Africa Adventure Consultants Safari Concierge Ciara recently enjoyed a safari adventure in South Africa, exploring the less commonly visited province of KwaZulu Natal. She joins us on the blog today to share some of the highlights of her visit.
For many, South Africa’s Kruger National Park stands as the quintessential safari destination, boasting an awe-inspiring array of wildlife against a backdrop of sweeping savannas. However, on my most recent foray into the realm of South African safaris, I found myself drawn to a different corner of this diverse country: KwaZulu Natal and more specifically, Phinda Private Game Reserve. Here’s why I chose to venture off the beaten path and delve into the wonders of this lesser-known region.
While Kruger is renowned for its expansive grasslands and iconic Big Five sightings, Phinda is characterized by its diverse terrain, including lush coastal forests, majestic mountain ranges and ancient sand forests. Walking beneath the tree canopy, dappled sunlight filters through the dense foliage, creating an enchanting atmosphere where every step unveils a world teeming with life. Here, rare and elusive species find refuge, from the diminutive suni antelope to the majestic nyala and even the critically endangered black rhino, each perfectly adapted to thrive in this specialized environment.
I had the chance to see an incredible array of wildlife on my safari, including a host of baby animals. From lion cubs tumbling and playing in the long grass and a fuzzy baby zebra to a cheetah cub perched in a tree and an adorable and curious baby white rhino, it was nearly cuteness overload. There were also lots of adult species to admire including towering giraffe and enormous elephants, as well as lions, leopards and menacing looking Cape buffalo. I definitely got my wildlife fix – including the Big Five – at Phinda!
One of the highlights at Phinda for birding enthusiasts like me is the opportunity to spot over 400 bird species, among them the striking pink-throated twinspot and regal Pel’s fishing owl. The habitats within Phinda range from open savannas to wetlands and mountains and provide ideal conditions for a wide range of birdlife.
Phinda is interesting not just for its day and night game drives to observe wildlife – you can also take bush walks, go on an e-biking adventure, visit nearby Zulu communities and join in conservation activities (seasonal) such as rhino, elephant and pangolin projects. The Indian Ocean is nearby as well, so water activities such as scuba diving, ocean safaris and even the chance to see turtle nesting (seasonal) are on offer. If these are of interest to you – be sure to tell your Journey Specialist so that they can help you choose the right time to visit.
South Africa’s reputation as a haven for wildlife enthusiasts is well-deserved, with its array of national parks and private reserves offering unique experiences in every corner. It’s worth getting off the beaten path for an especially diverse safari experience. KwaZulu Natal is easy to reach by road and air from Johannesburg (where most visitors arrive), and also offers interesting beach and mountain adventures. You can keep coming back to this diverse country with the promise of seeing something new every time!
Contact one of our Journey Specialists to start planning and subscribe to the newsletter below to keep in touch. If you missed reading about Ciara’s recent trip to Botswana and Zambia, you can catch up on her other travels here.
Photos courtesy AAC Safari Concierge Ciara Manning