Phinda Private Game Reserve

Phinda is home to an ecological diversity which is not equaled elsewhere in Africa. Although it is smaller than the Kruger National park at 17 000ha, it has more ecological zones. Situated in northeastern Kwazulu Natal, it marks the southern end of the coastal flats, which characterize Mozambique, and therefore many plant and animal species occur only here and nowhere else in South Africa. In addition there are ancient sand forests, savanna and extensive wetlands.

A reserve was founded here in 1991 in order to protect this unique area. Meanwhile, all big game (the Big Five) has been successfully re-introduced, as have been endangered species like cheetah, wild dogs and rare antelope. Phinda is at the centre of many nature reserves that, under the name of Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, have been declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.