Phinda is home to an abundance of wildlife, from the large mammals to the smallest antelope. However, it is the faster of predators that has a special place here. Having reintroduced cheetah to the area after an absence of over fifty years, Phinda has quickly established a reputation as one of the best places to view and photograph these rare cats. With much of Phinda dominated by a mosaic of various savanna habitats, these speedy carnivores have plenty of space to carry out their explosive hunting technique, as well as enough cover to protect and shelter their cubs. 

Along with cheetah, lion and leopard are tracked on the reserve on a daily basis and guests have a high likelihood of encountering these magnificent animals. Another success story at Phinda is that of both the white and the more endangered black rhino. Brought back from the brink of extinction, both the grass easting white rhino and the shrub grazing black rhino are doing well at the reserve. While the white rhino favours water holes and wallows, the black rhino indulges its inquisitive nature in constant solitary rambles.

The elegant nyala antelope is a frequent sight at Phinda, with the reserve boasting one of the highest densities of the species. With its dark brown coat, buttery yellow legs, shaggy mane and impossibly bushy tail, the male nyala is particularly spectacular, while the female contents itself with a less flashy chestnut coat. The rare sand forest in the northern parts of Phinda is the perfect environment for some of the rarer smaller species. The shy red duiker is found grazing on fallen leaves and fruit and the tiny suni, one of the smallest antelope species, may also be seen.           

Recent Sightings from Wildwatch.com

CHASING TAILS - 28 September 2012
While staying at Phinda Forest Lodge the rains came down one night, filling the sky with thunder and lightning during dinner. As I got back to my room, I heard the sound of lion growls closeby, and along with the security guard we managed to spot one...
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BATTLE AT PHINDA. WELL, ALMOST... - 27 September 2012
Wide-eyed excitement and enthusiasm - the thought that crossed my mind when I set eyes on the Baker family for the first time. Nicholas, Lisa and Kate's flight had been a tad late and the standby ranger had linked them out to us on game drive. With...
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AFRICAN WILD DOGS ON PHINDA! - 26 September 2012
The fresh smell of scorched earth after its been replenished by rain filled our lungs as we packed up our drink stop and started heading homeward. As we came into a nice clearing, I looked up to the sky and saw something we hadn't seen in a...
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