Expert Reviews of Phinda Private Game Reserve (6 Reviews)

If you’ve already ticked off the Big Five, at least once, then the mere fact that Phinda harbours elephants, leopards, lions, buffalo and rhino may not be enough to attract you. But there’s a world of difference between seeing these magnificent animals in the drier regions further north and seeing them in Phinda’s lush surroundings.

This famous private reserve reserve encompasses a supremely rich variety of habitats including vivid subtropical woodlands, grasslands, mountains and wetlands, and it lies close to the Indian Ocean coast, making it every bit as interesting to the tree and plant enthusiast in me as to the wildlife enthusiast. Another feature which, to me, makes Phinda stand out is the fact that it’s a great place to see cheetahs and rare antelopes such as nyalas and red duikers.

It’s also a tremendous bonus that it’s owned and managed by &Beyond, a company that is wholeheartedly committed to sustainable tourism and community responsibility.

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Its lodges, though pricey and, in the case of Rock Lodge, a little eccentric (its “hacienda-style” rooms remind me a bit of children’s sandcastles), are comfortable and sympathetic to the environment, and there’s a host of activities on offer.

KwaZulu-Natal’s answer to Sabi Sands is Phinda Game Reserve, an exclusive 230km²/89mi² private reserve. It offers world-class Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) viewing on guided game drives in open 4x4s. The drives are based out of a handful of stylish small lodges that represent the ultimate in safari chic. Phinda seldom disappoints when it comes to the Big Five. While leopard sightings are somewhat erratic, it is one of a handful of African reserves where the endangered black rhino can be tracked down with reasonable ease. It also offers some of the finest cheetah viewing I’ve had anywhere, and all the wildlife is very habituated. Guiding standards are also very high. Although it is the Big Five that attracts most first-time safari-goers, the reserve protects an interesting diversity of more localized habitats. Of note is a tract of rare sand forest, where the secretive suni antelope and red duiker can be seen. Localized birds are also found

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here, such as African broadbill, Narina trogon, Neergard’s sunbird and green twinspot pink-throated twinspot. Birders keen to make the most of this opportunity should book into Forest Lodge. All these species can be seen along the network of footpaths that connect the rooms to the main dining area.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is a renowned &Beyond property located in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal. It offers wildlife-viewing experiences that rival those of the prestigious Sabi Sand Nature Reserve. Unlike Sabi Sand, however, Phinda is fully fenced and not part of a greater ecosystem. Early morning and afternoon game drives focus on tracking lions, elephants, rhinos and buffalo, with leopard sightings being more occasional. For me, the reserve’s incredible cheetah encounters more than make up for any missed leopards.

The quality of guiding at Phinda is exceptional. Guides are knowledgeable, passionate and skilled at finding both the large mammals and the smaller, often-overlooked species. Bird enthusiasts are also well catered for, as the diverse habitats – from grasslands to wetlands and rare sand forest – attract a wide variety of species.

Phinda offers six independently operated &Beyond lodges, each with its own unique style and setting. All provide

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the highest standard of service, gourmet meals and comfortable accommodations. My personal favorite is Forest Lodge, nestled in a rare sand forest. This intimate lodge feels secluded and special, and it is home to unusual wildlife, including the diminutive suni antelope darting through the undergrowth. Birdlife is abundant here, with many rare and interesting species to spot for dedicated birders.