Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses an impressive 23 000 hectares (56 800 acres) of prime wilderness land in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Showcasing one of the continent's finest game viewing experiences Phinda features Africa's Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino), endangered black rhino, and 415 bird species.

Situated within close proximity of the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Phinda is also located within easy reach of the iSimangaliso/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a lush conservation area that has earned World Heritage Site status. With unspoiled beaches and spectacular reefs nearby, and an abundance of wildlife, Phinda offers guests the perfect bush and beach adventure.

Phinda, with its seven distinct habitats, is home to six equally unique lodges that have been designed to complement the different habitats perfectly. Forest Lodge enjoys the dappled shade deep in the heart of a rare, dry sand forest, while Mountain Lodge boasts remarkable views out over the Reserve. Vlei Lodge, on the edge of the forest, overlooks the vast wetland, and Rock Lodge sits suspended over a deep valley below.

Phinda is also home to two sole-use safari villas, Zuka Lodge and The Homestead. Luxurious and intimate, these villas are the perfect "home away from home" for families or small groups of friends sharing a safari together.

PHINDA FOREST LODGE: Set deep in the heart of a rare and beautiful dry sand forest, Phinda's Forest Lodge is a mass of exquisite contradiction. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls invite the forest inside, while the dense tree canopy shelters and provides privacy. Floating on stilts above the forest floor while tiny duiker graze below, 16 Zulu Zen suites blend into the dappled shade.

PHINDA MOUNTAIN LODGE: With wraparound views of the ancient Ubombo mountain range, Phinda's Mountain Lodge balances majestically above its beautiful surroundings. The 25 suites scattered along the mountainside offer complete privacy and luxury.

PHINDA ROCK LODGE: Carved into the rocky mountainside facing spectacular Leopard Rock, Phinda's Rock Lodge offers complete seclusion, suspended in air over the deep valley below. Six stone and adobe suites burrow into the heart of the Cliffside, with solid wooden shutters and doors opening up onto a private viewing deck and plunge pool balanced on the very edge of a breathtaking precipice.

PHINDA VLEI LODGE: At the edge of the Reserve's unique vlei (wetland) system at the edge of the sand forest, Phinda's Vlei Lodge offers an intimate safari experience, with elegant and gracious spaces designed for quiet contemplation of the African wilderness. The six elegant thatched suites look out onto an ever-changing parade of animals on the open vlei.

PHINDA ZUKA LODGE: Cradled in a valley and surrounded by densely wooded hills studded with aloes, sole-use Zuka Lodge embodies cool, coastal bush style. Four thatched ensuite cottages cluster around a central guest area with an open, interactive kitchen, a large wooden dining table for friends and family, and a cosy fireplace for evening gatherings.

THE HOMESTEAD: In this exclusive private safari villa, the beauty of Africa's wide open spaces is brought right indoors. Large sliding doors in four luxurious suites let in breathtaking vistas. Personal touches and the warmth of a dedicated team of staff, including a private ranger, tracker, butler and chef, bring renowned African hospitality to life.

Your stay at Phinda is all-inclusive, covering 3 meals a day, afternoon tea and all drinks and snacks while on game drives.

Return to your lodge after an early morning game drive for a delicious breakfast, with platters of fruit and cheese followed by a selection of hot breakfast dishes. Choose from eggs, oats, waffles or a number of other options. After an equally scrumptious lunch and afternoon tea, dinner is a mouthwatering event waiting for you at your lodge's boma or in a surprising bush location.

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, rivercourses, marshes and pans waiting to be discovered. The Reserve is also home to 1 000 hectares of Africa's remaining rare dry sand forest.

Phinda is home to an abundance of wildlife, from the largest mammals to the smallest antelope. However, it is the faster of predators that has a special place here. Having reintroduced cheetah to the area after an absence of over 50 years, Phinda has quickly established a reputation as one of the best places to view and photograph these rare cats.

Along with cheetah, lion and leopard are tracked on the reserve on a daily basis and guests have a high likelihood of encountering these magnificent animals. Another success story at Phinda is that of both the white and the more endangered black rhino. Brought back from the brink of extinction, both the grass-eating white rhino and the shrub-grazing black rhino are thriving at Phinda.

The elegant nyala antelope is a frequent sight, with the Reserve boasting one of the highest densities of the species. With its dark brown coat, yellow legs, shaggy mane and bushy tail, the male nyala is particularly spectacular, while the female contents itself with a less flashy chestnut coat. The rare sand forest in the northern parts of Phinda is the perfect environment for some of the rarer smaller species. The shy red duiker is found grazing on fallen leaves and fruit and the tiny suni, one of the smallest antelope species, may also be seen.

Guided twice daily game drives - conducted in an open air safari vehicle in the early morning and late afternoon / evening and accompanied by an armed ranger and Zulu tracker.

Interpretive bush walks - a leisurely walk within easy reach of your lodge to take in the sights, smells and sounds of the African bush, accompanied by an armed ranger.

Mzinene River canoeing - coast smoothly down the Mzinene River in a sturdy canoe disturbed only by the dipping of your oars and the occasional splash of a water bird. Take in the riverine vegetation and the local bird life, and, if you're lucky, your quiet approach might earn you a choice wildlife sighting as the animals come down to drink.

Mzinene River boat cruise - glide down the river at sunrise or sunset, watching the smaller denizens of the bush perform their morning or evening rituals. Listen to birdsong chiming from the surrounding trees and watch the lazy splashes of hippo or crocodile as they wake from their slumber or settle down at the end of a busy day.

Additional Activities:

• Hour-long scenic flights
• Beach adventure / Scuba safaris
• Zulu cultural tour
• Turtle Drive
• Black rhino tracking.

Phinda is the ideal location for exclusive company getaways and incentive trips.

The fully-inclusive rates for Phinda Private Game Reserve are quoted per person per night sharing except for Zuka Lodge and The Homestead, where the rate quoted is per villa per night depending on the number of guests.

Included in rates:

• Accommodation
• Three meals daily
• Soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers
• Teas and coffees
• Refreshments on game drives
• Laundry
• Scheduled safari activities
• Nature walks (1 hour) accompanied by experienced armed trackers, subject to availability
• Emergency medical evacuation insurance
• VAT
• Transfers to and from the airstrip.

Please note:

• Rates are quoted per person per night sharing except for our sole-use safari villas, where the rate quoted is per villa per night depending on the number of guests in each villa.
• Rates quoted above for Phinda Zuka Lodge and The Homestead are based on 1 - 4 guests, please contact us for the 5 - 8 guest rate.
• No single supplement is charged for the first two single rooms of a booking. Any additional rooms will be levied with a 50% supplement.
• All pricing is indicative and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
• Please enquire about frequent special offers.