Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve

With 16 unique private stilted suites set deep in the heart of a beautiful and rare forest, the designers of the 5 * Phinda Forest Lodge have done an excellent job, fusing cutting-edge architectural design and thoughtful conservation: think eco-sensitive structures and trees still standing. Escape the mid-day heat with a long soak in the pool, and spend the evening sitting on your viewing deck with an eye on the game-filled plains or enjoying dinner at the Boma, an outdoor dining area. Simply spectacular.

Location

Phinda Forest Lodge is inside the 44,000-acre Phinda Private Game Reserve in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region of South Africa. There are daily mini-buses from Durban International Airport, taking just 3 hours, but you might like to enjoy the view from a small plane, that can get you from Durban to the reserve in just 1 hour.

Your room

You will be sleeping in a luxury glass-encased suite, set in amongst the towering torchwood trees, and raised above the ground on stilts. With all this glass, your room will allow you to immerse yourself in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. The designers branded the suites as ‘Zulu- Zen’ and they are, indeed, little bubbles of African tranquillity. Each suite boasts shiny wooden floors, fabrics you won’t want to stop touching, and fascinating Zulu artifacts while keeping a calm, minimalist feel.

Enjoy a drink from your private bar before turning down for the night in your huge, comfy double bed, and look forward to being woken by the beautiful birdsong outside your glass walls.

Why we like it

Enjoying a peaceful breakfast on the private viewing platform with just the birds and the leaf-filtered light for company – a totally unique experience? We think so.