Overview
The Phinda Game Reserve and the 7 luxury safari lodges therein is widely regarded as the best game reserve in KwaZulu - Natal.
Why Go:
- Home to the Big Five
- Open-vehicle expeditions available
- Excellent wildlife viewing
- Night and morning game drives
- Authentic African safari with amazing guides
- Wide choice of lodging options with flexible pricing
Wildlife
Phinda Private Game Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife animals including the well known African Big 5. Guests can be sure to spot the entire Big 5 and over 380 bird species on the safari game drives.
More About the WildlifeScenery
The Phinda Private Game Reserve has four lodges, which are carefully positioned to enhance the experience of the visitors in different habitats of the reserve. The famous Forest Lodge is located in the heart of the sandy forest, whereas the mountain lodge gives the best view of the reserve from the peak of the koppie. The Vlei Lodge is located in the wetland and the rock ledge is located over the valley.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Phinda Private Game Reserve is during the season of dry winter, which ranges from the month of May till the month of September. During the winter season, the Phinda Private Game reserve experiences drought-like conditions and therefore the animals gather near the permanent water sources. This makes it easier for the visitors to spot them. While during the wet season of summer the visitors can experience heavy rain fall during the afternoon.
More About the Best Time to VisitWeather & Climate
The temperature around the summer period in Phinda Game Reserve is extremely hot and humid with plenty of afternoon thunderstorms. However, the winter season is known for being dry and dusty.
More About the Weather and ClimateWildlife & Animals
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. Impressive nyala antelope feed alongside impala and warthog. Nocturnal aardvark, bushpig and greater bushbaby may be encountered on exciting night game-drives. Mountain reedbuck dwell on rocky slopes, while common reedbuck favour palmveld and wetlands.
Elephant
Common
Giraffe
Common
Hippo
Occasional
Buffalo
Common
Zebra
Common
Wildebeest
Common
White Rhino
Common
Black Rhino
Rare
Lion
Common
Leopard
Common
Cheetah
Common
Hyena
Common
Wild Dog
Rare
Wildlife highlights
The most attractive feature of the Phinda Private Game reserve is the number of cheetahs, which makes their spotting easy. The visitors can even spot red duiker, which is known for its shy nature and the tiny suri, which are the smallest antelope species. During the boat trip, the visitors can spot the big Nile crocodiles in the river Mzinene.Best time for wildlife viewing
The ideal time to spot these wildlife creatures in Phinda is the dry winter season, which ranges from the month of June until the month of September. The end of August and September is the best time as the weather is pleasant and it is easier to spot the animals in mid-winter season.Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to GoMay to September
(Dry season) - High SeasonNone
(Higher rates apply during school holidays)
May to September
Dry season
None
Higher rates apply during school holidays
None
Lower rates apply outside school holidays
April to May
Mild weather and little rain
September to October
Mild weather and little rain
December to February
Hot and humid
May to September
- Dry Season – Winter- The days are clear yet sunny
- It is easier to spot Animals as they gather near the permanent water sources
October to April
- Wet Season – Summer- The landscape is beautiful and green
- The visitors can witness many newborn baby animals
- The visitors can even spot migratory birds
Weather & Climate
The Phinda Private Game reserve is located in the southern hemisphere and therefore it experiences the seasons at the opposite time if compared to the seasons of Europe and Northern America. The reserve experiences a dry winter season from the month of May till the month of September. While the winters in Phinda Private Game Reserve occurs from the month of October till the month of April.Climate Chart
- 48-112m / 157-367ft© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.
Dry Winter Season
During the dry winter season, Phinda Private Game reserves will rarely experience any rainfall. However, the humidity is very low and heat is much bearable during the winter period.
- May The average temperature during the month of May reduces to 14°C/57°F low and a high of 26°C/79°F. The frequency of rainfall is minimalized along with a reduction in the humidity level.
- June, July & August During June, July and August, the temperature further drops to 25°C/77°F high and a low of11°C/52°F. The visitors are recommended to bring warm clothes for morning or evening game drives.
- September During the month of September, the temperature starts to rise again with an average high of 27°C/81°F and a low of 15°C/59°F.
Wet Summer Season
During the wet summer season, the Phinda Private Game reserve experiences afternoon thunderstorms accompanied by hot and humid environment.
- October & November During the month of October and November, the visitors can experience rainfalls during the afternoon. The temperature during this period stays around a low of 18°C/64°F and a high of 28°C/82°F.
- December, January & February The visitors will experience downpours every day but it won’t rain all day long. The average temperature will remain around 31°C/88°F high and a low of 20°C/68°F.
- March & April The months of March and April are pleasant, as the rainfall will decrease along with the humidity level. The temperature during this period will remain at a high of 29°C/84°F and a low of 18°C/64°F.
Getting There
The location of Phinda Private Game reserve may not be ideal for the visitors as it is at a distance of 350Km from Durban city. However, the trip is worthwhile as open vehicle game drives and all the other activities are included in the entry fees of the reserve. Majority of the visitors who are flying to South Africa choose OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) which is located in the beautiful city of Johannesburg. While few other use the Cape Town International Airport (CPT) of the Cape Town city. The guests approaching Phinda Private Game reserve can even fly towards the Shaka International Airport of Durban and use any rent a car service for the rest of their 3 hour drive to the Phinda Private Game reserve. The other alternative for traveling to Phinda Private Game reserve is flying to the Richard Bay Airport (RCB) after which the visitors can take a 2hour road trip to the reserve.Airlines & Ticket Prices
To book your International and local flights, it is best to discuss options with our agents. They will be able to secure best tariffs and match it with your safari dates.
Click on Enquire Now for a free consultation.
Accommodation
Your Budget
Phinda Zuka Lodge From R13300
Phinda Vlei Lodge From R18500
Phinda Homestead From R180000
Phinda Forest Lodge From R16000
Phinda Rock Lodge From R18500
