Phinda Zuka Lodge

Reviews

"Magical stay at Zuka. Small and very personalized lodge. Totally comfortable surroundings. Really does feel like your home. Mesmerizing waterhole. So much going on there. Always a new animal or bird coming to visit. Great food. Game drives, saw lion kill, cheetahs on the hunt and a close encounter with a black rhino! All made come even more alive by our ranger Matt, along with Toby from Rock Lodge."

- Annette

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"We wanted our first safari experience to be a good one. We were not disappointed. From the rangers and trackers on the drives (and the stop for a G&T at dusk or a coffee and Amarulla at dawn) through to the lodge itself, the food and hospitality. The animals were amazing, the lodge thoroughly professionally run, the food fantastic and service wonderful. Will be back to another & Beyond lodge!"

- Tony

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"Zuka Lodge is an extraordinary hideaway in the middle of Phinda private game reserve. First of all, it is the largest reserve we have been to, and for 8 days and 16 game drives, we did not repeat any territory. The ranger, Eduard and the tracker, Simi were 2 of the most wonderful people! They were most interested in our interests, and then pursed them without fail. Food was wonderful, one of our family having a difficult allergy. She was given the same food as we were, made to her specifications, in terms of her needs. We have never experienced such skill and accommodation. What an absolutely wonderful venue for a family holiday to remember always"

- Ruth

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"It is never easy travelling with kids and I am always so conscious of them being noisy at mealtimes or disturbing other hotel guests. Especially in the bush which is a place of quiet. So ZUKA LODGE was a fantastic fit for 2 families as has 4 well decorated, luxurious rooms (each with separate entrance) and so you have the place exclusively to yourself. It feels like your own safari lodge (a beautiful one too). The main area, lounge and dining room is well designed with lovely big fireplace (we needed it!) and a separate TV room which allowed those who wanted to catch up on the Tour de France to do so in peace. Our guide, Barry was experienced and worked in sync with our animated tracker Simi. We saw great game - cheetah, lion, elephant etc and Barry also allowed us to enjoy some birding. andbeyond had placed a little backpack with book and colouring in in the kids room and each of them (age 4 - age 8) bought this along on each game drive and lists were made and pictures drawn which kept them very busy (and their parents happy). Time was made for kids to stretch their legs and enjoy a hot chocolate and we were always welcomed back to camp with the most delicious meals. And early kids dinner accommodated. Hats off to the chef!"

- Caro

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"Magical stay at Zuka. Small and very personalised lodge. Totally comfortable surroundings. Really does feel like your home. Mesmerising waterhole. So much going on there. Always a new animal or bird coming to visit. Great food. Game drives, saw lion kill, cheetahs on the hunt and a close encounter with a black rhino! All made come even more alive by our ranger Matt, along with Toby from Rock Lodge."

- Anette

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"We spent 3 nights at Phinda Zuka, for a family celebration. The staff, spearheaded by the fabulous butler, Ndumiso, were amazing and kind and catered to our grandchildren, involving them in a myriad of lodge activities when they weren't out in the bush or on drive. Top class babysitters were laid on for the baby. The game viewing down south is very good, big 5 in one day which was, in huge measure, due to the extraordinary skill of our ranger, Dumi and tracker Simmy. And there is something fantastic about having a lodge for exclusive use. We dined under the stars and in the boma around a crackling fire and had a seven course candlelit formal anniversary dinner . Great fun, outstanding andBeyond hospitality and reaffirmation that any andBeyond lodge will deliver over and above a great experience. If you want to take a group or family for a bush holiday consider Zuka, is a worthy choice. only negative the lunch menu selection leaves a lot to be desired...they could learn from the Forest chefs."

- Sal

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"Zuka Lodge only has a few rooms so we had the entire place to just our friends and family. It was set away from everywhere nestled in a valley and you truly felt a part of the bush. The staff had the perfect blend to give one privacy yet attend to your every need. The rooms were very different and yet had the right touch all around to make one feel at peace. The food was incredible and with everything we asked for was provided. We had cold rainy weather yet the fire crackling in the lounge made the experience cozy and welcoming. Our guides were perfect and we traveled right across the reserve to get a specific viewing. If you want a private, homely experience in the bush with healthy and tasty food then this is exactly right. We had very specific dietary requirements and these were met exactly. It is not as sophisticated as Forest Lodge and is perfect for a group of friends or family. You have your own guide, ranger and vehicle so you can do what you want when you want. We were made to feel genuinely welcome and all the staff were perfect. I can highly recommend the & Beyond experience."

- Anton

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"No surprise, this was the highest end accommodations of our trip and it felt like it. Pricey? Sure. But you are not going to get this kind of experience, and situation, for less. And many places charge much more. Nicely situated and well appointed. Friendly host staff. The chef was quite good, and very agreeable to our dietary preferences, though it took several back and forth discussions to get it right. He was clearly trying and there is no question that both the chef and the baker had world class skills! Because the usual ranger was on their week(s) off, we had two different rangers while there, preferring Richard for this balanced combination of knowledge and friendliness. One day, one of the couples in the lodge wanted to stop at the large lodge (Mountain Lodge) to visit the shop. It was interesting to see this large facility in contrast to our small lodge. Unless one had a larger group or the cost was significantly less or one really needed some of its amenities, it’s hard to see the appeal of the Mountain Lodge. At the Zuka lodge, there are four rooms/huts... and apparently they will be reducing that to three, so that on any given game drive, you'll have at most six people in the vehicle."

- Nathan

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"10 of us arrived at Zuka Lodge from various parts of the world of a family holiday. Our grandsons were all under the age of 9, I do not think Zuka had so many little boys in one go!! The staff were well prepared for them & catered to all their needs. The guides Edward & Nick kept the little fellows very interested in the wild life & by the time we left our youngest who is 4 + knew most of the animals by name. The meals were also catered to the young ones need, but the 5 adults did not miss out on anything, as our meals were discussed before hand, Dudu fed us well & made sure there was "hot chocolate" on the game drives for the boys, who looked forward to it. All 4 rooms were extremely comfortable & could not ask for more. Bath by candle light, wow!! I do highly recommend this wonderful lodge to anyone wanting a relaxed family holiday. A big thank you to all the staff, Kenny & the Zuka family for making this family holiday one never to be forgotten."

- Annette

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"We arrived at the Phinda Reserve not knowing what to expect, it being our first safari. We stayed at the Zhuka Lodge, which only has 4 huts and we were 4 couples- perfect. We were greeted by the staff, who immediately started to pamper us. The lodge is perfect, the rooms perfect. We felt comfortable right away. Special thanks to our rangers Lucky and Simi who spotted everything - Big 5 in under 2 hours one morning! The cook Dudu was a wonder, I will never forget her charm and her kitchen, the manager Nina who always knew what we needed and wanted without being asked. Phinda should be on everyone's bucket list!!"

- Pat