About this hotel
General information
Phinda Vlei is one of the most intimate lodges in Phinda Private Game Reserve: six suites on the edge of a rare sand forest, facing a broad grassy wetland. A vlei is the South African word for a shallow seasonal marsh, and this one sets the rhythm of the place, drawing nyala, elephant, cheetah and birdlife to the water, so the safari carries on from the decks between game drives.
The interiors recall old pineapple plantation homesteads, with antiques, bold textiles, woven Zulu craft, ceramics and timber screens. The lodge takes no more than 12 guests and children from the age of 12, which keeps it quiet and well suited to honeymoons and milestone trips. The reserve itself, 29,866 hectares, was created in 1991 from former farmland that has since been returned to the wild; Phinda means “the return” in Zulu.
Location
The lodge lies in the north of Phinda Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal, between the sand forest and the wetland. Federal Air runs daily scheduled flights to the reserve’s airstrip, connecting with Airlink services from Johannesburg, and private charters can fly in; transfers between the airstrip and the lodge are included. Alternatively, fly to Richards Bay for a road transfer of about two hours, or to Durban for one of about three and a half; the drive from Johannesburg takes around seven hours.
Spa
There is no spa at the lodge itself: Healing Earth treatments are given in the suites, and guests who want a full spa setting can use the spa and gym at nearby Phinda Forest Lodge.
Sports & leisure
Twice-daily game drives in open vehicles look for the Big Five, cheetah, black rhino and the rare sand-forest antelope, suni and red duiker; one-hour guided nature walks are also included. At additional cost the reserve offers:
- black rhino tracking on foot and big game walking safaris;
- birding and photographic safaris with an equipped vehicle, and private drives with a dedicated guide;
- hands-on conservation experiences with rhino, pangolin and elephant;
- e-bike rides through the sand forest (from 12 years) and boat trips on the Mzinene River;
- a night’s sleepout under the stars;
- ocean safaris for dolphins and, in season, humpback whales, scuba diving on the Sodwana Bay reefs, a Maputaland beach day and seasonal night outings to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles nesting;
- visits to a Zulu village and to community projects around the reserve.
Every suite has a yoga mat and a gym-in-a-basket, and the lodge hosts weddings and blessings.
Restaurants & bars
Instead of a traditional enclosed boma there is an open-air firepit where guests gather after the evening drive. Meals are served on the large deck overlooking the wetland, in the dining room or privately in the suite, with a bar and butler service; meals and most drinks are included in the stay.
Swimming
There is no shared pool: each suite has its own private pool overlooking the wetland, with a shaded sala and loungers.
Rooms
Six identical suites of 173 m² stand roughly 25 m apart, each with a deck, a private pool and views over the wetland, where wildlife passes through the day. A quiet library adds a place to read between drives.
Air conditioning and heating, ceiling fans, a stocked personal bar and coffee station, a bath, indoor and outdoor showers, a dressing room, telephone, safe, hairdryer and Wi-Fi.
Suite
A spacious bedroom with a double or twin set-up, a lounge, an en-suite bathroom with an outdoor shower and a separate dressing room; the deck holds a private pool and a shaded sala facing the wetland. Sleeps up to two.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.