Gallery: Phinda Private Game Reserve

Elephants come to drink at the Vlei Lodge, delaying the guests from taking an afternoon dip.

Elephants come to drink at the Vlei Lodge, delaying the guests from taking an afternoon dip.

The deck at Forest Lodge. Pictures: Kate Turkington

A cheetah pauses before the evening hunt.

In the next three hours we see the Big Five, plus scores of plains game and wonderful birds.

'Mustafa' the lion quenches his thirst.

Phinda Lodge is nestled right next to the trees.

Phinda Lodge is nestled right next to the trees.