andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is no ordinary Big Five safari destination. This is where cheetahs sprint through grasslands once farmed, and black rhinos browse dense Tamboti thickets. It’s a place where the land tells a story of restoration, and every encounter feels sacred.

Spanning 29,866 hectares (73,800 acres) of rare biodiversity across seven distinct habitats, Phinda is one of Africa’s most diverse private reserves. Set within the pioneering Munywana Conservancy in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and a short drive from the unspoiled beaches and coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, it offers more than extraordinary wildlife. But meaning. Because here, every stay helps protect what matters most.

In 2004, I had the remarkable opportunity to observe the release of 15 black rhinos at Phinda Private Game Reserve. This moment not only set the stage for major progress in rhino conservation but also intensified my passion for these incredible animals.

Phinda Private Game Reserve, nestled in the lush landscapes of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, stands as a beacon of hope and leadership in rhino conservation. This remarkable sanctuary, covering over 29, 866 hectares of pristine wilderness, is renowned for its innovative approaches to wildlife preservation, particularly in safeguarding the increasingly threatened rhino population. The reserve’s holistic approach not only protects the majestic rhinos but also enriches the ecosystem, offering an inspiring model for conservation efforts worldwide.

Fast forward to September 2024, two decades after my first experience with global rhino conservation, I found myself back in Phinda, joined by a wonderfully diverse group of passionate individuals. We came together to de-horn a rhino on World Rhino Day, contributing to our relentless battle against rhino poaching.

In this remarkable experience, the team witnessed a wildlife veterinarian expertly track and safely dart a rhino from the safety of a helicopter, while the group followed closely in open 4×4 safari vehicles. Once the rhino was darted and resting comfortably, our skilled veterinary team carefully extracted both horns. The horns were then transported off the reserve to a safe storage site, at an undisclosed location.

This experience offered each member of our group a firsthand insight into rhino conservation. They not only helped gather essential data but also had the extraordinary opportunity to physically engage with these magnificent creatures.

Travel planning has provided me with a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a larger mission that resonates with &Beyond’s core values of caring for the land, wildlife, and people. I am passionate about promoting education on rhino conservation by encouraging more visitors to South Africa, especially to Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Alongside my husband Tristan, we created an Instagram page called Roaming With Lions as a personal endeavour to engage with a broader audience. By sharing our photos and stories, we aspire to inspire others to join us in our travels and participate in our crowdfunding efforts, aiding the ongoing fight against rhino poaching. Our goal is to connect with a community committed to making a real impact in wildlife conservation.

Celebrating the remarkable crowdfunding event, we had one-of-a-kind custom t-shirts designed to unify the group and represent our initiative, Roaming With Lions (RWL). These shirts became a symbol of our shared mission, fostering a sense of community among participants. Among the many heartwarming stories that emerged from this experience, one stood out to me: a tracker shared that it was the first time in over 20 years he wore a t-shirt featuring a rhino. He expressed how proud he felt to wear it, and will continue to do so in his community, highlighting the impact and significance of our collective efforts. This story encapsulates the spirit of Roaming With Lions, where conservation meets community empowerment, leaving a lasting impression on all involved.

We look forward to planning your next adventure and potential rhino conservation activity at Phinda Private Game Reserve.