Phinda Private Game Reserve
Before we left home we knew that this weekend in Phinda was a bucket list experience for anyone who loves the bush. We have been in the bush with friends on many occasions, but none quite like this weekend. It was spectacular from start to finish. It is one thing to be treated to this kind of natural beauty on any given day, but quite another to spend it with such incredible people – both Matt and Stella (our hosts for the weekend) are passionate about the bush. Matt is an experienced game ranger with incredible knowledge. Stella is a physiotherapist by profession and has been a great friend for many years. We were also joined by our friends Grant and Steph, and Shelly and Doug.
“Before we left home we knew that this weekend in Phinda was a bucket list experience for anyone who loves the bush. We have been in the bush with friends on many occasions, but none quite like this weekend!”
Quick Rating
4.5/5
Overall Experience
Crisp Linen Rating
Tranquillity Rating
Adventure Rating
Photography Opportunities
Family Friendly (read quick note)
Quick Notes
Accommodation
Adventure
Food
Family
Photography
Accommodation
The accommodation at Phinda is spectacular with a price tag to match. We can however only write about that which we have seen. We stayed with friends at the rangers camp known as Bayete and even though this camp catered to our every need, it is no match to some of the more luxurious camps that are available –> follow this link to see them all. Bayete consists of 5 permanent safari tents with close proximity to a watering hole. The camp is not fenced and is frequently visited by a variety of wild animals, hence the reason we left our children with their granny. The camp also boasts a lounge area, a massive boma and a thatched roof dining area. Our safari tent had two single beds, ample storage space, electrical points for local and international plugs and the en-suite bathroom was perfect. Showers only, but with that open roof, it was a step closer to mother nature.
Adventure
There is plenty to do at Phinda that will get your adrenalin pumping. Game drives go out twice daily and the odds are extremely good to see the big five with the addition of some of the most beautiful cheetahs in Africa. We were also lucky enough to also come across a male and female leopard on our first game drive and had multiple sightings of lions. A host of additional activities can be enjoyed too, which include cultural excursions, scuba safaris and specialist safaris such as birding, photographic, tracking, family and luxury walking safaris.
For a sneak preview of their prized cheetahs – have a look at the last minute of our vlog to see the few snippets that made it to the final cut.
Food
Even though we catered for ourselves during this trip, we can safely say that the food is exceptional at any of the lodges within Phinda. The highlight of each day is that early cup of coffee in the bush – eager in anticipation for what the day may hold. A day in the bush is also not complete without enjoying a sundowner with friends as the sun sets over the horizon.
Family
Even though it is possible to take children to Phinda, we felt that unless they are old enough to enjoy a whole day out, that we would rather not bring them along. Phinda and andBeyond does however cater for families and children of all ages through their WILDChild programme. Follow this link to learn more –> WILDChild
Photography
Whenever we spend time in the bush, whether on a self-drive safari, or on a game-drive we always rate the photographic experience very high. This trip was on a different level though! Matt is an extremely accomplished and experienced photographer and understands animal behaviour. Positioning of the vehicle is so important and being able to drive into the bush gets you up close and personal with any animal. That, combined with the fact that all game-viewing vehicles are open roof, meant that we were really spoilt to the highest quality sightings we had ever experienced.
It is essential to have at least a 200mm lens if you are planning to photograph animals. We shot with the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens as well as the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di USD G2. There are great wide-shot opportunities too, especially early morning and late afternoons. We used our trusted Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM.
Vlog Entry
We spent three days in Phinda Private Game Reserve in typical safari style. We started every day at 05h30 with coffee and rusks at the boma. From there we left on the first game drive of the day, stopping mid-morning for another round of coffees and snacks.
The animals at Phinda are not collared for tracking, which makes the early morning drives very exciting. For example, one pride of lions we encountered the previously had moved over 20km/12.4mi in two days. This means that every day is a new adventure as we spent the mornings tracking different animal species. Every sighting is treated respectfully and on merit, allowing a maximum of three vehicles at any given time. To be honest, most of the time it was only ourselves and only once did two other vehicles join us at a Cheetah sighting.
Besides the incredible diversity of animals and birds, Phinda Private Game Reserve enjoys a lush green environment that contains seven distinct ecosystems. A unique ecosystem is the sand forest, which has trees aged at over two thousand years. Driving through this spectacular part of the reserve brought a sense of peace with it and was a sure highlight – which is also why we returned three times.
After the first game drive of the day we all returned to camp to enjoy an excellent brunch. There are few things in life that can compare to a set table under the canopy of a Maroela tree and spending time with friends. It however remains unconfirmed whether the Maroela tree was the inspiration for the inventive (albeit slightly crazy) idea to make Amarula scrambled eggs. The interesting flavour scores a tentative two out of ten, but the nap afterwards was a winner. The next game drive would only leave at 14h30 which meant that we had three hours to kill.
If you do decide to visit South Africa and find yourself looking for that perfect nightcap, Amarula cream is legendary and truly South African!
The afternoon game drive delivered some of the best Cheetah and Lion sightings we had ever seen. Stopping on a dam wall to enjoy a lazy sunset was, and always will be, the best way to end a long day in the bush. There is just something special about that transition period when daytime ends and the bush gets ready for the night. At first there was an eery quietness that fell like a blanket over us. The rustle of a jacket, the stirring of a spoon – all amplified by the lack of any competing sound. And then suddenly, the bravest of the frogs broke the silence, followed by the call of a nightjar – a sound so synonymous to the African bush. The bellowing grunts of hippos making their way to the shore to graze and then far away in the distance a jackal calling its mate. The drive back to camp was exciting as our spotlights lit up the bush, not knowing what could appear around the next bend in the road.
Phinda Private Game Reserve is managed by andBeyond and is situated three and a half hours drive from Durban Airport. It is also in close proximity to the Isimangaliso Wetland Reserve and some of the best scuba diving destinations in South Africa. Phinda may be accessed by private vehicle, so if you are thinking about hiring your own, this will not be a problem and a normal 2 wheel drive vehicle will be perfect. The fastest way to Phinda is by air. Daily flights arrive at Phinda’s own airstrip from Johannesburg and Cape Town with SA Airlink, but private charters can also be arranged.
Hiring a vehicle in South Africa is very easy and safe. It is also very reasonable when compared to other realistic travel options. Even as South African citizens we would often fly and rent cars when traveling long distances to save on costs and unnecessary long drives. Pre-booking is absolutely essential and our preferred rental companies are Avis and Europcar. The drive to Phinda is really easy from the airport as most of the drive follows the beautifully tarred N2 highway north, passing two tollgates along the way. The first is Mvoti Toll Plaza at which you will pay R13.00 for a class A vehicle. The second is Mtunzini which costs R44.50. You can pay with cash or credit card.
There are two entrance gates on opposite ends of the reserve and depending on your booking it may be better to enter at one or the other. Both entrances involve short drives on well graded gravel roads that offer no challenge when dry. Be careful driving during and after rain – especially with a two-wheel-drive sedan.
Contact
Phinda Private Game Reserve
www.phindaprivategamereserve.co.za
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