See Whale Sharks in the morning and Cheetahs in the afternoon on the Phinda Safari
Close to the Indian Ocean in South Africa’s Kwa-Zulu Natal Province lies Phinda Private Game Reserve. Big game viewing on The Phinda Safari is a standard, with excellent sightings of the Big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino and Buffalo), however the real highlights here are the endangered Black Rhino and the worlds fastest mammal, the always exciting Cheetah. The grassy plains of Phinda are one of the great places to find Cheetah in Southern Africa, and the sightings never disappoint. Due to its fantastic location, Phinda is also home to over 430 bird species, including some major rarities.
In addition to game drives, Phinda also offers a variety of activities that cater to the whole family. The Indian Ocean is easily accessible from Phinda, and you can go for a swim, snorkel or scuba dive excursion at Sodwana Bay, a hotspot rated as one of the worlds top 10 dive locations! At Phinda, it is possible to swim with Whale Sharks in the morning, view Lions and Cheetahs in the afternoon, and watch Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtles laying eggs late at night.
All of this is done from one of Phinda’s several exquisite lodges; each with a unique look and feel modelled on the settings where it is located, be it the top of a rocky outcrop, hidden in the forest, or out in the savanna. Enjoy world class cuisine, fine wines and amazing service.
Accessing Phinda couldn’t be easier; it is just a short charter flight from Johannesburg, but you can also connect with the Kruger National Park region, and extend your safari to see more of what South Africa has to offer. Contact our safari specialists to help you plan your dream safari!
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Gallery
Photos from previous safaris. Click to view at full-size.
Suggested itinerary for The Phinda Safari in South Africa
Day 1
Upon your arrival in Johannesburg, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the charter flight lounge where you can relax with a tea and coffee before your short flight to Phinda. Your ranger will be waiting to greet you at the airstrip and your safari begins immediately as you make your way through the bush to your lodge, so keep your cameras ready! Following a light lunch and short rest, you head out on an afternoon safari, returning to the lodge just after dark, in time to freshen up and enjoy a cocktail before dinner.
Day 2 - 6
Wake up at dawn with a cup of tea or coffee, and head straight out on safari; this is the best time to see animals at their most active, and is certainly worth the early wake up. You will return to the lodge in time for a late sumptuous breakfast spread, and some down time in the camp. After lunch and a rest, you will continue your safari heading into the night where you have a good chance to see the big cats in action.
Combine your safari experience with some of the many other incredible wildlife excursions on offer at Phinda. Replace your morning safari with a scuba dive in Sodwana Bay, one of the world’s best known dive spots, and be back in time for lunch and the afternoon safari. Alternatively, during turtle nesting season, skip an afternoon safari and head over to the St Lucia Estuary for a night stroll on the beach searching for nesting Loggerhead and Leatherback Turtles. Another option is to combine your morning safari with a boat trip along the river for some incredible bird watching.
Day 7
Enjoy one final glorious morning drive and a leisurely breakfast before you make your way back to the airstrip for your charter flight to Johannesburg in time for your onward travels.
Highlights from The Phinda Safari in South Africa
Best time to go:
This safari can be enjoyed year-round
Duration:
6 nights / 7 days
Accommodation:
5-star lodge in Phinda
Start/End point:
OR Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Wildlife highlights:
Cheetahs, Black Rhino, Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Scuba Diving, Whale Sharks, Leatherback Turtles
Package includes:
Full board accommodation
All internal flights and transfers
Drinks (excluding premium brand alcohol)
2 Scheduled safari activities daily
A La Carte:
International flights
Scuba Diving
Turtle experience
FiveZero Tip:
If you would like to get that perfect shot, why not ask our professional photographer to guide you on this safari, and show you how! Make it a Photographic Safari!