Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa: Luxury Safari Guide

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Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa: Luxury Safari Guide

Overview

Phinda Private Game Reserve – Phinda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal

Why Visit Phinda Private Game Reserve

Short answer: Phinda Private Game Reserve covers about 22,000 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Its varied habitats support elephants, lions, leopards and cheetahs, and luxury lodges offer guided game drives with great privacy.

Golden light spills over rolling savannahs as elephants amble across waterholes, lions rest beneath ancient trees, and the distant call of a leopard adds a thrill of anticipation  welcome to Phinda Private Game Reserve, a sanctuary of wildlife, privacy, and luxury in KwaZulu-Natal. With Camptrek Safaris, every safari moment  from guided game drives to bespoke lodge experiences  is curated for travelers seeking exclusivity, comfort, and adventure in the heart of South Africa.

Phinda’s story is one of ecological stewardship and exceptional safari design. Spread across 22,000 hectares of diverse habitats from sand forests to wetlands and open plains it is home to the Big Five, rare black rhinos, cheetahs, wild dogs, and over 400 bird species. Its private ownership allows carefully controlled access, ensuring wildlife encounters feel intimate and uninterrupted. Guests experience a true connection to nature, with off-road drives, walking safaris, and hidden watering holes offering moments impossible in crowded national parks.

Luxury at Phinda is immersive and elegant. Exclusive lodges blend seamlessly into the landscape, offering private decks, plunge pools, fire-lit dining, and panoramic vistas. Camptrek Safaris elevates every journey with tailored itineraries — sunrise and sunset drives, walking safaris, and bespoke experiences that combine the thrill of adventure with the comfort of high-end hospitality. Here, each moment is personalized, refined, and unforgettable.

Where to Stay in Phinda Private Game Reserve (lodge cards as H3)

Explore more of South Africa.

Phinda Private Game Reserve FAQs

Where is Phinda?
In KwaZulu-Natal, on South Africa’s east coast.

How big is Phinda?
About 22,000 hectares.

Can you combine Phinda with a beach stay?
Yes. Durban and the coast are within reach.

Contact our safari specialists to start planning your trip.

Highlights

Rare & Diverse Wildlife: Big Five, black rhinos, cheetahs, wild dogs, and abundant bird species.

Immersive Safari Experiences: Walking safaris, night drives, and off-road adventures in multiple habitats.

Camptrek VIP Lodges: Elegant accommodations with plunge pools, private decks, and gourmet dining under the stars

Gallery

Places to Visit in Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa: Luxury Safari Guide

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Where to Stay in Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa: Luxury Safari Guide

Nyungwe Forest Lounge, Rwanda

Hotel in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Xigera Safari Lodge, Okavango Delta

Hotel in Botswana

Thorntree River Lodge, Victoria Falls

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana

Hotel in Botswana

Amboseli Tortilis Camp, Kenya

Hotel in Amboseli National Park

Jao Camp, Okavango Delta

Hotel in Botswana

Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Tanzania

Hotel in Serengeti National park

Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Royal Livingstone Hotel, Victoria Falls

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Sawela Lodge Naivasha, Lake Naivasha

Hotel in Kenya

Nimali Tarangire, Tanzania

Hotel in Tanzania

Elewana Collection, Kenya

Mara Serena, Masai Mara

Hotel in Kenya

Hôtel des Mille Collines, Kigali

Hotel in Kigali

Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Ol Pejeta

Hotel in Kenya

Surana Buffalo Springs, Samburu

Hotel in Kenya

Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge, Botswana

Hotel in Botswana

Elephant Bedroom Camp, Masai Mara

Matetsi Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Ashnil Mara Camp, Masai Mara

Hotel in Mara Plains – Maasai Mara

Voyager Ziwani Tented Camp, Tsavo West

Hotel in Kenya

Tarangire Treetops By Elewana, Tanzania

Hotel in Tanzania

Four Seasons Zanzibar, Tanzania

Hotel in Tanzania

Amboseli Serena Camp, Kenya

Hotel in Amboseli National Park

Tawi Lodge Amboseli, Kenya

Hotel in Amboseli National Park

Serengeti Explorer, Tanzania

Hotel in Serengeti National park

One&Only Nyungwe House, Rwanda

Hotel in Nyungwe Forest National Park

Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club, Kenya

Hotel in Kenya

Time + Tide Chinzombo, South Luangwa

Hotel in South Luangwa National Park

Veldee Hotel Zanzibar, Tanzania

Hotel in Tanzania

Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali, Rwanda

Hotel in Kigali

The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Chobe Chilwero Lodge, Botswana

Hotel in Chobe National Park

Vumbura Plains Camp, Okavango Delta

Hotel in Botswana

Tambarare Camp, Ol Pejeta

Hotel in Kenya

Little Makalolo Camp, Hwange

Hotel in Hwange National Park

Muthu Keekorok Lodge, Masai Mara

Hotel in Kenya

Little Mombo Camp, Okavango Delta

Hotel in Botswana

Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, Tsavo West

Hotel in Kenya

Savute Elephant Lodge, Botswana

Hotel in Botswana

The Oyster Box Durban, South Africa

Hotel in Durban

Kigali Serena Hotel, Rwanda

Hotel in Kigali

Tongabezi Lodge, Victoria Falls

Hotel in Victoria Falls

Amboseli Oltukai Lodge, Kenya

Hotel in Amboseli National Park

Savute Safari Lodge, Botswana

Hotel in Botswana

When to Visit Phinda

May – September: Dry season, excellent visibility, prime wildlife viewing, and cooler days

October – March: Green season with lush landscapes, active predators, and fewer visitors

Trip Inspirations

3-Day Masai Mara Fly-In Luxury Safari
3 Day Safari
From: $5,608
Zambia Luxury Safari: Victoria Falls & South Luangwa
7 Day Safari
8-Day Kenya Bush-to-Beach Safari: Amboseli, Tsavo & Watamu
8 Day Safari
From: $4,881
11-Day Zimbabwe & Mozambique Off-the-Beaten-Track Safari
11 Day Safari
From: $8,499
6-Day Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Highlights Safari
6 Day Safari
From: $9,567
16-Day Kenya Birding, Wildlife & Photography Safari
16 Day Safari
From: $10,802
7-Day Kenya Safari: Ol Pejeta, Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru
7 Day Safari
From: $5,677
Botswana Luxury Safari: Okavango Delta, Chobe & Savute
10 Day Safari
13-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari with Zanzibar Beach
13 Day Safari
From: $10,572
10-Day Kenya Safari: Nairobi, Amboseli, Samburu & Masai Mara
10 Day Safari
From: $10,093
4-Day Masai Mara Safari at Elewana Sand River
4 Day Safari
From: $3,992
8-Day Private Guided Namibia Safari from Windhoek
8 Day Safari
From: $7,347
6-Day Masai Mara Conservancy Safari: Olare Motorogi & Mara Plains
6 Day Safari
Epic Kenya & Tanzania Luxury Adventure Safari
18 Day Safari
From: $19,087
7-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Machame Route
7 Day Safari
8-Day Uganda & Rwanda Gorilla Trekking Safari
8 Day Safari
From: $7,347
9-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli & Tsavo
9 Day Safari
From: $3,170
5-Day Laikipia & Samburu Luxury Safari
5 Day Safari
From: $4,723
4-Day Ol Pejeta Conservancy Luxury Safari
4 Day Safari
From: $1,827
5-Day Madagascar Safari: Baobabs & Tsingy de Bemaraha
5 Day Safari
From: $1,833
6-Day Kenya Safari: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha & Masai Mara
6 Day Safari
From: $9,166
8-Day group Joining Tour Kenya & Tanzania Iconic Parks Safari
8 Day Safari
From: $4,408
14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Wildebeest Calving Safari
14 Day Safari
From: $8,736
6-Day Namibia Fly-In Safari
6 Day Safari
From: $9,379
3-Day Masai Mara Luxury Safari
3 Day Safari
From: $2,363
7-Day Kenya Helicopter & Fly-In Conservancy Safari
7 Day Safari
12-Day Northern Kenya Expedition: Samburu, Marsabit & Lake Turkana
12 Day Safari
From: $5,324
4-Day Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Luxury Safari
4 Day Safari
From: $1,890
7-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Nakuru, Aberdare & Samburu
7 Day Safari
From: $5,759
21-Day Gorilla Trekking, Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar Safari
21 Day Safari
11-Day Kenya & Tanzania High-End Safari
11 Day Safari
From: $8,960
5-Day Kenya Safari: Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru & Naivasha
5 Day Safari
From: $3,627
9-Day Mozambique Beach Holiday: Coastal Highlights
9 Day Safari
From: $4,299
14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Relaxed Luxury Safari
14 Day Safari
From: $11,574
8-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
8 Day Safari
From: $8,675
29-Day East & Southern Africa Luxury Safari Circuit
30 Day Safari
5-Day Amboseli & Tsavo West Luxury Safari
5 Day Safari
From: $2,844
7-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Luxury Safari
7 Day Safari
From: $4,805
14-Day Kenya & Tanzania Big Five Safari
14 Day Safari
From: $14,368
12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Safari: Masai Mara, Serengeti & Ngorongoro
12 Day Safari
From: $10,224
Zimbabwe Ultra-Luxury Safari: Victoria Falls to Hwange
7 Day Safari
8-Day Cape Town & Garden Route Luxury Tour
8 Day Safari
The Great Hemingway Safari: Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
18 Day Safari
From: $19,235
10-Day Fly-In Gorilla Trekking & Kenya Wildlife Safari
10 Day Safari
From: $10,500
7-Day Kenya Fly-In Safari: Amboseli, Samburu & Masai Mara
7 Day Safari
From: $7,281

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Meet Our Luxury Travel Specialists

John Njoroge

Director Camptrek Safaris

Africa Travel Specialist

25+ Years Experience

Carine Muzana

Lead Travel Advisor – Gorilla Trekking (Rwanda & Uganda)

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

15+ Years Experience

Lucy Kagure

Africa Travel Specialist

Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Margaret Nyambura

Africa Travel Specialist

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Rose Khasiala

Africa Travel Specialist

Eastern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Augustine Mwaura

Africa Travel Specialist

Africa Travel Specialist

3+ Years Experience

Kennedy Mwangi

IT Systems & Technology Lead

Africa Travel Specialist

7+ Years Experience

Simon Seno

Business Development Lead

Southern Africa Travel Specialist

5+ Years Experience

Benson Wainaina

Safari Guide & Driver

Africa Travel Specialist

15+ Years Experience

A Curated Collection of Africa's Finest

Crafting your journey from a curated portfolio of 500+ exclusive lodges and safari operators, we ensure luxury, comfort, and authenticity at every step.