Overview–southafrica

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Phinda is Kwazulu Natal's best private game reserve. It is on par with some of the best reserves in the popular Sabi Sands near Kruger National Park, except that it is fully fenced and thus not part of a greater ecosystem. All of the Big Five are easily spotted. The reserve's flagship species is cheetah and sightings of this gracious cat are unsurpassed.

Best Time to Visit

Phinda offers great wildlife viewing throughout the year, but the best months are during winter (May to September). During this time, animals are more easily spotted while they convene at permanent water sources, and the dry conditions cause the bush to recede. During the wet summer months, heavy rain can make off-road driving limited which can have an impact on animal sightings.

May to September –Dry Season – Winter

Animals are easily spotted as they gather at water sources and the vegetation thins
Most days are sunny and clear
Morning game drives in open vehicles are very cold
Dust and haze is prevalent

October to April –Wet Season – Summer

Abundant foliage and lush landscapes
Baby animals can be seen
Migratory birds make for prime birding
Animals are easier to spot during the dry months
It is very hot and humid
Off-road driving may be limited after heavy rain

Scenery

Four different lodges have been positioned to experience the different habitats within the park. Forest Lodge is set deep in the heart of the rare, dry sand forest, while Mountain Lodge looks out over the reserve from the top of a koppie. Vlei Lodge overlooks the vast wetland, and Rock Lodge sits suspended over a deep valley below.

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Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: May to September (Dry season)

High Season

From: None (Higher rates apply during school holidays)

Size

From: 230km² / 89mi²

Wildlife & Animals

Phinda is a fully enclosed game reserve. This makes sightings of all flagship species including the Big Five and cheetah very easy. Both black and white rhinos are present and regularly spotted, although the black rhino is less often. The beautiful nyala is the most common antelope. Night drives offer an opportunity to see nocturnal species such as porcupine and genet.

Wildlife Highlights

Phinda is famous for its quality cheetah sightings. Smaller creatures to look out for are the shy red duiker found scurrying around in the forest undergrowth and, the smallest of all antelope, the tiny suni. A boat trip on the Mzinene River offers close encounters with big Nile crocodiles.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The best time for wildlife viewing in Phinda is during the dry months of June to September. The end of the Dry season, from August to September, is an especially nice time since temperatures are higher than in mid-winter and animals are easier to find because they congregate around predictable water sources.

General Wheather

Phinda Game Reserve, being in the southern hemisphere, has a winter and summer that occur at opposite times as in Europe and North America. Winter is from May to September and summer is from October to April. Phinda’s climate is subtropical and the Wet season falls during the hot and humid summer months. Winters are dry and characterized by cool nights and pleasantly warm days.

Dry Season –May to September – Winter

Although occasional showers can occur due to the park’s closeness to the coast, there is very little rain during winter. The heat is more bearable than during summertime, and the skies are sunny and clear.

May – As average temperatures cool to 13°C/55°F in the morning and 27°C/81°F in the afternoon, the summer comes to an end. Rains decrease, along with the humidity.
June, July & August – Afternoon temperatures are pleasant at around 24°C/75°F. At night, the average drops to 12°C/54°F, causing mornings to be rather cold. It is essential to bring warm clothing.
September – This month means a rise in temperatures, averaging 26°C/79°F during the day. Mornings are warmer at around 16°C/61°F. Rains begin, often in the form of thundershowers.

Wet Season –October to April – Summer

Afternoon thunderstorms are typical during the hot, humid summer, but it seldom rains all day.

October & November – It sometimes rains all day and regularly rains during the afternoon. Temperatures average between 18°C/64°F in the morning and 28°C/82°F in the afternoon.
December, January & February – It rains almost every day, but mostly in the form of afternoon storms. The average daytime temperature is 32°C/90°F, although it can climb much higher. The morning has more pleasant temperatures of around 19°C/66°F.
March & April – There is less rain and humidity. Afternoon temperatures fall to a more bearable level, averaging 31°C/88°F. Mornings are a comfortable 17°C/63°F.

Prons

Excellent wildlife viewing with all of the Big Five present
Open-vehicle game drives with top guides
Night drives and walking safaris are available
Several luxury lodges belonging to the &Beyond group
Birding is superb, especially from Forest Lodge

Cons

Only very expensive, fully inclusive packages are available
Fenced environments less authentic than in large ecosystems

How To Get There

Phinda Game Reserve is located about 300km/180 mi north of Durban. You can rent a car in Durban and the drive takes about 4 hours*.

Most visitors to South Africa fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. It is also possible to fly to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban.

The most convenient way to get to Phinda is with Federal Airlines, which operates daily scheduled flights directly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Phinda’s private airstrip.

You can also take a flight to Richards Bay Airport (RCB) from either Johannesburg or Durban, followed by a transfer to the lodge. The road transfer takes about 1½ hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Airlines & Ticket Prices

Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to South Africa, and what tickets would cost.

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Domestic Flights

Charter and regular domestic flights are usually booked by your tour operator. Scheduled domestic flights can also be booked directly with the following carriers: