Phinda Vlei Lodge

When it comes to wildlife right at your front door, Phinda Vlei Lodge is incredible. From its location on the edge of a thick forest, overlooking a grassy vlei (meadow), guests at the lodge can spot game visiting the nearby watering hole every morning and evening. The lodge offers plenty of bush walks and game drives to spot the animals throughout the day, too.

Wildlife spotters barely have to leave their suite to see zebra, flocks of birds, monkeys and warthog families that visit the vlei on a daily basis. Each of the suites has a private game viewing deck, so you can sip a good South African wine while you take in this amazing environment.

Whether you prefer to dine solo or shooting the breeze with fellow guests, there’s an option for all at Phinda Vlei Lodge: private dining on your terrace can be arranged, or you can join others on the communal dining deck, and for evening drinks while swapping safari stories on colder nights, there’s an open fire in the sitting room to keep out the chill.