andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge has reopened following a thoughtful refurbishment, emerging as a next-generation private safari retreat designed for intimate gatherings.
The lodge, situated in the densely wooded Zuka Hills within the Phinda Private Game Reserve, comprises four thatched suites overlooking a private waterhole. The redesign preserves its character while introducing richer textures and warmer tones.
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, with a new firepit and reimagined boma offering a more open, immersive setting overlooking the newly landscaped waterhole.
At the heart of the transformation is a commitment to sustainability, in line with andBeyond’s ethos. 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.
“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,” says Kevin Pretorius, andBeyond Managing Director for South Africa Lodges. “Infused with bohemian warmth, African craft and textures of clay, wood and woven materials to create a space where heritage meets purpose, 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.”
