Though the game drives were clearly the highlight of our time in Phinda, the two lodges in which we spent four nights were utterly spectacular. All food and drink is included, and the accommodation is fantastic. Our first destination was the Rock Lodge in the southern, mountainous area of Phinda. We had no Internet, no TV, no radio - it was liberating. When we entered the public area of the lodge, the first sight we beheld was a huge collection of liquors, available to the guests at their leisure. They also had a fridge stocked with white wines (South African, of course) and beer.
Our room overlooked what is referred in Phinda as a 'dam', but resembles a watering hold. Unfortunately, since we were deep in Phinda's dry season, all that was left was mud. Not much left to attract animals for a private viewing. The bed was comfy, and the mini-bar was likewise stocked with wines and snacks, all included.
Our first meal in Phinda was lunch. Served daily at 2pm, just before the departure of the late afternoon game drive, it is a smorgasborg of food. The chef and staff bring out a wide selection of goodies from which to choose; at first, I thought the food they brought out was for all the guests (a maximum of 12 guests can stay at the Rock Lodge at any one time in 6 rooms), and we were being given a choice; in fact, it was all for just the two of us! The other meals were the same - splendid, plentiful and delicious.
After two nights in the Rock Lodge, we made our way north to the Vlei Lodge, situated against the backdrop of a huge meadow in the forest, where we saw numerous animals make their way across. We were greeted by Irene, Precious served our meals cooked by Happiness. I love the names! They were remarkable women who really cared about their guests and, especially Precious, could play the role of Mother Hen when necessary. After finishing our main course of dinner, we were ready to bail and head to bed. When we told Precious of our intentions, she balked by saying in one of those motherly voices emitting the guilt rays, "but Happiness already cooked desert." Really, what could we do (turns out dessert was fantastic - a chocolate souffle filled with orange goodness)?
I think a stay in both the north and the south are valuable, since the game drives mostly stay within one or the other based on the lodge from which the drive originates; however, we loved Vlei much more than Rock. There are two other lodges to choose from, both with more than 20 available accommodations; if we bring the kids next time, we'd choose those more family friendly lodges of Forest and Mountain.
The Phinda experience came to our attention by way of a feature on the Today show back in September highlighting Phinda as the editor's choice for best game reserve safari experience. I highly recommend Phinda to anyone looking to experience an Africa that isn't as wild as perhaps some options up in Kenya and Tanzania (where you camp - truly roughing it - as you track game throughout the huge national parks up there).
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