Safari Reports
Soarin’ Over Zululand
Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa,
May, 2010 
By Carol Oken
“Oh you have to go to Phinda!” Over the past few years during my trips to Southern Africa I was surprised at how often I got this response from other guests in camp, safari guides who get around, and even hotel managers in Cape Town. So I went to Phinda, along with a couple of first-time safari-goers and a few other clients who enjoy being part of my scouting adventures. And now I suggest the same thing to my clients!
The Phinda Private Game Reserve is special because of its size (more than 56,000 acres) and diversity of habitat, so wildlife viewing is excellent. Because it is so close to the Indian Ocean, you can enjoy beach and water activities too. We took a scenic flight over the reserve, the area wetlands and the ocean before landing and spending the day at the beach. We tracked leopard, watched cheetah, and sat quietly with elephant. We visited a community school, a traditional healer and bought crafts from the local women.
There are four different lodges and two exclusive properties making Phinda a one-stop safari destination. Usually I design itineraries that have clients moving around to several different areas and camps to give them a well-rounded safari experience. It’s easy at Phinda since everything is in one reserve. We stayed at Forest Lodge in one area of the reserve, spent a night camping out, and then moved to Rock Lodge in another corner of the reserve. We all agreed we could have stayed longer!
See the Soarin’ Over Zululand safari itinerary here.
