andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge returns after a soulful refurbishment
January 2026: andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge reopened on 18 December 2025 after a thoughtful refurbishment, welcoming guests back to a place that feels both familiar and entirely new. Emerging as a next-generation private safari retreat designed for intimate gatherings, perfect for small groups, multi-generational families and milestone celebrations. The result is a key destination shaped for life’s most meaningful moments, carried by the warm, effortless hospitality that has always defined the Zuka experience. As part of andBeyond’s ongoing commitment to investing in its lodge portfolio, this much-loved lodge within Phinda Private Game Reserve returns as a home for every generation.
Phinda Zuka has long appealed to travellers who want privacy and connection in equal measure, making it an ideal setting for milestone celebrations. With only four thatched Suites overlooking a private waterhole, the lodge has always felt like a shared home for small groups, generous and intimate in the densely wooded Zuka Hills. The redesign preserves this cherished character while introducing richer textures, warmer tones, and an even deeper sense of belonging.
“Drawing inspiration from the name Zuka, meaning ‘dawn’, the visual concept celebrates new beginnings while honouring the lodge’s heritage as the home of one of the reserve’s founding families. Infused with bohemian warmth, African craft and textures of clay, wood and woven materials to create a space where heritage meets purpose,” says Kevin Pretorius, &Beyond Managing Director for South Africa Lodges. “Zuka’s redesign is not just aesthetic. Every corner invites reflection, and every stay offers the freedom to roam and the comfort to return, regardless of age.”
Inside, natural tones and handcrafted details led by Hubert Zandberg Interiors celebrate African artistry and captures the shapes, colours, and textures of the natural environment. Each Suite now features a private sala, giving guests a shaded outdoor space for dining, reading or quiet time between game drives. A new Family Suite enhances the lodge’s ability to host multi-generational families, creating shared moments that connect everyone to the bush. Perfect for intimate gatherings, the new firepit and reimagined boma now offer a more open, immersive setting overlooking the newly landscaped waterhole, attracting regular wildlife activity for relaxed and unobtrusive viewing.
Every detail of the refurbishment was made with intention. Sustainability lies at the heart of andBeyond’s ethos and is reflected throughout. The design honours the original structure by preserving its existing framework, a mindful approach that reduces material use. In addition, the project prioritised local sourcing, from hard finishes to handcrafted details such as woven screens, supporting local artisans and celebrating regional craftsmanship. These enhancements continue andBeyond’s long-standing conservation strategy, which integrates guest comfort with ecological responsibility.
Days at Zuka are filled with experiences that balance adventure and calm. Guests can start the day with guided game drives in search of the Big Five, along with cheetah and black rhino, or venture to the nearby Indian Ocean coastline for scuba diving, marine safaris, and seasonal turtle nesting experiences. Afternoons offer relaxed swimming in the pool, quiet observation at the waterhole, or hands-on encounters like family-friendly conservation and craft activities. Evening safaris and star-lit dinners complete the day, allowing guests to immerse fully in the rhythms of the African bush while moving effortlessly between excitement and ease.
While the interiors have changed, what remains the same is the feeling of being completely at home in the wilderness. Welcoming each guest with warmth and sincerity, Phinda Zuka still offers care that is effortless and personal. Now with a renewed design and spirit, the lodge remains unchanged in heart as a sanctuary shaped by generosity, inspired by the wild and rooted in beauty. Every detail, from the African artifacts to the glow of lanterns at dusk, is designed to evoke the care, ease and attentiveness that define the quiet luxury of the &Beyond experience.
Rates start from ZAR 15,800 per person per night inclusive of all meals, twice-daily private game drives and guided walks. The lodge can be booked for sole use with a dedicated vehicle and its own ranger team, offering an exclusive safari experience. Guests can also take advantage of the Stay 4, Pay 3 at Phinda Zuka offer and Fly Me to Phinda offer, made to encourage a fuller immersion in the wilderness for less. For reservations, visit andBeyond.com or contact your preferred travel specialist.
Issued By: [email protected]
T +27 11 809 4300 | F +27 11 809 4511
