Phinda Vlei Lodge

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Nestled on the edge of the sand forest with a panoramic view of the wetlands, Phinda Vlei Lodge is an intimate, luxurious safari camp destination.

The lodge consists of six spacious chalet-style suites raised slightly on stilts for a maximum of twelve guests. Decorated in colonial elegance with thatched roofs, each spacious suite comes with plush double beds in fine linens, an en suite bathroom with a safari and wide, porcelain bathtub and comfortable sitting rooms with open views of the ample wildlife. Guests can relax on their own private game-viewing deck complete with a refreshing plunge pool which becomes a favorite watering hole for visiting elephants or impalas. Other amenities include a private dressing room, fans, air conditioning, personal bar, in-room safe, and fireplace.

The lodge is located in the Phinda Private Game Reserve, 23,000 hectares of natural beauty and abundant wildlife. The reserve sits between Mkuze Reserve and Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage site, and is not far from the Indian Ocean. The camp overlooks an open meadow known as a vlei, hence the lodge’s name, with a popular watering hole providing an endless view of wildlife from herds of zebras to families of warthogs.

The lodge offers a variety of activities. There are two daily game drives, both with excellent chances to spot some of the Big Five game animals. Besides the cheetah, there are several resident lion prides living in the reserve. Children over the age of twelve are welcome on safari. For an up-close adventure, the lodge furnishes a black rhino tracking expedition on foot and luxury bush walks. s.There are also beach and scuba diving safaris to Maputaland, as well as late night turtle adventures in season to watch leatherback and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the beach under the light of the moon. Other activities include canoeing and a motor boat cruise on the Mizanine River or arranging a flight over the reserve.

An all-inclusive resort, rates include three meals, soft drinks, local wines, beers, and spirits, as well as refreshment on game drives. Delicious five-star meals are served on the dining deck, at the edge of the vlei, or in private, but hold onto your toast in case a cheeky, monkey decides he wants it. The lodge has a gym to burn off those decadent calories. Babysitting services and the &Beyond WILDchild program are available for those traveling with children.