Guests can look forward to exciting game-drives in open 4x4 safari vehicles led by experienced rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as thrilling optional activities on the water, in the air and on the beach.

• Seven diverse habitats
• Seven intimate safari lodges
• Exhilarating Walking Safaris
• Exceptional African Big Five game viewing
• Game-drives in open 4x4 vehicles
• Excellent Birdwatching and Leopard Research Safaris
• Thrilling beach and bush adventures
• Winner of prestigious ecotourism awards

Seven intimate safari lodges

Phinda is world-renowned for its exclusive and unique safari accommodation situated in one of Africa's most ecologically diverse regions. Its splendid lodges capture the magical flair of the African bush, offering guests a unique safari experience never to be forgotten.

Phinda Forest Lodge

Exquisite architectural design meets conservation in these luxurious hand-crafted suites. Set deep in the heart of a rare dry Sand Forest, the Lodge comprises 16 private stilted suites, a sparkling rim-flow swimming pool, luxurious dining and sitting areas, and expansive viewing decks with panoramic views of the game-filled plains.

Phinda Mountain Lodge

Superior views of the beautiful mountain scenery are the special feature of this ethnically inspired bush lodge. 20 private suites feature spacious en suite bathrooms, sitting areas and spectacular viewing decks. Between exciting game-drives, birdwatch from the pooldeck, or simply relax in the Lodge’s comfortable sitting area with its great vaulted ceiling and enormous fireplace.

Phinda Vlei Lodge

A sophisticated blend of teak, timber, Eastern and African influences, Vlei Lodge offers discerning travellers an elegant lodge of understated luxury. It comprises six thatched suites with en suite bathrooms, dressing rooms, private plunge pools and decks which overlook the vlei (wetland system) where you’re likely to observe herds of grazing antelope, zebra and a dazzling variety of birdlife.

Phinda Rock Lodge

An air of romance and intimacy characterises this superb lodge, which is tucked away in an unrivalled location between rocks, mountains and the bush. This unique lodge comprises six stone and adobe suites with en suite bathrooms, private sitting areas, decks and plunge pools offering unrivalled views of the valley below.

Phinda Zuka Lodge

Overlooking a busy waterhole, this exclusive-use Lodge is perfect for family gatherings and special occasion safaris. Comprising just four thatched Zululand bush cottages, Phinda Zuka Lodge features a private ranger/host, tracker, butler and chef and sole use of a 4x4 safari vehicle – allowing guests to tailormake every minute of their day.

Phinda Getty House 

An intimate family lodge, perfect for family celebrations and special occasion safaris. An interactive kitchen allows for intimate, informal dining, and a rim-flow infinity pool provides for respite from the heat of the day.

CC Africa’s Phinda Private Game Reserve Safari Activities

Twice-daily game-drives - Enjoy exceptional Big Five game viewing in open 4x4 safari vehicles with experienced rangers and Zulu trackers.

Interpretive Bush Walks - Learn more about the traditional uses and the legends surrounding indigenous trees and shrubs, as well as how to identify tracks and see rare birds on walks led by armed rangers and trackers.


Mzinene River Canoeing - Catch sight of some of Phinda’s incredible birdlife while paddling along the river - flanked by lush riverine forest with huge fever and sycamore fig trees – in a sturdy canoe.

Mzinene Riverboat Cruise - Watch a magnificent sunrise or sunset while enjoying a leisurely cruise along the Mzinene River in Phinda’s riverboat. See some of the 200 or more waterbirds, as well as crocodiles and hippos lazing about.

White Rhino Tracking - Set off with your professional armed ranger and tracker in a 4x4 safari vehicle, searching for fresh signs of white rhino activity. When tracks are found, experience the quiet thrill of tracking white rhino on foot.

Flight of the Fish Eagle - Experience a breathtaking 60-minute flight over the diverse Maputaland wilderness of scenic pans, coastal lakes, bushveld, densely vegetated dunes and wildlife, and spot whales, whalesharks, dolphins and turtles in the magnificent Indian Ocean.

Scuba Safaris - A 15-minute flight and short drive takes you to one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. Diving the reefs of Sodwana Bay allows you to experience a portrait of marine diversity, with approximately 1200 species of fish and spectacular coral formations. (Can be combined with Maputaland Beach Adventures)

Deep-sea Fishing - Fly to Sodwana Bay – a fisherman’s paradise inside a Marine Reserve – where a short drive takes you to your 25-foot sport fishing boat rigged for bill (marlin and sailfish), game (barracuda, yellowfin tuna and kingfish) and shark fishing. Phinda supports ‘catch-and-release’ procedures for deep-sea fishing.

Maputaland Beach Adventures - A 15-minute flight and a short drive in a specially designed 4x4 beach vehicle takes you to the beautiful beach at Jesser Point. Depending on the tides, you will be driven to a secluded spot where you can enjoy snorkelling, swimming, or simply sunning on the endless beach, as well as a delicious picnic.

Beach Horse Riding - A 45-minute drive from Phinda takes you to the beach for an exhilarating one-hour ride followed by a scrumptious picnic snack. (Can be combined with Maputaland Beach Adventures)

False Bay Horse Riding - Enjoy the unmatched delight of riding well-schooled horses through False Bay Nature Reserve. A 1.5 hour ride takes you through the rare Dry Sand Forest habitat and along the picturesque False Bay lakeside. After the ride, relax and enjoy a delightful picnic snack while the horses rest at the water’s edge.

Night Turtle Drives (seasonal) - A 45-minute drive from Phinda takes you to meet your beach ranger who will show you the wonders of the beach at night. In season, loggerhead turtles and gigantic leatherback turtles make the strenuous trail up the beach to lay their eggs - a humbling experience. Depending on the tides, you will either enjoy snacks, drinks and hot toddies on the beach or a delicious surfside supper.

Isikolethu (“Our Culture”) Community Experience - Experience the wonders and diversity of the Zulu culture while exploring the Mduku, Mnqobokazi and Nibela rural communities surrounding the Reserve. Guests will depart after breakfast at 10h00, enjoying visits to Macebo crèche, the Sangoma (witch doctor), Ngubane Homestead and Mdluli Ancestoral Home. After an action-packed morning, guests will return to Phinda in time for a late lunch and their afternoon game-drive.

Phinda’s seven distinct habitats are home to an incredible diversity of South African wildlife:

• Abundant wildlife populations, including the Big Five
  
• Threatened African wildlife species such as rhino and cheetah
  
• Over 380 bird species – three endemic to the region
  
• Rare Sand Forest contains numerous rare and endemic species
  
• Highly endangered sea turtles breed on the beaches nearby (Nov-Jan)
  
• Home to Southern Africa’s only member of the cactus family
  
• Exposed fossil sites reveal former seabed
  
• Dynamic model in wise land management and profitable conservation
  

Phinda Private Game Reserve wildlife habitats - The unique dry Sand Forest is characterised by newtonia, umzithi, pteliopsis and Zulu podberry trees with abundant epiphytic orchids and Africa’s only cactus species (Rhipsalis). Mixed bushveld savanna is dominated by acacia trees, with different species thriving on clay or sandy soils.

Mammals at Phinda Private Game Reserve - Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to an incredible diversity of mammals. Predators like cheetah, leopard and lion are tracked on a daily basis and visitors stand extremely good chances of seeing them. The territorial white rhino favour waterholes and wallows. Herds of elephant and buffalo move throughout the reserve and are easily spotted.

Birds at Phinda Private Game Reserve - An impressive 378 species are recorded. Rudd’s apalis, Neergaard’s sunbird and pink-throated twinspot are endemic to the Maputaland region. Lemon-breasted canary, southern banded snake-eagle and grey waxbill are characteristic of the coastal plain. Among resident birds in the Sand Forest are Narina trogon, African broadbill and square-tailed drongo. Trumpeter hornbill, white-eared barbet and golden-rumped tinkerbird gather at ripe figs.

Other African wildlife - More than 80 species of butterfly have been recorded with mamba swordtail, forest king charaxes and gold-banded forester (opposite) among the more impressive. Marshlands beat to the sound of calling frogs after summer downpours with Argus reed-frog, red-legged kassina and sharp-nosed grass-frog among the 37 recorded species.