A unique safari destination, Phinda's splendid safari lodges offer sophistication and style in pristine African bush surrounds.

Nestled below the Lebombo Mountains of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a Zulu word meaning "the return". In one of the biggest reintroductions of game in Africa, Phinda was restocked with lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, giraffe and other big game in an operation dubbed "phinda izilwane", return of the wild animals.

Game drives are only one aspect of the Phinda experience. You can be face-to-face with lions and rhino after breakfast, up close to a Whale Shark or battling sailfish after lunch. Located between the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the lush waterways of the World Heritage Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda's 17 000 hectares span 7 unique ecosystems. You can choose to enjoy a traditional safari or visit the coast and partake in water-based activities.

Other activities include:

• Bird-watching and birding safaris
• Canoeing and riverboat cruises
• White rhino tracking on foot
• Deep-sea fishing off the Maputaland coast
• Turtle viewing (November to January) on Maputaland beaches
• A visit to the Zulu Cultural Village
• Horse riding
• "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari - over the Maputaland wildernessScuba diving (bring your certificate along)

Accommodation:
Phinda Forest Lodge: Exquisite architectural design meets conservation in these luxurious handcrafted suites. Set deep in the heart of a rare Dry Sand Forest, the Lodge comprises 16 private stilted suites, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, and an expansive viewing deck with panoramic views of the game-filled plains.

• Phinda Vlei Lodge: Intimate and elegant, this exquisite lodge comprises six thatched suites with en suite bathrooms, dressing rooms, private plunge pools and decks which overlook the vlei (wetland system) where you're likely to observe herds of grazing antelope, zebra and a dazzling variety of birdlife.
• Phinda Rock Lodge: This unique lodge comprises six stone and adobe suites with en suite bathrooms, private sitting areas, decks and plunge pools offering unrivalled views of the valley below.

Dining
Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served to you in the dining area under hand-wrought chandeliers, on the Lodge's exclusive deck or enjoyed in the privacy of your suite. Phinda is renowned for excellent cuisine served in adventurous bush clearings under the African night sky. All meals are included.