andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve — Attraction in The Big Five False Bay Local Municipality

Honestly, it’s hard to put into words what a wonderful time my husband and I had at Vlei Lodge in Phinda. The nature is absolutely GORGEOUS and we saw sooo many wonderful animals thanks to our amazing guide Clayton and tracker Sobello. These animals included including giraffes, zebra, hippos, elephants, lions, cheetahs, impala, nayala, leopard, wildebeest, rhinos, water buffalo, snakes, countless beautiful birds and more. We couldn’t have dreamed of more - especially in a 4 day trip! Clayton taught us so much and even turned me into a “bird person.” He got us out of a couple sticky spots with a cranky elephant (Steve!) and an injured Buffalo who didn’t want to share space with us! You could tell Clayton was so personally invested in giving us an amazing viewing experience. He was a star.

Although the nature is why you go, it was really the staff who made the experience SO SPECIAL. Clayton (our tremendous guide), Cheyenne (Vlei Lodge Manager), Sobello (our tracker), Happyness ( chef EXTRAORDINAIRE), and Zama (the man who made the best drinks!) were absolutely tremendous - so knowledgeable, kind, helpful, and funny! We feel like we walked away with new friends and hope to see all again.

The lodge itself was small and intimate with nice standalone rooms (which were kept immaculate), beautiful pools, and great common area around the fire. Happyness cooked the freshest, most tasty food I think I’ve ever had in a hotel setting. She made it all with love - you can tell! - and was kind enough to share a recipe with us. It was all managed immaculately by Cheyenne and Above & Beyond management should know they have an amazing team at Vlei. We will be staying at another Above & Begond property in the future and hope to go back to Vlei to see the beautiful animals and our new...

Probably one of my most favorite places ever to completely unplug from the daily busy routine. We arrived at &Beyond Phinda just in time for lunch, and the staff already knew we were coming. They greeted us with warmth and genuine smiles, making us feel instantly at home.

The first thing that struck me was how quiet and untouched the surroundings felt. After a quick snack, we were taken to our lodge, and wow. Spacious, spotless, and beautifully wooden mixed match Japanese zen style designed, it had everything: a full bar, a pool overlooking endless grasslands, and a sense of pure exclusivity with lodges set far apart. It truly felt like we had the whole reserve to ourselves.

The details blew me away. A glass-walled shower looking straight out into the wild. A French-style bathtub right in the middle of the room, complete with natural herb salts selection. Every element felt thoughtful, indulgent, and connected to nature.

And the best part? No WiFi. For the first time in ages, I felt time slow down. No phone, no distractions—just pure, uninterrupted nature.

I can’t recommend this place enough. It’s worth every dollar, and I’d go back in...

Our stay at the forest lodge was wonderful but feel I have to mention we just had a nasty incident the last evening. Our table was put under the tress and I sat against a tree. Termits climbed from the tree and started eating my hair. Horrific I lost so much hair It was freaky. The managers on duty was really helpful and called me the next day to check up on me. But I feel this was a tramatic experience for any women and Phinda did not even follow up on this freak accident. My hairdresser said it looked like my hair had been shaved all over with a razor. I know we sign an indemnity form but feel that Phinda could have e mailed me and followed up on this just as a matter of courtesy Very...