- Six elegant thatched, air-conditioned suites
- Private game-viewing decks and plunge pools
- Dressing room and en suite bathroom
- Dining area overlooking the grassy Vlei
- Sitting area with open fireplace
All suites have a personal bar on the deck and private plunge pools.
At the edge of the Reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system at the edge of the sand forest, Pinda Vlei Lodge offers an intimate safari experience, with elegant and gracious spaces designed for quiet contemplation of the African wilderness.
The six elegant thatched suites look out onto an ever-changing parade of animals on the open vlei.
- Prestigious local/international awards
- Unique Sand Forest
- Lodge built into rock face
- Conference centre at Mountain Lodge
- Seven different ecosystems
- Approximately 400 bird species
- "Big five" plus dolphin and turtles
- Marine diversity rivals Great Barrier Reef
- Twice daily game drives
- "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari
- Zulu Cultural Village visit
- A multitude of nearby African safari attractions and activities
Vlei Lodge Guest Areas Inviting and stylishly designed sitting and dining areas with fireplaces and expansive viewing decks.
Guests are welcome to visit the African crafts shop at Forest Lodge.
SAFARI ACTIVITIES AT PHINDA VLEI LODGE SOUTH AFRICA
Twice-daily game-drives Enjoy exceptional Big Five game viewing in open 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced rangers and Zulu trackers.
Interpretive Bush Walks Learn more about the traditional uses and the legends surrounding indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as how to identify tracks and see rare birds on walks led by armed rangers and trackers.
Mzinene River Canoeing Catch sight of some of Phinda's incredible birdlife while paddling along the river - flanked by lush riverine forest with huge fever and sycamore fig trees in a sturdy canoe.
Mzinene Riverboat Cruise Watch a magnificent sunrise or sunset while enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Mzinene River in Phinda's riverboat. See some of the 200 or more water birds, as well as crocodiles and hippos lazing about.
White Rhino Tracking Set off with your professional armed ranger and tracker in a 4x4 safari vehicle, searching for fresh signs of white rhino activity. When tracks are found, experience the quiet thrill of tracking white rhino on foot.
Flight of the Fish Eagle Experience a breathtaking 60-minute flight over the diverse Maputoland wilderness of scenic pans, coastal lakes, bushveld, densely vegetated dunes and wildlife.
Scuba Safaris A 15-minute flight and short drive takes you to one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Diving the reefs of Sodwana Bay allows you to experience a portrait of marine diversity, with approximately 1200 species of fish and spectacular coral formations. (Can be combined with Maputoland Beach Adventures)
Deep-sea Fishing Fly to Sodwana Bay "a fisherman's paradise" where a short drive takes you to your 25-foot sport fishing boat rigged for bill (marlin and sailfish), game (barracuda, yellowfin tuna and kingfish ) and shark fishing. Phinda supports "tag and release" procedures for deep-sea fishing.
Maputoland Beach Adventures A 15-minute flight and a short drive in a specially designed 4x4 beach vehicle takes you to the beautiful beaches of Sodwana Bay . Depending on the tides, you will be driven to a secluded spot where you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or simply sunning on the endless beach, as well as a delicious picnic.
Beach Horse Riding A 45-minute drive from Phinda takes you to the beach for an exhilarating one-hour ride followed by a scrumptious picnic snack. (Can be combined with Maputoland Beach Adventures)
False Bay Horse Riding Enjoy the unmatched delight of riding well-schooled horses through False Bay Nature Reserve. A 1.5 hour ride takes you through the rare Dry Sand Forest habitat and along the picturesque False Bay lakeside. After the ride, relax and enjoy a delightful picnic snack while the horses rest at the water's edge.
Night Turtle Drives A 45-minute drive from Phinda takes you to meet your beach ranger who will show you the wonders of the beach at night. In season, loggerhead turtles and gigantic leatherback turtles make the strenuous trail up the beach to lay their eggs - a humbling experience. Enjoy a delicious surfside supper. Isikolethu
("Our Culture") Community Experience Experience the wonders and diversity of the Zulu culture while exploring the Mduku, Mnqobokazi and Nibela rural communities surrounding the Reserve. Guests will depart after breakfast at 10h00, enjoying visits to Macebo crèche, the Sangoma (witch doctor), Ngubane Homestead and Mdluli Ancestral Home to name a few. After an action-packed morning, guests will return to Phinda in time for a late lunch and their afternoon game-drive.
Please contact us now so we can help you plan your African safari