Phinda Vlei Lodge | Best South Africa Safari Lodges

The place

As we drive through Phinda Private Game Reserve en route to Phinda Vlei Lodge, there’s a sense of the land opening up. Our guide Antoine tells us about the remarkable sand forest habitat we’re in – one of the most threatened ecosystems in South Africa. The proximity of wetlands and open grass areas attracts herd of grazers, including our first zebra. Their watchfulness reminds us that this is also an excellent area for predators. We skirt a marshy area where a lone bull elephant is enjoying his daily ablutions. Arriving at the luxury South African safari lodge, Antoine walks in with us and with a sweep of his arm, indicates the grassy open area immediately in front of the lodge. Alert to the sudden movement, impala stare as we enjoy the cool shade of a giant tree, and the sense of freedom that being in the bush brings.

As we drive through Phinda Private Game Reserve en route to Phinda Vlei Lodge, there’s a sense of the land opening up. Our guide Antoine tells us about the remarkable sand forest habitat we’re in – one of the most threatened ecosystems in South Africa.

The proximity of wetlands and open grass areas attracts herd of grazers, including our first zebra. Their watchfulness reminds us that this is also an excellent area for predators. We skirt a marshy area where a lone bull elephant is enjoying his daily ablutions.

Arriving at the luxury South African safari lodge, Antoine walks in with us and with a sweep of his arm, indicates the grassy open area immediately in front of the lodge. Alert to the sudden movement, impala stare as we enjoy the cool shade of a giant tree, and the sense of freedom that being in the bush brings.

The room

The neat thatched roof of our suite perfectly encapsulates our experience: natural and yet lavish, all at once. Before our arrival, our butler Bongani had pulled open the sliding glass doors so we have a completely unimpeded view. Grinning broadly, he jokingly tells us that he chased the hippo out of our private rectangular plunge pool just a few moments before. We tear ourselves away from the view – and the opportunity to indulge in a lazy safari from our viewing deck – to take a few moments to explore our suite. I’ve always enjoyed the ritual of unpacking, but my attention is caught by the artful contrast between the straight lines of the suite, and the curved forms of some of the wonderful pieces of furniture. We hear a few clear, musical notes from outside the bathroom and I smile: birdsong and a bathtub, two of my most favourite things. A knock at the door lets us know that Bongani has discreetly slipped away, only to return with lunch platters which he sets down on the small outside dining table. We have everything we could possibly want!

The neat thatched roof of our suite perfectly encapsulates our experience: natural and yet lavish, all at once. Before our arrival, our butler Bongani had pulled open the sliding glass doors so we have a completely unimpeded view. Grinning broadly, he jokingly tells us that he chased the hippo out of our private rectangular plunge pool just a few moments before.

We tear ourselves away from the view – and the opportunity to indulge in a lazy safari from our viewing deck – to take a few moments to explore our suite. I’ve always enjoyed the ritual of unpacking, but my attention is caught by the artful contrast between the straight lines of the suite, and the curved forms of some of the wonderful pieces of furniture. We hear a few clear, musical notes from outside the bathroom and I smile: birdsong and a bathtub, two of my most favourite things.

A knock at the door lets us know that Bongani has discreetly slipped away, only to return with lunch platters which he sets down on the small outside dining table. We have everything we could possibly want!

What sets it apart

The elegance and charm of Phinda Vlei Lodge strike us immediately. We both comment on how perfectly the lodge is located – not just to allow us to explore the sand forest and vlei, but also for the shade and views over areas that are frequented by many species of game. The butler service – and our new best friend Bongani – as well as our viewing deck and private plunge pool mean that we can really spend some quality time together away from everyone, although the impressive guest area will no doubt see plenty of us, too. We can both feel that Phinda Vlei Lodge would work perfectly as a standalone destination; equally, as we’ve discovered, it’s very easy to combine with stays at some of the other lodges here to explore more of the seven distinct habitats we’ve been learning about. Luxurious accommodation, friendly, caring service and wildlife quite literally on our doorstep certainly distinguish this lodge.

The elegance and charm of Phinda Vlei Lodge strike us immediately. We both comment on how perfectly the lodge is located – not just to allow us to explore the sand forest and vlei, but also for the shade and views over areas that are frequented by many species of game.

The butler service – and our new best friend Bongani – as well as our viewing deck and private plunge pool mean that we can really spend some quality time together away from everyone, although the impressive guest area will no doubt see plenty of us, too.

We can both feel that Phinda Vlei Lodge would work perfectly as a standalone destination; equally, as we’ve discovered, it’s very easy to combine with stays at some of the other lodges here to explore more of the seven distinct habitats we’ve been learning about. Luxurious accommodation, friendly, caring service and wildlife quite literally on our doorstep certainly distinguish this lodge.

At a glance

Intimate safari lodge – just six elegant thatched suites with private plunge pools – overlooking a waterhole between the vlei (wetland) system and the unique sand forest.
Private reserve, butler service, private dining, private vehicle available (additional cost) and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, seasonal river cruises, rhino notching (additional cost), specialist safaris (additional costs), cultural visits (additional cost), night turtle dives (additional cost), scuba safaris (additional cost), swimming with whale sharks (additional cost), endangered wild cats project (additional cost) and spa treatments (additional cost).
Children are welcome but age restrictions apply for certain activities. Babysitting available.

Intimate safari lodge – just six elegant thatched suites with private plunge pools – overlooking a waterhole between the vlei (wetland) system and the unique sand forest.
Private reserve, butler service, private dining, private vehicle available (additional cost) and flexible schedules.
Game drives, night drives, walking safaris, seasonal river cruises, rhino notching (additional cost), specialist safaris (additional costs), cultural visits (additional cost), night turtle dives (additional cost), scuba safaris (additional cost), swimming with whale sharks (additional cost), endangered wild cats project (additional cost) and spa treatments (additional cost).
Children are welcome but age restrictions apply for certain activities. Babysitting available.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.