Backpacker & Camping - Phinda Game Reserve
Backpacker & Camping is a camp near Phinda Game Reserve.
- Location
- Phinda Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal Bush & Coast, South Africa, Southern Africa
- Coordinates
- -28.024433, 32.178413
- Elevation
- 171m
- Activities
- camp
PlnrScore: 31/100
Wildlife Near This Lodge
2152 species observed within 20 km, 54 mammals, 325 birds.
- Nyala (Mammalia, 362 observations)
- White Rhinoceros (Mammalia, 199 observations)
- Impala (Mammalia, 194 observations)
- Plains Zebra (Mammalia, 192 observations)
- Southern Giraffe (Mammalia, 179 observations)
- African Buffalo (Mammalia, 174 observations)
- African Savanna Elephant (Mammalia, 173 observations)
- Common Warthog (Mammalia, 148 observations)
- Lion (Mammalia, 128 observations)
- African Red Toad (Amphibia, 113 observations)
Best Time to Visit Backpacker & Camping
The best months to visit Backpacker & Camping are January, March, July, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 25.95°C, rainfall 107.3mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 71.4%
- February: Good, temperature 25.48°C, rainfall 140.3mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 75.9%
- March: Great, temperature 24.8°C, rainfall 92.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 74%
- April: Good, temperature 22.44°C, rainfall 84.5mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 76.5%
- May: Good, temperature 20.54°C, rainfall 30.9mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 75.1%
- June: Good, temperature 18.11°C, rainfall 41mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 73.1%
- July: Great, temperature 18.02°C, rainfall 7.8mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 67.8%
- August: Great, temperature 19.31°C, rainfall 13.1mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 68.9%
- September: Great, temperature 21.02°C, rainfall 34.7mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 70.7%
- October: Good, temperature 21.98°C, rainfall 78.8mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 72.1%
- November: Good, temperature 23.88°C, rainfall 59.8mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 71.2%
- December: Good, temperature 25.29°C, rainfall 104.2mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 73.6%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the real difference between staying at Backpacker & Camping and a full-service lodge in Phinda?
We love Backpacker & Camping for its raw, authentic connection to the bush. While you won't get the fine dining or private plunge pools of a luxury lodge, you'll experience incredible stargazing and a genuine sense of adventure. It's the perfect base for exploring Phinda's wildlife without the hefty price tag.
What kind of wildlife can we realistically expect to see on a camping safari near Phinda, and are there guided drives?
Phinda is renowned for its rhino and cheetah populations, and you'll certainly have opportunities to spot these and more from Backpacker & Camping. We highly recommend booking their guided game drives; the rangers are exceptional and know the reserve intimately. Expect to see elephants, lions, and a wealth of birdlife.
What are the camping facilities like at Backpacker & Camping, and what should we pack?
The camping here is comfortable and well-maintained, offering a great balance of rustic charm and essential amenities. We found the ablutions clean and functional, and there's a communal area for meals. Definitely pack layers for the temperature fluctuations, insect repellent, a headlamp, and sturdy walking shoes for any bush walks.
Is Backpacker & Camping a safe option for solo travellers or first-time campers in South Africa?
We felt very secure during our stay at Backpacker & Camping. The staff are friendly and vigilant, and there's a real community feel among guests. It's an excellent introduction to safari camping in South Africa, offering a safe environment to experience the wild.
When is the best time of year to visit Backpacker & Camping for optimal wildlife viewing and pleasant weather?
We recommend visiting during the dry season, from May to October. The vegetation thins out, making wildlife spotting easier, and the cooler temperatures are much more comfortable for camping and game drives. The sunsets during this period are simply sensational.
Other Safari Lodges in Phinda Game Reserve
- African Spirit Game Lodge
- Aloe view rock lodge
- Amorello Bush Golf Lodge
- Bayala Lodge
- Bayala Private Safari Lodges
- Bayete Private Lodge
- Campsite 19 & 20
- Campsite 21 & 22
- Campsite 23 & 24
- Crocodylus Private Sanctuary and Ostrich Farm
- Dinizulu Lodge
- Dukandlovu Rustic Camp
- Emdoneni Lodge
- eMshopi Campsite
- Executive Camp sites (7-10)
- Ezulwini Game Lodge
- Fazala Game Park and Spa
- Forest Lodge - Phinda
- Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge
- “Hlangana” camps sites (1-6)
- Hluhluwe River Lodge
- Intibane Lodge
- Lalapanzi Combo units
- Lalapanzi Deluxe Chalets
- Leopard Mountain Lodge
- Leopard Walk Lodge
- Malala Lodge
- Mantuma Camp
- Mapita Bush Lodge
- Mavela Game Lodge
- Mfula
- Mountain Lodge - Phinda
- Mziki Office
- Nhlonhlela Bush Lodge
- Queens Deck
- Rhino River Lodge
- Rhino Sands Lodge
- Rock Lodge - Phinda
- Sand Forest Lodge Camping Hluhluwe
- "The Oval" Executive Camp sites (11-16)
- Treehouse
- Ubizane Zululand Safari Lodge
- Ubizane Zululand Tree Lodge
- uMkhuze Environmental Camp
- uMkumbe Tented Bush Camp
- Vlei Lodge - Phinda
- Zebra Hills Lodge
- Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
- Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge