Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the country. All big safari animals, including the Big Five, are usually spotted on a two-night stay. Aside from the Big Five, there is a major focus on the cheetah, as Phinda is renowned for its sightings of this streamlined cat.Phinda is a fully enclosed game reserve. This makes sightings of all flagship species including the Big Five and cheetah very easy. Both black and white rhinos are present and regularly spotted, although the black rhino is less often. The beautiful nyala is the most common antelope. Night drives offer an opportunity to see nocturnal species such as porcupines and genet.

Phinda offers great wildlife viewing throughout the year, but the best months are during winter (May to September). During this time, animals are more easily spotted while they convene at permanent water sources, and the dry conditions cause the bush to recede. During the wet summer months, heavy rain can make off-road driving limited which can have an impact on animal sightings.The best time for wildlife viewing in Phinda is during the dry months of June to September. The end of the Dry season, from August to September, is an especially nice time since temperatures are higher than in mid-winter and animals are easier to find because they congregate around predictable water sources.

How to get to Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda is a private game reserve located about 300km/180 mi north of Durban.Most visitors to South Africa fly into O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg or Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town. It is also possible to fly to King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban and rent a car there. The drive from Durban to Phinda takes about three hours.

By Air

There are domestic flights to the region and people can also choose self-drive options.

By Road

Take the N2 highway northbound towards Stanger/KwaDakuza; please note you will pass through a total of three toll gates en route from Durban to Phinda: Tongaat Toll Plaza, MvotiToll Plaza and Mtunzini Toll Plaza. The toll gate will accept cash or credit card payments.Pass the towns of Ballito, Tinley Manor, Stanger/ KwaSakuza, Mtunzini, Empangeni, Richard’s Bay, Kwambonambi, and Mtubatuba.Remain on the N2, passing the town of Hluhluwe.10km beyond Hluhluwe, take the sign-posted “Phinda” off-ramp.At the top of the fly-off, turn right onto the bridge and you will reach a T-junction.At the T-junction, turn left onto a gravel road.Follow the gravel road for approximately 4km until you reach a railway line.Cross over the railway line and turn immediately right.Ahead of you is the entrance gate to the Munyawana Private Game Reserve.At the gate, a security guard will welcome you and assist with directions to the various lodges.