Phinda Private Game Reserve- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours

Natural Scenery
South Africa
5 Reviews
+3 Photos
Suggested Duration: 72 hours
Phinda Private Game Reserve is a captivating wildlife sanctuary in South Africa, spanning 28,555 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal. Nestled near the Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, this diverse landscape features grassy woodlands and majestic mountain ranges. Phinda offers six luxurious lodges, from the elegant Phinda Mountain Lodge to the exclusive Phinda Homestead, each providing exceptional service and a deep commitment to conservation. Guests enjoy a blend of modern comforts and the stunning beauty of Africa. The reserve is renowned for its biodiversity, home to the Big Five, cheetahs, wildebeests, and over 415 bird species. Its unique ecosystems, including riverine woodlands and rare sand forests, create a rich habitat for diverse wildlife. Founded in the late 1980s by pioneers like Kevin Leo-Smith, Phinda has successfully transformed agricultural land back into a thriving wildlife haven through innovative conservation strategies. Partnerships with local communities have further enhanced its impact.

Reviews of Phinda Private Game Reserve

  • reviews-avatar Pieter Jacobs
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-06-18

    We had the most wonderful weekend of a lifetime with friends at Bayete tented camp. Damen our guide was so passionate about his job and his vast knowledge of nature was inspirational Terry and her team was also of the best , everything was of the highest standard. We will definitely go back to Bayete. We'll done guys and girls.

  • reviews-avatar Theresa Schoeman
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-06-18

    Wonderful time at Bayethi. Thank you Kerry and staff for your hospitality and friedliness. Thank you Zenzele for delicious meals. And THANK YOU Damen our guide...your passion and knowledge is admirable. We had a most wonderful time in a beautiful reserve. Well done...will see you soon again.

  • reviews-avatar Andrew Collinson
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-05-30

    A perfect experience from start to finish. If you're looking for a Safari, this is the place! We were treated like family and the team simply couldn't do enough for us. My little brother has special needs and is extremely passionate about animals and nature and they made sure he had the trip of a lifetime! Shoutout to Wes, Tubs, Andrew, Mandla, Kira, Andre, Tammy, Pinkie, Daryl, Rodwell and everyone else!

  • reviews-avatar David Webb
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-05-13

    Totally enjoying every moment. We are up early and about to enjoy a small breakfast before hitting the bush with Josie and Mr T. More info and pictures to follow.

  • reviews-avatar Kathryn Rady
    5
    Reviewed: 2024-03-29

    Honestly, it’s hard to put into words what a wonderful time my husband and I had at Vlei Lodge in Phinda. The nature is absolutely GORGEOUS and we saw sooo many wonderful animals thanks to our amazing guide Clayton and tracker Sobello. These animals included including giraffes, zebra, hippos, elephants, lions, cheetahs, impala, nayala, leopard, wildebeest, rhinos, water buffalo, snakes, countless beautiful birds and more. We couldn’t have dreamed of more - especially in a 4 day trip! Clayton taught us so much and even turned me into a “bird person.” He got us out of a couple sticky spots with a cranky elephant (Steve!) and an injured Buffalo who didn’t want to share space with us! You could tell Clayton was so personally invested in giving us an amazing viewing experience. He was a star. Although the nature is why you go, it was really the staff who made the experience SO SPECIAL. Clayton (our tremendous guide), Cheyenne (Vlei Lodge Manager), Sobello (our tracker), Happyness ( chef EXTRAORDINAIRE), and Zama (the man who made the best drinks!) were absolutely tremendous - so knowledgeable, kind, helpful, and funny! We feel like we walked away with new friends and hope to see all again. The lodge itself was small and intimate with nice standalone rooms (which were kept immaculate), beautiful pools, and great common area around the fire. Happyness cooked the freshest, most tasty food I think I’ve ever had in a hotel setting. She made it all with love - you can tell! - and was kind enough to share a recipe with us. It was all managed immaculately by Cheyenne and Above & Beyond management should know they have an amazing team at Vlei. We will be staying at another Above & Begond property in the future and hope to go back to Vlei to see the beautiful animals and our new friends! - Kat & Ryan

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