An exclusive-use safari retreat overlooking a private, low-lying pan rich in wildlife

Set amongst the densely wooded Zuka Hills of Phinda Private Game Reserve, studded with aloes and overlooking a small private pan, lies Phinda Zuka Lodge, a private sole-use villa, ideal for families and small groups.

Encompassing an impressive 29 866 ha (73 800 acres) of protected wildlife land in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Phinda Private Game Reserve showcases one of the continent’s finest game viewing experiences, and is home to Africa’s Big Five, as well as 436 bird species. Guests at Phinda experience unforgettable interpretive game drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles, led by professionally trained &Beyond rangers and Zulu trackers, as well as a wide range of optional adventures in the bush and on the beach.

Just four individual thatched Zululand bush suites, make up this intimate lodge that can be reserved as a sole-use villa for private gatherings, or on an individual room booking. Phinda Zuka’s overall ambiance is that of cool, coastal bush-style; embodying the sophistication of simplicity. The charming suites cluster around a pan which turns into a popular waterhole during the rainy season, and a diversity of wildlife is regularly seen and birdlife flourishes. Each suite boasts a luxurious ensuite bathroom, complete with a circular bath chamber, double showers and twin hand basins. Comfortable lounge chairs, on private verandas, allow for gentle contemplation or an afternoon siesta.

Guest areas include an interactive café-style kitchen, indoor sitting and dining areas, an intimate library and a swimming pool with an extended wooden deck overlooking the surrounding wilderness.

Choose from a range of exciting Phinda Adventures such as a specialist walking and tracking safaris, a sleep out under the stars, and other participative conservation experiences such rhino notching or pangolin tagging. Also on offer within easy access of the reserve are Zulu village visits, Wild Impact (formerly Africa Foundation) community visits, a Maputaland beach trip, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, or an incredible ocean safari that offers you a host of marine life sightings. Specialist safaris can be arranged in advance and focus on special interests such as birding, photographic, family and private safaris.