Phinda Private Game Reserve
Phinda Private Game Reserve is known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of activities. Thanks to its coastal rainfall pattern, Phinda enjoys a lush green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems. It is a big 5 reserve (with black rhino)
Phinda Private Game Reserve Highlights
Phinda Private Game Reserve consists of a remarkable 23 000 hectares (56 800 acres) of pristine African wilderness in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The reserve promises one of the continent's best game viewing experiences including Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), endangered black rhino, and 415 bird species.
Phinda is described as "Seven Worlds of Wonder", with its seven distinct habitats - a magnificent tapestry of woodland, grassland, wetland and forest, interspersed with mountain ranges, river-courses, marshes and pans waiting to be discovered.
- Situated between the Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Phinda comprises 14 000 ha of prime conservation land.
- Home to the Big Five and over 380 bird species, while the marine diversity off the nearby coast of Sodwana is said to rival the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
- In addition to game drives, there are thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach.
Phinda Vlei Lodge is an elegant and exclusive lodge whose stilted suites of thatch, teak and glass overlook Phinda’s unique ’vlei ’ or pan system at the edge of the forest. Enjoy twice daily game drives, interpretive bush walks on the rare dry sand forest and boat cruises on the Mzinene River.
Phinda Mountain Lodge invites guests to observe the serenity of the South African wilderness from private decks, surrounded by the indigenous trees and shrubbery of the pristine Zululand bushveld. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served in the dramatic boma, illuminated by dozens of candles and lanterns.
How to Get there
Phinda Private Game Reserve offers easy access from most major towns in South Africa. Sun Safaris can arrange the desired mode of transport depending on budget. The quickest and most convenient way to get to Phinda is by air. Federal Air operates a light aircraft flight directly from Johannesburg to Phinda, which is available on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Alternatively, guests can fly to Richard's Bay from either Johannesburg or Durban. A light aircraft shuttle service operates between Richard's Bay and Phinda. Should guests choose to travel to Phinda from Richard's Bay by road, it will be a comfortable drive of approximately two hours. Sun Safaris will make the necessary arrangements and provide maps and directions upon booking.
Phinda Private Game Reserve Game Viewing and Activities
Phinda Private Game Reserve offers an incredible diversity of game. Predators like cheetah, leopard and lion are tracked on a daily basis and guests stand a good chance of seeing them. The territorial white rhino favour waterholes and wallows.
Herds of elephant and buffalo move throughout the reserve and are easily spotted. Impressive nyala antelope feed alongside impala and warthog. Nocturnal aardvark, bushpig and greater bushbaby may be encountered on night game drives. Mountain reedbuck resides on rocky slopes, while common reedbuck favours palmveld and wetlands.
Tonga red squirrels are restricted to Sand Forest where tiny suni and red duiker are most abundant. The bird life is prolific and an impressive 415 species have recorded in the area.
