Phinda Vlei Lodge is an intimate romantic, private safari destination. Overlooking the Reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system on the edge of the sand forest, its location offers ever changing game viewing from the comfort of your bed, your shower or your private plunge pool.
Elegant and serene, the gracious spaces of &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge are designed for quiet contemplation of the African bush. With each suite’s deck opening up onto a dazzling view of the clearing beyond, combine your game viewing with a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool, but be prepared to share it with a thirsty elephant or impala!Each suite boasts not only a private sitting area and ensuite bathroom, but also a dressing room and game viewing deck, so you may not ever want to leave, even for meals.
At &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge simply spending time in your spacious suite is like being on safari. With each suite carefully positioned for a prime view of the animals coming out to drink and panoramic vistas from even your shower or bathtub, the game viewing never stops!Set on the edge of the forest and overlooking an open meadow (or vlei), complete with watering hole, this wildlife playground brings your game encounters up close and personal. Each morning and early evening the animals appear, dotting the sweeping vlei in a never-ending wildlife parade.Whether from the intimate guest areas or the seclusion of your own suite, watch the daily details of the bush come to life, from the antics of the monkeys and the prolific birdlife to the herds of zebra or families of warthog ambling along the open vlei.
Elegant and serene, the gracious spaces of &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge are designed for quiet contemplation of the African bush. With each suite’s deck opening up onto a dazzling view of the clearing beyond, combine your game viewing with a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool, but be prepared to share it with a thirsty elephant or impala!Each suite boasts not only a private sitting area and ensuite bathroom, but also a dressing room and game viewing deck, so you may not ever want to leave, even for meals.
Private dining in your suite can be arranged, as can more social meals on the dining deck or even on the edge of the vlei. On clear, cold winter nights keep the chill at bay in front of a roaring fire in the sitting room before retiring to the comfort of a warm bed.
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Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino, as well as the Big Five. There is also a number of resident lion prides and rangers will do their best to provide you with an exceptional sighting of all of these animals. This game drive begins in the late afternoon and lasts until after dark, when spotlights are used for a glimpse into the nocturnal bush life. Listen to lions roar in the dark or admire the small nocturnal animals. Enjoy sundowners in a scenic location as the sun slowly sinks beneath the horizon. If you prefer, you may be able to go on a boat cruise down the Mzinene River, watching the wildlife as they come down to drink.
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Based on 289 reviews
5
Location
4.9
Sleep Quality
4.9
Rooms
4.9
Service
4.9
Value
4.6
Cleanliness
4.9
Published Sun, Nov 30, 2025
This was my second visit to this reserve and lodge. For me, Phinda is all about Cheetah and it delivered! Vlei Lodge is straight out of movie set and provides safari luxury all the way. It is, at...
Published Sun, Nov 30, 2025
Phinda is a fascinating place which really focuses in on conservation. They have seven different landscapes which attracts different game. The safaris can go to any of the landscapes but you will...
Published Mon, Oct 31, 2025
Firstly, Phinda - the place is immense and lightly populated by humans. Every member of the team was welcoming, happy and professional, whatever their role. There is a Phinda ethos that permeates the...
