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Overview
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.
- Seven distinctly different habitats - Big Five destination with excellent cheetah, white and black rhino, elephant, nyala and lion viewing - Diverse birdwatching with approximately 400 different species - Rare Dry Sand Forest is home to the -shy suni and red duiker - Largest privately owned population of nyala in the world - Proximity to the Indian Ocean offers guests a unique opportunity of viewing elephant, turtles, cheetah, whale sharks, rhino and dolphins in one day - Dynamic model in wise land management and wildlife conservation - Affords guests an insight into Zulu culture, crafts, history, tradition and modern day living - Visits to local communities - Bush breakfasts and romantic bush banquets - Specialist Safaris: Birding, Rhino Darting, and Bush Skills Academy
Phinda Private Game Reserve, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Phinda Forest Lodge lies within the 22 000 hectares/54 362 acres of Phinda Private Game Reserve, in the Maputaland region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Phinda neighbours the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site – to the east and is only 30km/19 miles due west of the white-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
ACCESS
By road: 6 hours from Johannesburg, 3 hours from Durban, 1 1/2 hours from Richards Bay. By air: Federal Air operates a direct return flight daily from Johannesburg International Airport to Phinda. SA Express offer daily scheduled flights from Johannesburg to Richards Bay. Road transfers from Durban International Airport to Phinda can be arranged. Phinda Airwing can also arrange private charters from anywhere in South Africa directly to Phinda’s airstrip.
Dining
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.
Activities
WILDLIFE SAFARIS AT PHINDA, SOUTH AFRICA
Phinda’s seven distinct habitats are home to an incredible diversity of South African wildlife:
* Abundant wildlife populations, including the Big Five * Threatened African wildlife species such as rhino and cheetah * Over 380 bird species – three endemic to the region * Rare Sand Forest contains numerous rare and endemic species * Highly endangered sea turtles breed on the beaches nearby (Nov-Jan) * Home to Southern Africa’s only member of the cactus family * Exposed fossil sites reveal former seabed * Dynamic model in wise land management and profitable conservation
Phinda Private Game Reserve wildlife habitats: The unique dry Sand Forest is characterised by newtonia, umzithi, pteliopsis and Zulu podberry trees with abundant epiphytic orchids and Africa’s only cactus species (Rhipsalis). Mixed bushveld savanna is dominated by acacia trees, with different species thriving on clay or sandy soils. Open woodland of tall marula, bushwillow and terminalia occurs on sandy soils. Palmveld is characterised by open grassland dotted with lala palm and waterberry thickets. Evergreen forest and thickets fringe the Mzinene and Munyawana Rivers, with tamboti, sycamore fig and weeping boerbean among typical trees. Groves of sulphur-barked fever trees occur on floodplains. Seasonal marshes and pans are inundated after heavy summer rains. Rocky hillsides are cloaked with trees such as common wild-pear, red bushwillow and galpinia.
Mammals at Phinda Private Game Reserve: Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of mammals. Predators like cheetah, leopard and lion are tracked on a daily basis and visitors stand extremely good chances of seeing them. The territorial white rhino favour waterholes and wallows. Herds of elephant and buffalo move throughout the reserve and are easily spotted. Impressive nyala antelope feed alongside impala and warthog. Nocturnal aardvark, bushpig and greater bushbaby may be encountered on exciting night game-drives. Mountain reedbuck dwell on rocky slopes, while common reedbuck favour palmveld and wetlands. Tonga red squirrel are restricted to Sand Forest where tiny suni and red duiker are most abundant. The extraordinary four-toed elephant-shrew forages among leaf-litter in forest and thickets.
Birds at Phinda Private Game Reserve: An impressive 378 species are recorded. Rudd’s apalis, Neergaard’s sunbird and pink-throated twinspot are endemic to the Maputaland region. Lemon-breasted canary, southern banded snake-eagle and grey waxbill are characteristic of the coastal plain. Among resident birds in the Sand Forest are Narina trogon, African broadbill and square-tailed drongo. Trumpeter hornbill, white-eared barbet and golden-rumped tinkerbird gather at ripe figs. Crested guineafowl, purple-crested turaco and gorgeous bushshrike are among species which favour woodland and thickets. African finfoot, African purple swamphen (gallinule), white-backed night-heron and malachite kingfisher are resident on the Mzinene River. Mocking cliff-chat, red-winged starling and cinnamon-breasted bunting favour rocky outcrops. Great concentrations of waterfowl assemble seasonally at the Nibela Peninsula of nearby Lake St Lucia.
Other African wildlife: More than 80 species of butterfly have been recorded with mamba swordtail, forest king charaxes and gold-banded forester (opposite) among the more impressive. Marshlands beat to the sound of calling frogs after summer downpours with Argus reed-frog, red-legged kassina and sharp-nosed grass-frog among the 37 recorded species. Dazzling rainbow skink and giant plated lizard live among boulders where African rock python find refuge. Nile crocodile inhabit the Mzinene River and some waterholes. Phinda’s close proximity to the Indian Ocean offers guests the opportunity to explore an underwater kaleidoscope that rivals Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Over 1000 species of fish are found in these subtropical waters and you may glide past moray eel, leatherback and loggerhead turtles and huge whale sharks.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 waterbirds, 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 At an additional cost
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, whalesharks, 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.
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Rooms & Accommodation
Guest Accommodation
Guest Accommodation
The 16 air-conditioned glass suites are built on stilts and appear to float between the rare Sand Forest floor and the towering torchwood trees. The suites are situated to ensure absolute privacy and each bathroom features twin hand basins, bath, separate shower and separate w.c. All suites have a personal bar on their private veranda.
Guest Areas
Guest Areas
Sitting and dining areas, bar, viewing decks, boma, lodge swimming pool and Safari Shop.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is committed to CC Africa’s core principle – Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People. Phinda is our flagship lodge regarding conservation and community empowerment, and continues to provide a global benchmark for ecotourism.
* Winner of the Imvelo Responsible Tourism Award 2002 * British Airways Tourism for Tomorrow Award (southern region winner) 1997 * In 1991, Phinda undertook the biggest game relocation in a private reserve in the world at the time * 14 000 hectares (34 000 acres) of degraded farmland restored to pristine wilderness
CC Africa's focus: Community equity, income generation, education and health care are a primary concern. In consultation with community organisations such as the Africa Foundation – originally founded by CC Africa, now a not-for-profit rural development organisation – Phinda has initiated many successful community empowerment projects in the Mduku, Nibela and Mnqobokazi communities surrounding the Reserve.
PHINDA COMMUNITY ACHIEVEMENTS
* Building of 46 classrooms, 19 pre-schools, 3 libraries and 1 science laboratory * Providing over 150 000 books and educational aids * Granting USD57 000 worth of bursaries * Organising 30 CLEF (Community Leaders Education Fund) scholarships worth USD130 000 * Two Siya Kwamukela students (sponsored by Moët & Chandon) are at Phinda in their second year of internship * Implementing Edu-peg – a practical self-corrective early learning tool – at various primary schools * Ongoing conservation lessons * Founding Mduku Clinic and adjacent six-bed pre-natal facility * An HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention programme * Distributing 233 Hippo Water Rollers in local communities * Installing guttering and water tanks at Nontshwiliza Primary School * Implementing various income generation and small business development projects
Our guests play a critical role in helping CC Africa realise our dream and vision : to create a model in wise land management, integrating international travellers and rural people to their mutual benefit, and demonstrating that wildlife can be preserved on a sustainable basis by all. <
Positive Health Programme: CC Africa strongly believes in its people and was recently listed as one of three finalists in the Investor in People category of the 2005 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards. The October 2005 edition of Africa Geographic featured an article on AIDS and conversation, and highlighted the activities and programmes that various African companies are implementing in order to increase AIDS awareness and, in doing so, empower the communities taking care of some of the world's richest wilderness regions.
"Probably the most attractive program ... is that of CC Africa... CC Africa launched a Positive Health program in 2003 and in April and May last year ran two seven-day courses.... Their approach focuses on home-based care, gardens, counseling techniques and gender issues.... The health of the habitat is critical to the health of the individuals in it.... The conservation industry is uniquely positioned to take the treatment of HIV/AIDS in radically new directions.... Benefits [of the program] include acquiring 'hard skills' such as maintaining clean water, producing food, and home-based methods of dealing with illnesses that are not life threatening.... It takes only the will of ecologically minded people to make sure that the wild places are not lost." Africa Geographic, October 2005
Our Trusted Partner's Responsible and Sustainable Travel Policy
Care of the land, Care of the wildlife, Care of the people.
andBEYOND is dedicated to these three principles which encapsulate the vision we have for Africa. We believe that our continent’s heritage of wild places, the wildlife living there and the neighbouring communities are amongst Africa’s most precious resources. We also believe that the wisest utilisation of our wild places is through the development of sustainable ecotourism with reciprocal benefits – both for our guests and for the rural communities living in and alongside our rich wildlife heritage.
We aim to ensure that wildlife conservation in the 21st century is pivotal to the development of the custodians of the land - the people of Africa. At the core of this vision is our dedication to continually serve as a model in wise land management, integrating international travellers and rural communities to their mutual benefit, and demonstrating that everyone can participate in the protection of wildlife on a sustainable basis.
One of our flagship South African lodges, Phinda Private Game Reserve, is ongoing testament to andBEYOND's vision. Here we consolidated over 17 000 hectares/42 000 acres of degraded land, ravaged by decades of inappropriate cattle, pineapple, sisal and cotton farming, and restored it to its original wilderness state. More than 2 000 head of game were reintroduced, including the Big Five. And in a very short space of time, our neighbours were benefiting directly from Phinda. This was achieved through employment and community development projects implemented - in consultation with the communities - by CC Africa's Rural Investment Fund, now an independent, non-governmental not-for-profit organisation called the andBEYOND Foundation.
Our guests play a crucial role in helping us to realise our vision for Africa. You are our future ambassadors – the link between Africa and the rest of the world. You are the impetus that drives our dream of advancing the green and wild frontiers of the oldest continent on earth, of helping us to be ongoing custodians of our planet’s endangered species and wild places.
We invite you to experience Africa with andBEYOND and to embrace our dream of a proud, prosperous and protected Africa.
About our Trusted Partner
We are Africa’s leading ecotourism organisation, committed to providing world-class holiday experiences for discerning travellers, and to ongoing investment in sustainable conservation development and community empowerment.
Our ecotourism model recognises that economic development of the areas in which we operate is crucial to the maintenance of bio-diversity. We also recognise that much of Africa’s wildlife heritage and land is influenced or owned by local communities. Our model – successfully implemented throughout our operations in Africa -- links international high net worth, low volume/low impact visitors to these wilderness areas and their resident communities. The resultant revenue tangibly demonstrates the benefits of ecotourism and conservation to the neighbouring residents.
Phinda Forest suites on stilts : Phinda Forest Lodge at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
Phinda Forest suites on stilts
Phinda Forest Lodge - guest area : Phinda Forest Lodge at www.NatureandKind.com (THE.NATURAL.CHOICE)
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