Tue Jul 15 2025 15:26:19 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by James F

Wow! Phinda Forest Lodge rates 5-stars. Excellent service, very comfortable and safe "cabins", super food,... Our experience was better than the brochure promised. Really. The Game Drives were beyond description! We saw the Big Five several times over, plus cheetahs, nyala, impala, hippos, warthogs, kudu, zebra, ostrich, wildabeest, etc.... One key is that And Beyond owns the private game reserve, so the only vehicles on the game roads are from the And Beyond Lodge. In a three-hour drive, we would see 1 or maybe 2 other vehicles. But many, many animals. Another key is that because And Beyond has a long history of respecting the animals and their habitat. Thus the lions, leopards, elephants, cheetahs,-- all the animals do not fear the Land Cruisers. We viewed most of the animals from 6 feet away, sometimes less. Really. My big telephoto lens was useless! This was The Trip of Our Lifetime!

Sun May 25 2025 09:32:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by crittergirl

Fantastic area of South Africa to do a safari. The resort was recently remodeled, and the little private suites are well appointed. Rooms have ac and heat, Coffee station soaking tub, bar, writing area all glassed in so you feel like you are alone in the forest. Service was excellent from housekeeping to the guides. The Food was the best I have had at any previous safari lodge many choices to choose from. You dine at tables with your own group or as a couple. Every few nights they will have the Boma Grill outside where you will sit with others from your guided group. The guides and trackers did an amazing job. We saw everything on big 5 list and much more. You can take bikes or a guided walk in the forest which was amazing. Helly was our guide he was fantastic. There are 17 units at this lodge which made it feel a bit more like a resort for me but they also have other lodges in Phinda by & beyond that have less units. I prefer 8 units or less, but it was still a magnificent stay, and you do not feel crowded when you are out on safari. The best thing are the different habitats that you can find, grass land areas, shrub areas mountainous areas and of course the unique sand forest. I used the spa the facility was fantastic, and the therapist was as well. Another consideration is that the lodge is close enough to Sodwana Bay to go diving or snorkeling could be done in the middle of stay or even stay a few days after or prior. I would not hesitate to highly recommend this lodge to anyone.

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Sat May 24 2025 09:44:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by rmontqst7

Guides, food, and accommodations were superb. Saw many animals. Staff very friendly and helpful. Foods delicious. Had cooling and heating in cabins. Guides worked together for the customer needs. Many amenities to use if desired. 17 cabins total.

Sat Nov 23 2024 14:38:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Derek S

I’ve been on many “safaris”, this is by far the best I’ve been on! The staff, food, accommodation is sublime, nothing is ever a problem for them. They also offer a unique ebike experience through the sand forest, something you have to do. If you’re looking for the best game reserve trip, this is it!

Fri Sep 20 2024 23:08:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) by Frederic3006

Just refurbished, this lodge is absolutely stunning. Rooms are enormous; decorated with taste and luxury. Massive comfortable bed, beautiful bathroom. Food is tasteful and refined. But what makes this lodge so special is the staff. Everyone wants you to have the best days of your life. They are all very professional and friendly. Throughout your stay we were surprised with a romantic bush diner and even a breakfast in the middle of the forest. Special thanks to Art and Dan who made the game drives some unforgettable moments.