Phinda Resource Reserve

The 29,866-hectare reserve contains seven ecosystems, including sand forest, palm savannah, mountain bush, and thornveld, supporting diverse wildlife populations within protected boundaries.

Established in 1990, the reserve expanded to 286 square kilometers in 1992 through partnerships with neighboring landowners, forming the Mun-Ya-Wana Game Reserve.

The name Phinda originates from the Zulu phrase 'Phinda Izilwane', translating to 'return of wildlife', reflecting the area's transformation from farmland to natural habitat.

Visitors can reach the reserve via daily Airlink flights from Johannesburg to Nelspruit, followed by direct flights to Phinda, or drive seven hours from Johannesburg.

The reserve features six distinct lodges, including Forest Lodge with glass chalets on stilts and Rock Lodge constructed into natural rock formations.

Location: KwaZulu-Natal

Elevation above the sea: 17 m

GPS coordinates: -27.77500,32.35000

Latest update: May 11, 2025 02:57