Best hotels in Phinda

All of &Beyond's Phinda lodges are in different locations, and Phinda Rock Lodge is no exception. Here, six Mexican adobe-style buildings perch dramatically on a rocky cliff, each completely private with world-class accommodation. Guests have exclusive views across the lush bushveld vegetation in the valley below and the wildlife that roams the untamed surrounding slopes. This is Big Five country, with lots to see, from the largest mammals to the smallest antelope, and good birding. Explore on game drives, foot safaris or seasonally by boat, track black rhino or see Africa's wild cats up close at a rehabilitation centre.

This eco-designed luxury lodge, one of the world's first, is centrally positioned in Phinda Private Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu-Natal. Each of &Beyond's lodges in Phinda have been positioned in a different type of location. Phinda Rock Lodge, for example, is built into a cliff; Vlei Lodge overlooks a wetland. At Phinda Forest Lodge, the setting is a tranquil sand forest. Raised off the ground, with wooden decks and huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the lodge offers incredible views of the torchwood trees and other delights hidden in this unique ecosystem. Expect enthusiastic guiding, lion, rhino, cheetah and excellent birding.

A vlei is a natural pool of water, and this small and intimate lodge located centrally in the Phinda Private Game Reserve stands on the edge of a wetland. Nearby is a sand forest, an increasingly rare ecosystem. Animal viewing is constant, birding is varied and rewarding (look out for the pretty narina trogon), and the stilted lodge provides pampering comfort, good food, smiley staff, knowledgeable guides and lush accommodation. The wildlife ranges from the largest to the smallest, but the star of the show is definitely cheetah, which were reintroduced to the reserve after an absence of 50-odd years.

Poised on the crest of a mountain in Phinda Private Game Reserve is &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge, a lovely construction of stone, thatch and wood tucked between the trees. You'll be lost in the views from both the communal areas and your private suite – the Zululand bushveld and Ubombo mountain range are wild and gorgeous. One of just six lodges in this 28 555-hectare reserve, Phinda Mountain Lodge is not cheap, but it's worth every cent for the lovely accommodation, attention to detail, great staff, exceptional rangers and the chance to see hundreds of animals in their natural environment.

Built around a waterhole that attracts hundreds of animals daily, from elephant, cheetah, lion, wobbly-legged giraffe, antelopes (including kudu) and warthog to snakes and many birds, Phinda Zuka is a heavenly lodge. There are just four cottages tucked into the bush and densely wooded hills, so Zuka is the ideal getaway for a honeymoon party or family groups of up to eight. It's an exclusive-use lodge with a dedicated host and ranger, tracker, butler, chef, and private safari vehicle. This upmarket destination is not cheap, but a visit is worth every cent.

The Homestead is a private, sole-use safari residence that sleeps just eight, so it's perfect for a family or group of friends. Situated in the northern Phinda Private Game Reserve, the lodge blends into the surrounding wilderness and has been designed with an eye for space – the interior and exterior flow to create interactive guest areas. The atmosphere is laid-back, the villa is stylishly chic and fully serviced, and your private tracker will lead you to sightings of more animals and birds than you can imagine – including the Big Five, cheetah and the increasingly rare black rhino.