and game viewing deck complete with private plunge pool. Both the rooms and the raised dining deck have uninterrupted views across the open grassy vlei where it is not uncommon to observe grazing zebras, antelope or even herds of elephant. Extra beds are not available, and for safety reasons parents would need to split up and each share with a child. Older children can have their own room and are charged accordingly.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal time to suit and there is a children’s menu from which parents are asked to order in advance. Dishes include chicken strips and chips, kiddies burgers and crumpets in the morning. A babysitting service is available and is provided by the housekeeping ladies costing 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.
