You will be collected by your private driver from your Umhlanga / Durban hotel (King Shaka Airport if flying in) and head north along the N2 towards the &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Arrive at the 28 555 hectare Big 5 Game Reserve gate after 3 hours and shortly after you are welcomed at your lodge.
Check in, freshen up, enjoy some lunch and prepare for your first game drive. Late afternoon game drives that can continue after nightfall where the professionally trained guides will ask you about your favourite wildlife and will do their best to ensure that your preferences are met, whether it is tracking a particular species or spending more time enjoying each sighting and getting to know the habits of the animals. They will also tell you about the vegetation of the region and will explain the behaviour of the animals that you come across. In some cases, the guides will be able to identify individual animals and let you know about their history and habits.
andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional sightings of the elusive cheetah and the rare black rhino, as well as the Big Five. There is also a number of resident lion prides and rangers will do their best to provide you with an exceptional sighting of all of these animals.
Upon returning to the Lodge, dinner awaits, along with your first night’s sleep in the wild and untamed African bush.
It is advisable to bring warm clothes along for the drive even in the hot summer months. Remember to bring your camera and video camera with you.
Your Ranger will awake you with coffee, tea and rusks before heading out into the sunrise to see what has been happening in the dead of night and follow spoor of animals on the move. After your game activity you will return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast.
You have the afternoon to relax and enjoy the lodge facilities and the quiet of the bush.
You could even join your ranger and enjoy an interpretive nature walk, around the lodge, where you learn more about the intricacies of the African bush, from discovering fascinating flora and reading animal tracks with your guide to meeting smaller wildlife up-close. Experience the thrill of tracking animals on foot, accompanied by an armed specialist ranger and tracker team. Engage all your sense as you discover a world where each sound, scent and bent blade of grass has a meaning.
Late afternoon with your guide to explore and try and find the animals you haven't yet ticked off of your list. As the day comes to an end, you can sit around the fire and share the exciting stories of the days’ wildlife encounters with the other guests or retire to your chalet to enjoy a sherry on your deck and listen as Africa's night chorus unfolds.
Another morning waking up to the sound of birds with a day ahead to explore the African bush.
Waking to the morning calls of the birds, the day begins with another early morning safari with your guide before returning to the lodge for another wonderful breakfast before checking out late morning.
Your driver will return for your private transfer back down the coastline ending with drop off at either King Shaka International Airport or your Umhlanga / Durban hotel at around 3:00 pm.
