PHINDA GAME RESERVE:
"Seven Worlds of Wonder"

Cradled within the arms of the Ubombo mountains to the west and the azure sweep of the Indian Ocean to the east, Phinda is situated in Zululand, one of Africa's most ecologically diverse regions with an extraordinary range of ecosystems and wildlife.
Pristine beaches have been the breeding ground for giant leatherback and rare loggerhead turtles for millions of years, alongside coral reefs which rival the species-diversity of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Freshwater lakes and river floodplains are the domain of prehistoric crocodiles and hippo's, pelicans and flamingos - while the dense bushveld is home to the endangered black rhino, as well as Africa's great predators. Phinda also offers what is probably the best free-roaming cheetah viewing opportunities in the whole of South Africa.

Phinda, meaning "the return", began as a dream many years ago. An African dream. Fifteen thousand hectares of land was painstakingly restored to its rightful heritage... and the great peaceful beasts, that had since the beginning of time roamed those hills, were once again king.

From its awakening as a vision born of far-sighted conservationists, Phinda has earned worldwide repute for its diversity and scenic wonder. Today, as the nucleus linking nearby conservation areas in the creation of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, and the result of one of the continent's boldest re-introduction programmes, Phinda has ensured the ongoing bio-diversity of this remarkable region.

Spanning seven distinct eco-systems, the rippling shoulders of cheetah and lion are once again seen across the palm savannahs, the delicate suni antelope tiptoes alongside statuesque nyala in the sand forests, beneath the leafy canopy fluttering with birds, whilst labyrinthine waterways course through glades of fever trees and the realm of elephant, leopard, buffalo and giraffe, before emptying into the sea that washes the world's southern-most coral reefs.

As you fall asleep, cradled in the distinctive hospitality only Phinda offers, you know that, amongst a host of wondrous creatures, more than 65 elephant, 50 rhino and 3 000 local people are thanking you for your visit and your support. At Phinda we invite you to become part of this great African dream.

Phinda Private Game Reserve lies in the heart of one of Africa's most spectacularly diverse regions, home to no less than seven ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife. It offers a truly unique hospitality and wildlife experience, winning British Airways' "Tourism for Tomorrow" Award (Southern Hemisphere) and was voted by ASATA as "The Best Game Lodge in Southern Africa".

At Phinda a world of adventure awaits... at dawn and dusk experienced rangers and trackers reveal the wonders of wild Zululand, from the awe-inspiring Big Five to a fascinating array of plants, statuesque antelope to startling insects, and of course over 350 species of magnificent birds that grace the reserve.

Bush walks during the day offer close encounters with the subtleties of nature and a brush with the traditional legends and uses of plants.

Catch a glimpse of the imperial world of the Zulu, past and present, or slip silently in canoes or river boats past hippos and prolific birdlife on ancient water ways, exploring fossil finds en route to a magical private picnic. And there is nothing quite like our "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari, soaring above this eden, perhaps even witnessing the whale sharks and giant leatherbacks turtles from the above or landing at the diving paradise of Sodwana Bay, where the marine species-diversity rivals that of the Great Barrier Reef. This variety is the unique promise of Phinda, rendering it perfect for a blissful week of adventure and luxury.