Phinda Homestead, Phinda, South Africa

Phinda Homestead is a modern, sole use lodge in the north of Phinda and is an enviable spot to explore the reserve from. Designed like a contemporary bush farmhouse, &Beyond's Phinda homestead is both elegant and homely.

Phinda Homestead - The Details

Set in the north of the reserve Homestead is a sole use lodge. It has four rooms as well as a nanny/pilot room. The lodge has a very open and integrated feel with the main area opening straight out on to the deck area and pool making it feel really intimate and cosy. It is perfect for family or friend groups who want to spend some time together away from others.

The main area has a very luxurious and modern sitting area and dining room and is also connected to an open plan kitchen where your personal chef cooks in plain view. One of the highlights of this lodge is that large elephant herds come and drink from the pool on a regular basis, which is quite a sight to behold when casually strolling through camp after a game drive.

Although there are no private pools in the camp, there is a communal pool which acts as a nice focal point to the camp, and is very welcoming. Whilst swimming you can also overlook the animals drinking in the waterhole below and the frequenlty seen nyala, kudu and impala that wande around the surrounding area, making the whole experience very intimate and close to nature

There is a boma and gym at the homestead giving way for a welcome bit of exercise to burn off the delicious food cooked by your private chef the night before. In the evening you can watch the fire crackle and listen to the sounds of the bush whilst exchanging stories under the stars.

Game drives are completed with a private vehicle and dedicated guide and tracker team and the drives are tailored completely to the guests' preference. So whether it is the Big 5 or birding that you are after, your every need will be catered for.

What sets Phinda apart from other reserves however is their willingness to get guests involved in contributing to conservation. A number of different conservation experiences including chipping rhino and collaring elephant are available for guests to take part in when staying at Forest. These extra activities do come at an extra cost, but they are certainly worth it and they must be pre-booked. Pre-booking is vital as the activities are dependent on the availability of a private vehicle and vet, so please enquire with us beforehand if this is something you would be interested in.