Set in the heart of one of Africa’s most unique and delicate ecosystems, the endangered Sand Forest in the iconic &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge embodies the very rarity of the natural habitat it protects. Recognised as one of the world’s first eco-friendly lodges, Phinda Forest has been meticulously designed in perfect harmony with the forest’s natural flow, blending seamlessly into its surrounds. Unwind in absolute tranquillity in one of the lodge’s 16 Zulu-zen inspired air-conditioned suites. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters above, providing the utmost privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while tiny duiker graze below, the suites feel as if they are one with the forest while each suite’s private veranda allow for gentle contemplation with breathtaking forest views.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello All. This experience is a must for anyone who can afford it. Its not cheap but wow do you get one fantastic experience.
Firstly. You get a huge welcome group that waits for you to arrive and they introduce themselves. From then on. They all call you by your name which really made me feel special right off the bat. All staff are more than willing to help with anything you might need. What a fantastic job they did.
Food was amazing. Really enjoyed everything they provided. Again the head chef came out of the kitchen and had a chat with us. All food was way above my level of cooking and was cooked to the highest of standards.
Game drives and the trackers are also fantastic. They also go above and beyond expectations with not just mammals, but birds, trees and insects. They seem to know it all.
The accommodation was up there with the best. What I really appreciated as well was the bar fridge and free local drinks. (Beers as well as some Whiskey/Gin's etc were free) Everything was spotless in the rooms. The deck outside the room was also amazing as it allowed you to enjoy the forest experiences while still being undercover from the scorching sun.
Overall. Our two day stay here has raised our bar and our expectations of future destinations.
I will defiantly make a turn in Phinda direction again as this experience was unforgettable.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We decided to try Phinda instead of the usual greater Kruger private resorts. The bush is somewhat “a luck of the draw place” and we didn’t have a great game viewing holiday in comparison to other reserves we frequent. The &Beyond Forest lodge was a very different and pleasing experience. The room was well appointed. We were offered dinner in the room due to the lodge being very quiet on the first night and it was delicious and without fault. The team could not do enough to make the stay a pleasant one … the food, the drinks and the snacks in the bush were spot on. Special mention to Yonela (the chef) who has a passion for food and loves engaging patrons on what “worked and didn’t work” and just takes so much pride in her job. She is a pleasure to talk to and expresses pure joy when complimented.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forest Lodge is located in the unique sand forest with individual suites nestled among the trees. Our suite was very pleasant, well kept and clean. Floor to ceiling windows on three sides, bathroom with soaker tub, bar outside on patio, and air conditioning. WiFi connection was a bit slow, but good enough for emails, etc. I had a good phone signal. The staff are very friendly and obliging. Laundry was delivered the next day, nicely folded. The bar and restaurant area are very pleasant and there are antelopes, monkeys and other animals visible from the deck. Food is very good, served at individual tables. Steven took very good care of us and taught us a bit of the local language. Our safaris with guide Jess and spotter Bogani, in a shared vehicle were enjoyable and we even had a short walking safari in the sand forest to see some of the trees and plants. Forest Lodge is not an intense safari experience but overall stay here was very good and its a good choice for a short getaway.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2021Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stayed in a luxe all glass bungalow for two. There are only 15 I believe on this property separated by woods for privacy. Accommodations included a luxurious soaking tub, indoor/outdoor shower sitting area indoor and outdoor veranda with complementary bar. Food was outstanding with different venues every night. Game drives wonderful and guides outstanding. Staff went above and beyond (no pun intended). Even the small on-site shop was stocked with great locally handcrafted goods and staffed by a friendly knowledgeable clerk. Infinity pool in the woods with views.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I chose the Phinda Forest Lodge for the first leg of our South African honeymoon. The resort was phenomenal! Our individual lodge provided amazing views and privacy. The twice daily included game drives came with such thoughtful and engaging guides, and we saw the big 5 plus more on our trips! The food and drinks were plentiful, highlighted by a bush dinner out in the wild. We can't wait to return!
Read more
Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Lodge 16 is the farthest walk from the dining area, but is very private.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The only reason i am giving a 4 and not a 5 was the accommodation which needs an upgrade. Out checkin was not a good experience as they did not “know” we were coming even though everything was in order and sorted after a quick conversation. This reserve has the big 5 and Dean, our guide was a walking source of knowledge while being entertaining. Food was awesome, again only after reminding them of my special dietary requirements. The forest lodges are situated in a sand forest and you hv to walk a bit between the lodge and tour room. But for seeing animals, if you want to see x Dean took us to see x, the communication between guides and knowledge of where the animals are at any given moment were excellent. Phinda would be our recommendation to anyone wanting to go on a luxury safari, just not staying at the forest lodge.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Make sure the gates notify the lodges and again send through any food allergies
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from andBeyond Travel, Owner at Andbeyond Phinda Forest Lodge
Responded 30 Jun 2022
Dear Gwendoline We are always most grateful to our guests who take the time to give us feedback so thank you so much for posting your review. While we are disappointed that your stay did not live up to your expectations in totality, we are thankful for your praise you have bestowed on your guide, food and &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve as a whole. Please be assured that those areas of concern that you have kindly brought to our attention are being addressed. I do hope that you will return in the not too distant future as we would love to welcome you back and spoil you in the &Beyond style that we have become renowned for. Kind regards Kevin Pretorius Regional Director – South Africa
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was our first major trip in a couple years. We were first timers to Africa and Safaris.
We did stay at the mountain lodge one night too and that’s a cool experience - more open and hilly.
The Forest lodge was as peaceful as the photos suggest. Beauty everywhere. There wasn’t a time when I didn’t see a Nyala quietly foraging an arms length away.
The &Beyond staff really helps you get maximum enjoyment of your time there. Everything is taken care of. The all-inclusive meals, drinks, good food, laundry (we were on a two week journey) just to name a few facility related comforts. (Get the massage!)
The rangers and guides were great. They were assigned to us like a team, and really worked to help us see amazing animals. We literally tracked elephants and cheetahs until we found them with plenty of other beautiful animals to see between.
We will definitely go on safari again someday and will definitely look at &beyond for other trips.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:-ZA is cool & dry in August
-Get travel insurance - Had to rebook flights day of
-We could have...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I just returned from 4 nights and the sheer beauty of the location of this lodge is hard to describe. Not to mention the accommodations themselves. The room was 180 degrees of glass walls and doors that looked out into the Sand Forest. Walking around outside the room were Nyalas and it was just so peaceful. The deck has a ceiling fan if you wanted to sit outside between game drives. I did a private birding safari for one of my days there with Bryan and his knowledge and personality made this day really special for me - i highly recommend it.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A special treat for a couple's getaway. We were spoiled with the best, from the lovely setting of our room to the food.
The rooms are located inside the forest and situated far apart to allow for privacy.It literally gives new meaning to waking up in the forest.
The game drives were amazing and definitely a must for every morning (although early) and every evening.
Read more
Date of stay: April 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:All rooms are lovely and private
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Given the number of different flight options, flights are not included in the price of a stay. Your travel agent would be able to guide you on the most suitable flights based on your overall itinerary in South Africa.
There are more places to choose from in the Phinda Private Game Reserve area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
phinda forest hotel phinda private game reserve
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalPhinda Private Game Reserve
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
