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Spot the Big 5 in ultimate luxury
Vlei Lodge, Phinda Private Game Reserve
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Elephants come to drink at Vlei Lodge.
© Kate Turkington
Did you know?
Phinda Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional ecological diversity.
Imagine a scene of overgrazed farmland, overgrown bush and rusting fences. That was over 2 decades ago. Today, Vlei Lodge, 1 of 6 safari lodges in the &Beyond group's Phinda Private Game Reserve, sits in the shade of a sand forest amidst luxuriant bush teeming with game and wildlife.
Vlei Lodge is part of this conservation miracle, where over 23 000ha of overgrazed land has been restored to its former pristine state. It's no coincidence that phinda is the Zulu word for 'return'.
Vlei Lodge sits on the edge of the sand forest – 1 of 5 wildly different ecosystems in the reserve, including sand forest, lush wetlands, bushveld, savannah and open woodland.
The spacious individual suites are built of thatch and wood, their décor blending sage green and cream colours with wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows: the result is an organic feel reflecting the natural world outside.
Now and again there's a painting of a pineapple to remind you that over 20 years ago this area was once a pineapple farm.
Sit out on your wraparound wooden viewing deck and soak up the views and the passing animal and bird show.
Suite 6 is a mecca for thirsty elephants who regard the plunge pool as their private watering hole, while if you sit at suite 5's pool on a hot day at noon, you could well see up to 20 species of birds come to sip water, including the Purple-crested turaco, the Grey waxbill and the green Twinspot.
Antelope graze around the lodge and the Big 5 are all here. And aside from lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo and elephant sightings, you stand the chance of some of the most exceptional cheetah sightings in the country.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
&Beyond Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 809 4441
Fax: +27 (0)11 809 4400
Email: safaris@andBeyond.com
Web: www.andbeyond.com
How to get here
By charter flight or by road. The lodge will send you detailed directions and travel options when you make your booking.
Around the area
Lake Sibaya, Sodwana Bay and the magnificent Indian Ocean coastline.
Get around
In an open safari vehicle or on foot – the lodge offers guided bush walks.
What will it cost
Prices depend on the season, but expect to pay approx. R6 000 per night, per person, all inclusive.