Phinda Private Game Reserve is pioneer in conservation and a premier Big Five safari destination situated in KwaZulu-Natal. The reserve has one of the largest privately owned populations of white rhino in South Africa, as well as a growing number of black rhino. Poaching continues to be a huge threat to the conservation of the species, and the successful protection of Rhino in many private reserves is due to rigorous management approaches, which involve a combination of strict anti-poaching rules enforced by rangers and a procedure known as rhino darting, in which rhinos are sedated and tagged for tracking purposes.
Most of Phinda’s rhinos have been notched, a technique where their ears are permanently marked to enable accurate identification, both to ensure their safety and for research purposes. Eight to ten rhinos are notched on a yearly basis as the calves reach maturity. In special cases, guests are able to take part in a rhino darting safari, thus playing an active role in the on-going conservation of this species.
In addition to rhino darting, Phinda also offers guests many unique wilderness experiences: from birdwatching and family safaris to walking adventures and many more. Those seeking more of a cultural experience can take a day excursion to the ancient Zulu Battlefields to gain an appreciation for the region’s turbulent history.
For the past few years, the reserve has been leading four-day Rhino Capture and Research Safaris where guests accompany vets and rangers in the bush, in search of unidentified rhinos to dart and tag them as part of a comprehensive conservation programme. The revenue goes straight into the conservation, security and research of White Rhino at Phinda and makes the successful management of the rhino at Phinda possible.