Where to stay in Phinda Private Game Reserve
10 hand-picked glamping camps and lodges in and around the park.
Phinda Rock Lodge
Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Zuka Lodge
Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Forest Lodge
The Homestead at Phinda
Thanda Safari Tented Camp
Thanda Safari Lodge
Leopard Mountain Safari Lodge
Hluhluwe Bush Camp
Phinda Private Game Reserve guide
Overview
Phinda Private Game Reserve lies in northern KwaZulu-Natal, between uMkhuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, close to the Indian Ocean. It was created in 1991 on former farmland that was restored and restocked with wildlife.
Phinda’s name means “the return” in isiZulu, and the reserve is known for its variety of habitats: rare sand forest, wetlands, savanna, woodland and rocky hills, all in a fairly small area.
Phinda is a Big Five reserve and is known for its cheetah and its success with black rhino. Its lodges offer game drives, guided walks and, nearby, trips to the beaches and wetlands of the Elephant Coast.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Big game
Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and both black and white rhino are present. Phinda is one of the best places in South Africa to see cheetah.
Other wildlife
Nyala, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and the tiny red duiker and suni live in the sand forest and bushveld. More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the area.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: May to October, during the dry season, for the best game viewing.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May – Aug | Dry winter | Mild days and cool nights, with thin bush. |
| Sep – Oct | Late dry season | Warmer, with animals near water. |
| Nov – Apr | Wet summer | Hot and humid, with lush bush, newborn animals and migrant birds. |
Northern KwaZulu-Natal has a low malaria risk in summer. Take local advice.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King Shaka International (DUR), Durban | Most fly-in visitors | About 3.5 hours by road. |
| Phinda airstrips | Charter flights | Charters from Johannesburg and Durban. |
By road
From Durban, take the N2 north past Hluhluwe, then follow the signs to Phinda. Lodges send directions when you book.
Entrance & Fees
Phinda does not take day visitors. Access is for lodge guests, and conservation levies are included in the rate.
Confirm with your lodge what is included.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife website.
