7 Wonders in 7 Days

Accompanied by the dawn chorus of Phinda’s abundant array of birdlife, set off for the day on foot to explore the reserve on a Walking Safari. Nature Walks and Big Game Viewing Walks are included in your rate, and offer the opportunity to experience Africa at its wildest and most personal, in a world where each sound, scent and bent blade of grass has a meaning.

Led by an expertly-trained ranger and tracker team, walks offer the chance to not only track and view certain Big Five animals on foot, but also to discover the often-overlooked aspects of the natural world. Watch birds, explore a dry river bed, walk in the footsteps of zebra or giraffe, sit in stillness in the shade of an ancient tree, unravel the stories behind animal tracks, or simply stretch the legs.

Nature walks and big game viewing walks are included in your private adventure rate. Full day walking safaris are available at an additional cost and are subject to the availability of a qualified specialist guide.

Enjoy an early morning game drive, followed by a delicious breakfast, lunch and early siesta. Enjoy a splash in the pool, or a relaxing massage. After a leisurely afternoon safari, arrive at a romantic and magical setting in the middle of the bush for your sleepout under the stars– comfortable beds with full duvets and warm blankets draped with billowing mosquito nets, inviting chairs surrounding a blazing campfire and twinkling lanterns hanging from the trees.

You will be welcomed with sundowner drinks that toast the sunset and your guide will prepare a delicious meal on the fire. Recreate the day’s adventures around the fireside, drink in the tranquility of the bush and enjoy the distinct night sounds of Africa. Fall asleep under an impossibly starry sky to the sound of hyena calling in the distance, secure in the knowledge that an armed guard will patrol the site throughout the night.

Available at an additional cost and at a supplement in addition to accommodation booked.  Subject to availability of a guide and vehicle. Only for children 12 years and older.

Set off with your guide at daybreak and spend the day outside of the reserve exploring Maputaland in the forests and wetlands of this beautiful region, marvelling at its avian residents and untamed wildlife. Catch a glimpse of some of Africa’s largest tuskers as they converge at the watering holes of Tembe Elephant Park, renowned for the magnificent ivory that graces its elephant herds. Take your time exploring the clear waters of Lake Sibaya and winding through the natural grasslands that run parallel to the azure coastline.

Alternatively, visit the World Heritage Site of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where you can wander through pristine coastal dune forests, take a boat cruise along the St Lucia Estuary and explore the breath-taking scenery found along the lush wetlands. Keen birders can also choose to venture through the quaint town of Eshowe, exploring the lush forests of Dlinza and Ngoye, with their abundant birdlife, which swoops, casting moving shadows over the forest. The sleepy coastal town of Mtunzini is your last stop before returning to the reserve.

Available at an additional cost, and subject to availability of a guide and vehicle. Cannot be pre-booked.

To fund many of the projects that help us to continue our conservation of Phinda’s endangered species, you are invited to join the conservation team in the routine monitoring or research projects that are essential to the survival of the species on the reserve.

Today, choose to witness the darting of a rhino, while assisting the veterinary team in notching the sleeping rhino’s ear for research and security monitoring, before releasing it back into the wild. Alternatively, the team may choose to instead de-horn a rhino in order to ensure its safety and survival against potential poaching. Depending on which research activity is available at the time, you may instead choose to participate in either an elephant contraception or an elephant collaring.

If small creatures are more your thing, participate in our one-of-its-kind Pangolin conservation experience, and support us in this ground-breaking initiative to re-establish Temminck’s ground pangolin (the most trafficked mammal on earth) in a region where they have gone locally extinct.

Available at an additional cost (excluding accommodation), and subject to the availability of the wildlife veterinarian and a helicopter pilot.

For &Beyond, our involvement with Africa Foundation and the people in our local communities represents our core tenet of Care of the People. Through our close consultation with them, Phinda facilitates insightful community visits and excursions for our guests that help you to not only experience and see first-hand the various projects that are being run by the Africa Foundation and &Beyond Phinda, but also for you to see how you can get involved and make a difference.

In addition to these community visits, local Zulu villagers offer guests the opportunity to experience their daily lives and routines, and to gain a sneak peek into some of their traditional rituals and customs.

Zulu Village Tours are available at an additional cost. Africa Foundation visits are offered at no cost, but are subject to the availability of the local Africa Foundation Community Development Officer.

Not only is Phinda’s unique location known for its abundant wildlife, diversity of habitats and wide range of safari activities, it is also set within easy reach of the Indian Ocean coastline and the famous iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Adding to Phinda’s wildlife charms, the marine diversity of nearby Sodwana Bay is easily accessible, with exceptional scuba diving, fishing and even turtle watching listed as some of its main attractions. Choose from a variety of seasonal activities to explore the Maputaland region and it’s ocean adventures.

The last full day at Phinda ends with a sumptuous bush banquet accompanied by perfectly matched wines – under a canopy of brilliant stars.

Available at additional cost and subject to availability. Please note that some activities are seasonal in nature.