Has anyone stayed at Phinda?
Jul 28th, 2003, 08:09 PM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lisa,
I stayed at Phinda Forest in May and enjoyed everything about the experience. The Eastern influence in the lodging and the setting in a Sand Forest was perfect...there were nyala and duiker grazing at my steps most day. Hard to describe, really...almost like being in an enchanted forest. Rock Lodge is more upscale, as there are only 6 chalets, as opposed to 16 at Forest. They are at opposite ends of the reserve, as well. After staying at Singita during the same trip, I felt that Phinda Forest gave great value for money. If you are there for 4 or 5 nights, you could always try both! : )
I stayed at Phinda Forest in May and enjoyed everything about the experience. The Eastern influence in the lodging and the setting in a Sand Forest was perfect...there were nyala and duiker grazing at my steps most day. Hard to describe, really...almost like being in an enchanted forest. Rock Lodge is more upscale, as there are only 6 chalets, as opposed to 16 at Forest. They are at opposite ends of the reserve, as well. After staying at Singita during the same trip, I felt that Phinda Forest gave great value for money. If you are there for 4 or 5 nights, you could always try both! : )
Jul 29th, 2003, 12:48 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lisa -
You can't go wrong with either Ebony or Boulders.
We chose Ebony which we felt had a "homey" feel with overstuffed furniture, very colonial. It kind of wrapped itself around us with warmth. Whereas Boulders is more contemporary or modern and I'm not personally excited by modern.
The services at both are excellent as are the rangers and entire staff, and, of course, the meals.
Regardless which you choose, with 3-days, I would suggest you take at least 1-day (even 1/2-day - don't go out ([even have your meals in] till afternoon/eve game drive) to enjoy your "house" - the pool, the outdoor shower, having a massage on your private deck - just relax.
You can't go wrong with either Ebony or Boulders.
We chose Ebony which we felt had a "homey" feel with overstuffed furniture, very colonial. It kind of wrapped itself around us with warmth. Whereas Boulders is more contemporary or modern and I'm not personally excited by modern.
The services at both are excellent as are the rangers and entire staff, and, of course, the meals.
Regardless which you choose, with 3-days, I would suggest you take at least 1-day (even 1/2-day - don't go out ([even have your meals in] till afternoon/eve game drive) to enjoy your "house" - the pool, the outdoor shower, having a massage on your private deck - just relax.
Jul 29th, 2003, 07:28 PM
#6
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lisa: I agree with Sandi's assessment of Singita. You will think you're in heaven at either Ebony or Boulders. Ebony has just completed a health spa and fitness center that is amazing. The food is basically over-the-top. I've never stayed at Boulders, but have only heard rave reviews. Be sure to request dinner in your room one night. I won't spoil the surprises...but it's very, very special.
PattiSue: I'm hoping to travel to Botswana in late-May or early-June 2004.
PattiSue: I'm hoping to travel to Botswana in late-May or early-June 2004.
Jul 30th, 2003, 09:58 AM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Don't be surprised if you discover Singita's a bit of a downer after Phinda Forest Lodge. Always amazed people feel compelled to spend top dollar (excuse, Rand) at Kruger, when lower priced lodges are just as good.
And the agem viewing at Phinda is the best in SA.
Now Botswana, that's what you need to save your money for. What's the expression - taking it over the top.
And the agem viewing at Phinda is the best in SA.
Now Botswana, that's what you need to save your money for. What's the expression - taking it over the top.
Jul 30th, 2003, 01:48 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
smileworld-
Are you referring to the animal population in Botswana or to a particular camp? I sooo love Botswana that I never need to go to South Africa. Its all there plus the Delta. Just to be there I am not too particular about which camp. Just be there!
Thought you might have specific places in mind. Liz
Are you referring to the animal population in Botswana or to a particular camp? I sooo love Botswana that I never need to go to South Africa. Its all there plus the Delta. Just to be there I am not too particular about which camp. Just be there!
Thought you might have specific places in mind. Liz
Jul 31st, 2003, 09:54 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Well, Liz, I'm reluctant to tell too many people about M****, now that you ask. And there are many more, and if I'm fibbing, my name is Bert. And it isn't. You can verify that because his packing list never includes b**** t**. And personally, after a hard day in the Rover, b**** t**, and only b**** t**, is fitting for drinks and dinner, and the wild sounds of the night. As you will be enjoying in the not too distant future. I discovered a small clause that excludes b**** t** from the 12.2!!!! But don't tell the pilot. And watch for the s**k*.
Jul 31st, 2003, 10:35 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
smileworld-
You're over my head. I was referring to your comment "Botswana is over the top". Just wondered if you were referring to the Delta in general, wildlife in general, or some particular camps. If you don't want to share them by name, no problem.
It was just if you were talking about specific places, you could say that you had been to some top secret spots of your own that you don't want to share, or whatever. What is 12.2? I'm just drawing a blank on even dirty words I know that would fit in there. :-> Liz
You're over my head. I was referring to your comment "Botswana is over the top". Just wondered if you were referring to the Delta in general, wildlife in general, or some particular camps. If you don't want to share them by name, no problem.
It was just if you were talking about specific places, you could say that you had been to some top secret spots of your own that you don't want to share, or whatever. What is 12.2? I'm just drawing a blank on even dirty words I know that would fit in there. :-> Liz
Why didn't you tell me. What's 12.2?
Jul 31st, 2003, 06:44 PM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 112
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of Rock lodge in Phinda? I know it's more expensive but is it really worth the money. Will we see better game at Forest due to location? How far are the two lodges apart?
Aug 4th, 2003, 06:41 PM
#15
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 252
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
pattisue: Regarding Botswana, I haven't begun to plan my May '04 trip yet. I'm considering a few days of 'horseback safari' with African Horseback Safari. I've enjoyed my stays at CC Africa concessions on previous trips to South Africa, so I may look to stay with them in Botswana. Seems that Mombo and Jao are a bit pricey. Have you planned a trip and settled on specific places?
Lisa: Keep in mind that Phinda is a fenced game reserve of about 30,000 acres. Therefore, all four lodges will have similar gameviewing experiences. Rock and Forest are about a half hour Rover ride apart. In contrast, reserves in the Sabi Sand (Singita, Londolozi, Mala Mala, etc...) are adjacent to the Kruger National Park, which is the size of Massachusetts! There are no fences between Kruger and these reserves, so the animals are free to roam. However, each game reserve has limited traversing rights. I have always felt the larger the traversing rights, the better chance for a quality experience. Also, many wild game (like the big cats) are territorial, so they do not move a whole lot. Londolozi has something like 28 leopard that call their traversing area home. At Phinda we saw just one sad-looking leopard. However, Phinda has a pride of 14 lions and a HUGE breeding herd of elephants! : ) By visiting both areas, you will have a varied and wonderful experience.
Lisa: Keep in mind that Phinda is a fenced game reserve of about 30,000 acres. Therefore, all four lodges will have similar gameviewing experiences. Rock and Forest are about a half hour Rover ride apart. In contrast, reserves in the Sabi Sand (Singita, Londolozi, Mala Mala, etc...) are adjacent to the Kruger National Park, which is the size of Massachusetts! There are no fences between Kruger and these reserves, so the animals are free to roam. However, each game reserve has limited traversing rights. I have always felt the larger the traversing rights, the better chance for a quality experience. Also, many wild game (like the big cats) are territorial, so they do not move a whole lot. Londolozi has something like 28 leopard that call their traversing area home. At Phinda we saw just one sad-looking leopard. However, Phinda has a pride of 14 lions and a HUGE breeding herd of elephants! : ) By visiting both areas, you will have a varied and wonderful experience.
