Phinda Private Game Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve is located between the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and the St Lucia Wetland Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal. It is 28,555 hectares (70,560 acres) and spans seven unique ecosystems. Home to the Big 5; as well as 436 bird species. It has impressive populations of black rhino, white rhino, and cheetah. Phinda is not only a luxury destination. It is also a dynamic working model in creative wildlife conservation.

Phinda is often compared equally to Sabi Sand Game Reserve. You can expect one of the best safaris at any of the Phinda Lodges.

There are now six diverse luxury all inclusive safari lodges within the Phinda Reserve:
Forest, Vlei, Rock, Mountain, Zuka Lodges, and Phinda Homestead; the sole use safari villa.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is a Big Five safari destination that will steal your heart. Equally on a romantic getaway or traveling with as a group. The lodges offer spacious private suites, some of the best views in the world; plus access to a selection of unique adventure safaris.

Phinda Private Game Reserve Safari Activities

Enjoy twice daily game drives that set off early in the morning or late in the afternoon (continuing after nightfall). All in the company of expert safari guides and local trackers; who will do their best to ensure that all your wishes are met.

In addition to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo); each safari features an iconic set of wildlife and some of KwaZulu Natal’s endemic species. Which you won’t encounter anywhere else in South Africa. You will also be spoiled for choice in the range of awe inspiring landscapes. Venture through the seven distinct ecosystems of &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Often referred to as Seven Worlds of Wonder. This fascinating variety of landscape and vegetation shelters an abundance of wildlife. These include rarer and less easily spotted species. Such as the elusive cheetah or the scarce black rhino. The sand forest is home to the shy Suni and the rare red duiker. These two tiny antelope are seldom encountered elsewhere. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park also boasts an extraordinary array of habitats. From mountainous regions and grasslands to flourishing forests and wetlands.

Phinda offers fantastic safaris - rhino and lion — Rhino and lion

Walking safaris

Included in the rate is either a 1 hour nature walk or a Big 5 walking safari. Walking safaris allow you to see the little 5. The Elephant Shrew, Ant Lion, Rhinoceros Beetle, Buffalo Weaver, and Leopard Tortoise.

andBeyond Phinda walking safari — Phinda walking safari

Nothing quite encapsulates the feeling of viewing wildlife on foot. Encounter a variety of plains game; from a safe distance. And be enchanted by the reserve’s smaller inhabitants. This one hour activity is also fantastic for keen birders and photographic enthusiasts. Your guides have a wealth of experience. And will not only introduce you to the region’s fantastic fauna but its vast array of flora too. For any safari addict. This is definitely a bucket list adventure that will keep you coming back for more!

Phinda Birding Safari — White-fronted bee-eater

Led by an expertly trained ranger and tracker team; a big game viewing walk offers the chance to track and view certain Big Five animals on foot. Done in such a way that the animals never know that you are there. This is to ensure an undisturbed natural experience viewing these creatures in their natural habitat. While ensuring safety, as they never feel threatened by your presence. The age restriction for this adventure is 16 years and above.

Activities At An Additional Cost ↓

Phinda Private Game Reserve Adventures

Choose from a range of exciting Phinda Adventures such as;
Specialist walking and tracking safaris and other participation conservation experiences such as rhino notching, elephant collaring, or Pangolin tagging.
Specialist safaris focus on special interests; such as; birding, photography, family, and private safaris.

A night under the stars – Sleep out

Enjoy a leisurely afternoon game drive and arrive at a romantic and magical setting in the middle of the bush. Comfortable beds with duvets and warm blankets draped with billowing mosquito nets. Inviting chairs surrounding a blazing campfire and twinkling lanterns hanging from the trees will greet you. Recreate the day’s adventures around the fireside and enjoy the distinct night sounds of Africa. Fall asleep under a starry sky to the sound of hyena calling in the distance. Secure in the knowledge that an armed guard will patrol the site throughout the night. Please note this is a supplement in addition to the accommodation booked.

Phinda sleep out under the stars — Sleep out under the stars

Also on offer within easy access; just outside of the reserve; are Zulu village tours or community visits.

Night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, or an incredible ocean safari in Sodwana Bay. See the Zulu Kingdom for more info on Sodwana Bay, Tembe, Lake Sibaya, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park; that offers you a host of marine life sightings.

Kwa-Zulu Natal diving - Turtle — Diving – Turtle

Phinda diving and snorkeling — Phinda Ocean safari

A Maputaland exploration to visit either Tembe Elephant Park and Lake Sibaya. Or iSimangaliso Wetland Park with a boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary. Or a birding safari in the lush forests of Dlinza and Ngoye and Mtunzini.

Best Time To Visit Phinda Private Game Reserve

A subtropical climate with hot, humid, and wet summers; from September until April. Warm to cool and dry winters from May until August. Phinda Private Game Reserve is great to visit throughout the year. Although game viewing from March to the end of September is probably the most optimal.

Rainfall averages 1 000 mm/39” per year. Much of the rainfall comes in the form of short, intense afternoon thundershowers. However, rain can be expected throughout the year.

Getting to Phinda Private Game Reserve

Most of our clients fly into Phinda and we can assist with these flights. Or, fly to Durban (with a three and a hour transfer). Or preferably Richards Bay (with a two hour transfer). If you want to hire a car, it is:
Johannesburg to Phinda: 600km (about 6 hours 30 minutes)
Durban to Phinda: 330km (about 3 hours 30 minutes)

From Phinda, it is also possible to link to Kruger National Park with scheduled flights. From here you can connect to Vilanculos (Mozambique) or Victoria Falls.