Phinda game reserve
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
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We were at Phinda last year and really loved it. It's quite different in some respects from other reserves, in that it is somehwat younger, and the wildlife was brought in -- although that was well more than 10 years ago now I believe.
Phinda has a wonderful atmosphere, strong emphasis on conservation and education and an absolutely superb staff. Its luxurious without being glitzy, professionally managed in every way, and a delight to visit. If this is the part of south africa you wanto to be in, Phinda is a joy.
Phinda has a wonderful atmosphere, strong emphasis on conservation and education and an absolutely superb staff. Its luxurious without being glitzy, professionally managed in every way, and a delight to visit. If this is the part of south africa you wanto to be in, Phinda is a joy.
#3
Join Date: Feb 2004
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I spent four nights at Phinda Vlei in March of '04 and loved it. The diversity of their ecosystems is wonderful as is the diversity of things to do while there.
I included an afternoon of horsebackriding on Sodwana Bay beach, did the flight of the fish-eagle one morning, and did a few bush walks in between the game drives.(I'm not one to sit still during the mid-day breaks if I can find other things to do.)
I am trying to get back to Phinda for a few nights at the end of March (of this year) if things work out.
The staff, food, and lodges are great. I would imagine the walking safaris would be a lot of fun.
You will be well taken care of.
I included an afternoon of horsebackriding on Sodwana Bay beach, did the flight of the fish-eagle one morning, and did a few bush walks in between the game drives.(I'm not one to sit still during the mid-day breaks if I can find other things to do.)
I am trying to get back to Phinda for a few nights at the end of March (of this year) if things work out.
The staff, food, and lodges are great. I would imagine the walking safaris would be a lot of fun.
You will be well taken care of.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
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Hello,
I second the other recommendations of Phinda which have been posted. I'd also recommend Forest or Vlei Lodges as they have particulalry nice environmental settings (though I haven't stayed at either Getty or Zuka, so I can't comment on them).
The walking safaris at Phinda get rave reviews from those who have done them -- as does the rhino tracking.
Cheers,
Julian
I second the other recommendations of Phinda which have been posted. I'd also recommend Forest or Vlei Lodges as they have particulalry nice environmental settings (though I haven't stayed at either Getty or Zuka, so I can't comment on them).
The walking safaris at Phinda get rave reviews from those who have done them -- as does the rhino tracking.
Cheers,
Julian
#6
Join Date: Aug 2004
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Happy to post some wildlife sightings at Phinda, with appologies for delay in response:
* Coalition of three male cheetas roughhousing
* Breeding heard of elephant crossing the road from thick forest into thick forest in complete silence
* Fabulous lion tracking as two males toyed with a small herd of zeebra, then chllenged two females rhinos with youngesters for a water hole (guess who won!)
* Many crocs and hippose on evening river cruise
* Pride of six or seven lions reclining by water hole in the moonlight during night drive
* Amazing sighting of three elephants browinsing river side trees in silhouette aginast a full moon during evening boat ride.
And many, many others including Nyala, impala, zeebras, giraffe...all the usual suspects! Plus a civet, african wildcat, a bush baby and amazing leopard, up a tree with a freshly killed impala.
* Coalition of three male cheetas roughhousing
* Breeding heard of elephant crossing the road from thick forest into thick forest in complete silence
* Fabulous lion tracking as two males toyed with a small herd of zeebra, then chllenged two females rhinos with youngesters for a water hole (guess who won!)
* Many crocs and hippose on evening river cruise
* Pride of six or seven lions reclining by water hole in the moonlight during night drive
* Amazing sighting of three elephants browinsing river side trees in silhouette aginast a full moon during evening boat ride.
And many, many others including Nyala, impala, zeebras, giraffe...all the usual suspects! Plus a civet, african wildcat, a bush baby and amazing leopard, up a tree with a freshly killed impala.
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Phinda is amazing, but pretty pricey. For a cheaper option, bordering on Phina is the Weaver's Nature Park, a newly developed park of over 150 hectars in an indigenous forest. There are a number of game lodges there - may I recommend iZungla Lodge (www.izungla.co.za) which has an African theme.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Phinda is great and if you stay at Phinda Forest lodge, I highly recommend asking for Walter as your ranger. Below is a link to my shots taken there..
http://www.pbase.com/mytmoss/phonda_2005
http://www.pbase.com/mytmoss/phonda_2005
#11
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Phinda Private Game Reserve is definitely a very special place because of its location: you'll find different eco-systems all in one place.
Also, there are not too many attractive private game reserves located so close to a superb beach if you want something different for a day.
Had one of my most amazing wildlife experiences with lions in Phinda. Awesome!
Regarding your wondering between Thanda and Lion Sands: Lion Sands is definitely the better place!
Also, there are not too many attractive private game reserves located so close to a superb beach if you want something different for a day.
Had one of my most amazing wildlife experiences with lions in Phinda. Awesome!
Regarding your wondering between Thanda and Lion Sands: Lion Sands is definitely the better place!
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