Nestled below the Lebombo Mountains of Northern KwaZulu-Natal, Phinda is a Zulu word meaning "the return". In one of the biggest reintroductions of game in Africa, Phinda was restocked with lion, rhino, buffalo, elephant, leopard, giraffe and other big game in an operation dubbed "phinda izilwane", return of the wild animals.

Game drives are only one aspect of the Phinda experience. There is little that can compete with our "Flight of the Fish Eagle" air safari - soaring over a bay where the diversity of species rivals Australia's Great Barrier Reef. Or floating past pods of hippo in a canoe or river boat. Scuba diving, snorkelling and deep-sea fishing are just a hop away. And in the evenings, immerse yourself in the ancient culture of Southern Africa's warrior tribe, the Zulu.

Accommodation at Phinda is unique. We offer four diverse lodges within one reserve. Forest, Vlei, Rock and Mountain Lodge each capture the magical flair of CC Africa. Phinda is not only a luxury destination, it is also a dynamic working model in wise land management and creative wildlife conservation.

The Phinda Story in the Vision section examines the background, achievements and community projects of this remarkable reserve.

• Chosen as Best Hotel for Wildlife Enthusiasts by Town & Country, January 2001
• Listed among the 101 best hotels in the world in UK Tatler's Travel Guide 2001
• Voted by Association of Southern African Travel Agents (Asata) as "Best Game Lodge in Southern Africa" (1998)
• Winner of British Airways' "Tourism for Tomorrow" Award (S.Hemisphere) (1998)