South Africa

Phinda Private Game Reserve

Seven worlds, one wilderness

An andBeyond reserve spanning 28,555 hectares across seven distinct habitats in KwaZulu-Natal, home to the Big Five and six luxury lodges.

4 Lodges

Scroll

The house

The story.

Phinda Private Game Reserve was created in 1991 from depleted KwaZulu-Natal farmland. Restored over three decades into 70,000 acres of seven distinct ecosystems and one of the densest Big Five populations in South Africa.

Six andBeyond-operated lodges now occupy the reserve, ranging from Forest (sand-forest setting) and Mountain (open savannah) to Rock (cliff edge) and Homestead (private exclusive-use villa). Phinda is the brand’s flagship reserve and the proof point for its conservation-led model.

Why Phinda Private Game Reserve

Why Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Why Phinda

Seven distinct ecosystems in one reserve, from rare dry sand forest to open savannah, palm-studded vlei and rocky hill country. This ecological variety means Phinda hosts species you simply will not find in other Big Five reserves: black rhino, cheetah, the diminutive suni and red duiker that shelter in the sand forest. With more than 415 bird species recorded, birders and wildlife photographers find here a depth of subject that rewards return visits.

01 KwaZulu-Natal

Rock Lodge

Dramatically set into a cliff-face overlooking spectacular Leopard Rock, the unique Rock Lodge at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is an architectural fascination.

From, per person sharing R 22 400

Check availability The lodge Enquire →

02 KwaZulu-Natal

Forest Lodge

Phinda Private Game Reserve is a rich and diverse park that encompasses 28 555 hectares of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal.

From, pps R 18 100

Check availability The lodge Enquire →

03 KwaZulu-Natal · Classic

Zuka Lodge

Phinda Zuka Safari Lodge is an exclusive-use establishment, positioned in a private wooded area of the Phinda Reserve.

From R 15 800 pps Check availability The lodge

04 KwaZulu-Natal · Flagship

Homestead

Phinda Private Game Reserve is a diverse 28 555 hectare park located in KwaZulu-Natal.

Best suited for honeymooners, photographers, walking safaris

From, pps R 26 250

Check availability The lodge Enquire →

Common questions

Phinda Private Game Reserve, answered.

Is Phinda malaria-free?: Phinda sits in a low-risk malaria area. Most visitors take standard precautions (prophylaxis and repellent), but the risk is considerably lower than reserves in the Kruger lowveld. Our safari specialists can advise on the latest guidance when planning your trip.
Which Phinda lodge is best for families?: andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge welcomes children of all ages, with dedicated family suites and a Junior Ranger programme. For groups wanting total privacy, Phinda Homestead is an exclusive-use villa with its own chef, ranger, tracker and vehicle, ideal for multigenerational families.
Phinda or the Sabi Sand: how do they compare?: The Sabi Sand is unrivalled for leopard density. Phinda counters with cheetah, black rhino and the rare sand-forest habitat you will not find anywhere in Greater Kruger. If your priorities are ecological diversity and specialist conservation experiences, Phinda has the edge. Many guests combine the two for a complete KwaZulu-Natal and Kruger itinerary.
How many nights should I spend at Phinda?: Three to four nights is the sweet spot. That allows six to eight game drives, a specialist walking activity and enough time to absorb the landscape without rushing. If you add a beach or diving extension at Sodwana Bay, budget a further two nights.
What is included in the Phinda nightly rate?: Rates at Phinda lodges are fully inclusive of accommodation, all meals, twice-daily game drives with an expert ranger and tracker, selected drinks and laundry. Specialist activities such as rhino tracking on foot or conservation experiences may carry a supplementary charge. Rates start from R15,800 per person sharing per night.

Speak to a specialist

Plan your Phinda Private Game Reserve safari.

Rates are identical to booking direct. A specialist who knows the properties personally replies in as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

Presented by safari.com Africa's Leading Safari Company · WTA 2024 & 2025