Blessed with seven distinct ecosystems, Phinda Private Game Reserve is amongst the most iconic safari destinations in South Africa. Situated between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the Mkuze Game Reserve in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, it covers 170 sq kilometres of land.
The stunningly beautiful and diverse ecosystems include grasslands, marshes, mountain ranges, pans, rivers, wetlands & forests and woodlands. The park’s name ‘Phinda’ comes from the Zulu word whose strong symbolic meaning ‘the Return’ highlights the park’s re-introduction process.
A brief history of Phinda will help you understand why they had to re-introduce wildlife to the park.
Before the establishment of the Phinda Private Game Reserve, the land was neglected farmland and lacked any substantial wildlife. The neglected farmland was bought up and restored to its initial wild glory by &Beyond – an eco-tourism company that has developed a low impact tourism model which facilitates local economic growth.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is known to many as a land of discovery. Apart from its unique eco-friendly management style, the seven distinct ecosystems and healthy wildlife numbers it is home to two rare tiny antelope species – red duiker and suni – whose sightings anywhere other than Phinda are a rare occurrence. It is also well-known for its large populations of the endangered black rhino and vulnerable cheetah.
After the successful reintroduction of several original species, &Beyond has time and again actively implemented conservation and rehabilitation efforts for wildlife on the brink of extinction.
One such instance is pangolin rehabilitation and research. In the last few decades, the Temminck’s ground pangolin experienced a localised extinction, so &Beyond partnered with the African Pangolin Working Group to reverse the pangolin extinction, the results of which can be seen in the growing pangolin population.
Another instance of conservation in action is the rhino conservation program. Phinda Private Game Reserve may boast a healthy population of rhino, but desperate measures had to be implemented to protect them against poachers. &Beyond decided to de-horn the rhinos, which can decrease the risk of poaching. &Beyond hasn’t shied away from answering questions, such as how dehorning the rhinos might affect their life. The rhino conservation efforts also involve a Live Show.
For wildlife viewing, May to September is the best time to visit Phinda Game Reserve. These winter months have sparse vegetation, making it easier to spot the animals that gather around the perennial water sources. Summer arrives after these dry months bringing torrential rains that make driving off-road an impossibility, thereby reducing the chances of animal sightings.
Not unlike the numerous national parks in South Africa, November to April is the best time for bird watching. It is the time when large flocks of migratory birds arrive at the Phinda Game Reserve and its surrounding national parks/game reserves.
You must be logged in to submit a review.
JOIN to get fantastic deals, leave reviews and be part of our safari community.
JOIN our safari community to connect with travellers looking for wildlife experiences. Display your best trips and get direct referrals from SafariDeal.com
Please read our collaboration agreement for travel and itinarary partners on the SafariDeal platform.