Phinda Game Reserve Rock Lodge Mountain Lodge Vlei Lodge Forest Lodge Homestead

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Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Game Reserve is the ultimate malaria free safari destination and considered the best safari in the KwaZulu Natal area. With 14 000 hectares of pristine wilderness over seven eco systems, Phinda Game Reserve boasts an abundance of extraordinary wildlife and glamourous accommodation.

Phinda Game Reserve hosts five luxury 5-star lodges on its grounds, each lodge offering a unique experience with standalone suites spread over different areas in the reserve. in the lush rare forest at Phinda forest lodge, to glamorous suits perched high up on the cliffs at Phinda Rock lodge. Phinda Mountain Lodge is the flagship family friendly lodges and has a wide variety of accommodation options, offering 2-bedroonm suites and cottages. Vlei Lodge is lower down in Phinda Game Reserve and is well known for elephants passing by and drinking out of the private plunge pools. last but certainly not least, Phinda Game Reserve offers groups of friends and families an exclusive experience in the Homestead. The Homestead offer guest a private villa style accommodation with complete exclusiveity.

Home to seven eco-systems, the African Big 5, a fascinating variety of wildlife and 436 bird species, a safari of a lifetime awaits. Known for close-up sightings of cheetah and rhino, estuaries and lakes where hippo and crocodile reside and a remarkable WILDChild kids safari program, Phinda Mountain Lodge provides a magnificent wildlife experience for the entire family. Nearby beaches are the breeding ground for Leatherback Turtles and offer guests the opportunity to embark on an ocean safari, snorkelling or scuba diving adventure. With limited vehicle access preventing overcrowding and careful off-roading practices, guests are guaranteed remarkable close-up wildlife encounters. Phinda Mountain Lodge offers guests a variety of other activities including cultural tours, conservation projects, an infrared Night Eye Experience, and turtle hatching expedition in season.

Wildlife:

Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).
The reserve is particularly well known for close-up sightings of the cheetah, as well as the rare black rhino.
Other wildlife include but is not limited to giraffe, zebra, varieties of antelope, hippo, warthog, and hyena and more.
Up to 436 bird species have been recorded in the reserve.

Game Drives:

Game drives are taken in open 4×4 safari vehicles and are accompanied by a ranger, who will share a wealth of knowledge about the animals with you.
The game drives are 3 to 4 hours long and take place twice a day in the morning and afternoon.
Morning game drives are complimented by a coffee stop and a sundowner downer stop in the evening a remote location.
9 seater open safari vehicle (Max. 6 guests per vehicle).

Activities & Facilities:

Game drives
Guided bushwalks
Stargazing
Birdwatching
Restaurant
Swimming pool
Boma (excl. Rock & Vlei)
Spa & Gym (excl. Rock & Vlei)
Viewing deck
Bar & lounge
WildChild children’s programme
Sleepout under the stars
Infrared Night Eye drive
Black Rhino Tracking
Zulu village Tour
Turtle Nesting Adventure (seasonal)
Scuba safaris
Ocean safaris

Highlights:

Phinda Private Game Reserve forms part of the Munywana Conservancy, covering 29,866 hectares of protected land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Seven distinct habitats, a stunning blend of woodland, grassland, wetland, forest, mountains, rivers, marshes, and pans.
Six stunning lodges, each with its own distinct charm and personality.
Outstanding service and exceptional dining experiences.
Exciting Big-5 game drives with game rangers and trackers.
A range of diverse nature activities offering experiences from the bush to the beach.

Location:

The reserve lies between Mkuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in the Zululand region of Northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
KwaZulu Natal lies on South Africa’s warm east coast.

Getting there:

Phinda Private Airstrip is the closest airstrip, Federal Air offers daily scheduled flights directly from Nelspruit to the private airstrip.
The closest commercial airports are Durban (DUR) or Richards Bay (RCB).
Flight time from Cape Town to Durban: 2 hours
Flight time from Johannesburg to Durban: 70 minutes
Flight time from Johannesburg to Richards Bay: 70 minutes
Phinda Game Reserve is a 3.5-hour drive from Durban, and 2 hours from Richards Bay.

Inclusions & Exclusions:

Included: 2 x Game drives per day, guided bushwalks, all meals, soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.
Excluded: Premium branded drinks, conservation levies, airport transfers, and anything of personal nature.

Rates:

The updated rates are displayed for each room category below.
Rates are charged per person, per night.
Single supplement of 50% applicable.
Rates displayed are valid until 10 January 2026.

Special offers:

15% off for +6 nights stays
20% off for +8 nights stays
Long stay discount exclude Jun – Aug
Honeymoon offer includes 50% off one partners accommodation, plus extras.
Honeymoon offer is valid for travel within 6 months of date of marriage.

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Getting to Phinda

By Road

The reserve is a 3.5-hour drive from Durban, 2-hour drive from Richards Bay, or a 7-hour drive from Johannesburg with all routes along the N2 highway. The entrance to the reserve is 22km from the highway.

Flying

Fly from all major centres in South Africa to Durban’s international airport. Flights on selected airlines are available to Richards Bay. Private charters from any location in South Africa can be arranged to the Phinda airstrip.

Flight Duration

Cape Town to Durban: 2 hours
Johannesburg to Durban: 70 minutes