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About

andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge

Phinda Private Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, South Africa

Phinda Vlei Lodge is an intimate and romantic retreat nestled on the edge of Phinda Private Game Reserve, overlooking a picturesque wetland. This reserve boasts one of Africa’s premier Big Five game viewing experiences across its 29,866 hectares (73,800 acres) of diverse landscapes.


Guests enjoy unforgettable game drives in open 4×4 vehicles, guided by expertly trained &Beyond rangers and Zulu trackers. The lodge features six exclusive thatched suites, each offering luxurious plantation-style interiors with spacious ensuite bathrooms, private lap pools, and stunning views of the surrounding grasslands and wildlife.


Phinda Vlei Lodge invites adventure with a variety of activities, including walking safaris, community visits, and ocean safaris. Guests can also engage in unique conservation experiences, such as rhino notching and pangolin tagging, or opt for specialized safaris tailored to interests like birding and photography. The lodge is a perfect blend of luxury and adventure, offering a memorable safari experience.

About

The Rooms

About

The Experience

At Phinda Vlei Lodge, adventure meets elegance in one of South Africa’s most diverse wildlife reserves. Whether you're tracking the Big Five on thrilling game drives, setting off on guided bush walks, or taking to the skies in a hot air balloon, every moment promises excitement and connection with nature. Immerse yourself in the heart of the wilderness with unforgettable experiences designed to captivate and inspire.

About

The Sustainability

Our lodge is committed to sustainable luxury, integrating eco-friendly practices to preserve the environment, protect wildlife, and support local communities while maintaining the highest standards of service and guest experience. With significant investments in energy, water, and waste management, alongside wildlife conservation and community initiatives, sustainability is at the heart of our mission. Here are some key initiatives:


  • Lion Reintroduction: Successfully reintroduced 13 genetically diverse lions in the early 1990s, leading to the establishment of new populations across Africa and reversing local extinction in Rwanda.

  • Cheetah Reintroduction: Planned the first successful reintroduction of Namibian cheetah into the same area as lions, enhancing one of Southern Africa's vital populations for future restocking efforts.

  • Elephant Reintroduction: Became the first private reserve to reintroduce elephants in 1991, starting with 37 orphaned youngsters and later adding a breeding herd from Kruger National Park.

  • Rhino Conservation: Relocated 21 white rhinos in a single day, the largest translocation at that time, and initiated the WWF/Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, leading to the birth of the first calf on-site.

  • Mnqobokazi Primary School: Supported the Mnqobokazi Community by building classrooms and providing resources such as electricity and a vegetable garden since 1993.

  • Macebo Crèche: Established in 1999, this crèche received funding for classrooms, infrastructure improvements, and furniture, supporting early childhood education in the Mduku Tribal Authority area.

  • Mduku Clinic: Originally funded in 1995, this clinic has expanded to become a 24-hour primary healthcare center, serving over 5,000 community members annually.


Our lodge combines eco-conscious design and luxury, ensuring that sustainability enhances, rather than compromises, your experience.

About

The Dining

At Phinda Vlei Lodge, dining is a delightful affair that blends stunning views with culinary excellence. The lodge features a gorgeous large deck overlooking the tranquil vlei, providing a serene setting where guests can sip tea or enjoy freshly made cocktails while watching the passing wildlife. Each of Phinda’s six lodges offers a wide array of dining options and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy your meals in the elegant dining room, on the candlelit deck, in the privacy of your suite, or out on the reserve in a secluded and safe spot. While Vlei Lodge lacks an enclosed boma, it compensates with a convivial firepit, inviting guests to gather after the evening game drive around a crackling fire, sharing stories and unpacking the day’s adventures over a refreshing drink.


Halaal and other special dietary preferences available on request. Kosher not available.

About

The Location

South Africa is a vibrant country at the southern tip of the African continent, known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. It boasts a remarkable array of natural wonders, from the iconic Table Mountain in Cape Town to the breathtaking Drakensberg mountains and the wildlife-rich Kruger National Park. South Africa is celebrated for its multicultural society, with eleven official languages and a tapestry of traditions influenced by indigenous peoples, colonial history, and immigrant communities. Visitors can explore bustling cities like Johannesburg and Durban, relax on beautiful beaches along the Garden Route, or experience the breathtaking beauty of the Winelands. With its rich biodiversity, wildlife conservation efforts, and dynamic cultural experiences, South Africa offers an unforgettable adventure for every traveler.

Good to Know

Check-in

Check-out

14:00

11:00

Children Policy

Distance from Airport

Guests of all ages are welcome

Traveling this vast landscape takes careful planning. Contact your Oni Travel Curator to assist with your travel plans.

Total Rooms

6 Suites

Let's Make Magic Happen!

Got travel dreams? Fill out the form or connect with us at contact@oni-collection.com, and we’ll make them happen!

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