CC Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Bordering the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – Phinda comprises 22 000 hectares (54 500 acres) of prime conservation land. Seven distinct habitats shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo) and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.

Guests can look forward to exciting game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach.

Exhilarating Walking Safaris are accommodated in spacious en suite safari tents, offering an incredible up close and personal experience of Phinda’s pristine wilderness. Spend seven glorious days exploring the seven habitats of Phinda Private Game Reserve, with no less than 14 adventures to experience.


PHINDA FOREST LODGE

Sumptuous safari lodge: Set deep in the heart of the rare Dry Sand Forest, the spectacular stilted suites of this award-winning safari lodge are an exemplary exercise in building eco-sensitive structures with a light footprint.

• 16 spacious, hand-built glass-encased suites
• All with air-conditioning
• Private viewing decks
• Luxurious en suite bathrooms
• Sparkling rim-flow swimming pool
• Crafts gallery with a range of local Zulu artefacts

Wake up to the sight of graceful nyala and duiker browsing in the foliage of the Sand Forest right outside the glass walls of your private suite. Inventively designed in what is often called "Zulu-Zen", each suite is a combination of glass, wood and minimalist design incorporating high-gloss wooden floors and crimson Zulu artefacts.

Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served to you on the deck overlooking the grassy plains or in the boma (outdoor dining area) illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns. Enjoy adventurous breakfasts and romantic dinners in spectacular African safari locations.


PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE
Scenic African safari lodge: With wrap-around views of the spectacular Ubombo Mountains and the South African bushveld below, Mountain Lodge is set apart from other safari lodges due to its dramatic location.

• 25 air-conditioned suites each with en suite bathrooms
• Each suite has a private sitting room, personal bar and verandah
• Private plunge pool and romantic al fresco shower
• Seven distinctly different habitats
• Big Five destination with excellent cheetah, white and black rhino, elephant, nyala and lion viewing

Observe the serenity of the South African wilderness from your private deck, surrounded by the indigenous trees and shrubbery of the pristine Zululand bushveld. Each suite features a comfortable sitting area below the large beds. Paved pathways lead down the mountainside from the main guest areas to the spacious suites – a subtly executed blend of avant-garde and ethnic design.

Delicious Pan-African cuisine is enjoyed in the dramatic boma (outdoor dining area) illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns, or served to you in a spectacular clearing in the bush under a star-studded sky. Phinda is renowned for wonderful bush banqueting in surprising settings.


PHINDA VLEI LODGE
Sophisticated safari lodge: Fringing Phinda’s unique vlei (wetland) system, this gracious safari lodge is a study of intimacy and integration with the African bush.

• 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

Watch the drama of South Africa’s wilderness unfold while relaxing in your private plunge pool. Each suite – decorated in a subtle blend of North and West African styles with hints of Balinese influences – overlooks the grassy vlei, where you’re likely to see a dazzling variety of wildlife including herds of zebra and grazing antelope. The atmosphere is exclusive and personal, a mixture of understated sophistication and sheer luxury.

Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served to you on the game-viewing decks, or in a dramatic bush setting near the lodge. Phinda is renowned for its unforgettable bush banquets in beautiful, remote settings.


PHINDA ROCK LODGE
Unique African architecture. Set into a cliff-face overlooking the beautiful Leopard Rock, this safari lodge is an absolute delight. Its intimate suites are seemingly suspended over the deep valley below, providing breathtaking views.

• Six romantic, air-conditioned suites
• Private plunge pools and game-viewing decks
• En suite bathroom
• Three suites feature outdoor showers
• Adventurous bush banqueting
• Exceptional warm and friendly service

Capture fiery sunsets from the game viewing deck suspended over South Africa’s bushveld, or relax in your private sitting room while observing an abundance of birdlife in the trees surrounding this safari lodge and animals in the valley below.

Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served to you in the dining area under hand-wrought chandeliers, on the Lodge's exclusive deck or enjoyed in the privacy of your suite. Phinda is renowned for excellent cuisine served in adventurous bush clearings under the African night sky.

PHINDA WALKING SAFARIS
Phinda Walking Safaris offer an exhilarating walking adventure in Phinda’s pristine wilderness, guaranteeing an exceptional and interpretive South African wildlife safari experience.

• Four spacious safari tents
• En suite bathrooms with flush w.c. and hot bucket showers
• Comfortable beds
• Armed specialist rangers and trackers ensure guests’ safety
• Maximum eight people (guests must be 16 years/older)
• Delicious African bush cuisine
• Daily departures (closed in December, January and February)

Nothing can compare to seeing the incredible natural beauty of Phinda Private Game Reserve on foot. The lush forests, pristine bushveld and captivating vleis are alive with birdsong, insects and the sounds of the South African bush. Discover the adrenaline rush of encountering animals on foot whilst enjoying a three- to five-hour morning walk, and short pre-sunset walk and night-drive combination. Identify tracks and insects, birdwatch, and learn more about Phinda’s diverse habitats and fascinating ecology.


SAFARI ACTIVITIES

• 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
  

BEACH AND BUSH ADVENTURES

• Flight of the Fish Eagle Experience a breathtaking 60-minute flight over the diverse Maputaland wilderness of scenic pans, coastal lakes, bushveld, densely vegetated dunes and wildlife, and spot whales, whale sharks, dolphins and turtles in the magnificent Indian Ocean.
• 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 Maputaland Beach Adventures)
• Deep-sea Fishing: Fly to Sodwana Bay – a fisherman’s paradise inside a Marine Reserve – 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 ‘catch-and-release’ procedures for deep-sea fishing.
• Maputaland Beach Adventures: A 15-minute flight and a short drive in a specially designed 4x4 beach vehicle takes you to the beautiful beach at Jesser Point. Depending on the tides, you will be driven to a secluded spot where you can enjoy snorkelling, 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 Maputaland 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 (seasonal): 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. Depending on the tides, you will either enjoy snacks, drinks and hot toddies on the beach or 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 Ancestoral Home. After an action-packed morning, guests will return to Phinda in time for a late lunch and their afternoon game-drive.
  

RATES
Inclusive of: Luxurious accommodation; Three delicious meals daily including all teas and coffees; Two scheduled game-drives daily in an open 4 x 4 safari vehicle, accompanied by an experienced Ranger and Tracker OR Canoeing OR River Boat Cruises on the Mzinene River; Interactive bush walks (one hour) accompanied by our experienced armed Trackers; House wines, local brand spirits and beers, soft drinks and bottled water; Laundry service & Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance.

VALID 01 JANUARY 2008 - 31 DECEMBER 2008

FOREST LODGE & MOUNTAIN LODGE
High Season: 01 to 06 January, February, March, October, November & 21 to 31 December
Low Season: 07 to 31 January, April, May, June, July, August, September & 01 to 20 December

VLEI LODGE & ROCK LODGE
High Season: 01 to 06 January, February, March, October, November & 21 to 31 December
Mid Season: June, July & August
Low Season: 07 to 31 January, April, May, September & 01 to 20 December

No single supplement is charged for the first two single rooms of a booking. Any additional rooms will be levied with a 50% supplement.

VALID 01 JANUARY 2009 - 31 DECEMBER 2009

High Season: 01 to 06 January, February, March, 01 to 14 April 200, October, November & 21 to 31 December
Mid Season: June, July & August
Low Season: 07 to 31 January, 15 to 30 April, May, September & 01 to 20 December

Book 3 or more lodges or 4 or more nights in South Africa, Namibia or Victoria Falls and qualify for a 10% discount.

No single supplement is charged for the first two single rooms of a booking. Any additional rooms will be levied with a 50% supplement.

Child policy
Children under 12 are not permitted at Rock Lodge due to safety reasons and children under 16 are not permitted on the Walking Safaris. Forest Lodge & Vlei Lodge do not offer triple rooms. Children aged 6 to 11 pays 50% of the adult rate when sharing with 1 or 2 adults. Where a separate room is booked for 2 or 3 children (all aged 6 to 11) the first child pays the full adult rate and the 2nd and 3 children pays 50% of the adult rate each. Game drives for children aged 6 to 11 are at the discretion of the lodge manager. Safari walk are only allowed for persons older than 16.