Phinda Resource Reserve, Game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Phinda is a game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal with seven different ecosystems ranging from sand forest and palm savannah to mountain bush and thornveld. These varied landscapes create homes for many different animal species across the protected land.
The reserve was established in 1990 and expanded through partnerships with neighboring landowners in the following years. This growth created one of the region's larger privately managed game reserves.
The name Phinda comes from Zulu and means 'return of wildlife', reflecting how the area transformed from farmland back into a natural home for animals. You can feel this restoration while watching the creatures that live here today.
The reserve is reachable by plane from Johannesburg with connections through Nelspruit to local airstrips, or by a long drive from the city. Visitors should plan ahead as access is limited and travel times are lengthy.
The reserve houses several lodges with distinctive designs, including one featuring glass chalets built on stilts and another constructed directly into natural rock formations. Each lodge offers a completely different experience for visitors staying on the grounds.
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