Built in perfect harmony with the existing flow of the intensely canopied rare Sand Forest, &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge‘s exquisite suites, seemingly floating between the forest floor and the towering torchwood trees, are set to undergo an extensive refurbishment, bringing new life to the much-loved lodge. Embodying a commitment to minimise the impact on the environment in an effort to continually protect the sensitive habitat, the refurbishment will utilise the existing lodge’s suite structures, while also updating the architectural design and taking care not to detract from the essence of the lodge design and its original ‘Zulu-zen’ concept.

New and exciting design additions include elements of the natural forest and Zulu culture through the use of tactile textures and natural materials such as woven matting, textured grass cloth wallpaper, and hardwood floors, with natural stone tiling in the bathrooms. The intention is to mindfully reconfigure the suites within their existing structure, creating a more comfortable space that better utilises the current space, while maximising the connection to the forest through wide open views. Each suite will feature an ensuite bathroom with a freestanding bath, an indoor shower, and double vanity. The suites have also been upgraded with a new super-king bed, his-and-hers wardrobes, a sitting area, a freestanding personal bar, a coffee and tea station, as well as a refurbished deck ideal for savouring the each suite’s beautiful and natural surrounds.

As part of the extensive refurbishment of &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge, an exciting addition includes the creation of a new Family Suite. This Family Suite is designed to minimize environmental impact and will be formed by converting one of the existing suites. It will consist of a decorated standard suite linked to a newly constructed second bedroom, accessible either privately or through a connecting passageway.

The main suite will feature an ensuite bathroom with a freestanding bath, indoor shower, and double vanity. It will be upgraded with a new super-king bed, wardrobes, a sitting area, a personal bar, a coffee and tea station, and a refurbished outdoor deck. The additional bedroom, accessible via a passageway with a closable door for privacy, will include a super-king bed (convertible to twin) and a separate bathroom with an indoor shower, toilet, and single vanity. This Family Suite blends Japanese minimalism with local culture, featuring tactile textures and natural materials that honor the natural forest and Zulu heritage, creating a contemporary and inviting design.

Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives that extend into the night, guided by the highly-trained experts at &Beyond. Our guides will engage with you to understand your wildlife preferences, whether it’s tracking a specific species or immersing yourself in each sighting to learn about animal behaviors and habits. They’ll also share insights about the region’s vegetation and provide information on the animals you encounter. In some cases, our guides can even identify individual animals and share their unique histories and behaviors.

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for its exceptional wildlife sightings, including the elusive cheetah, rare black rhino, and the iconic Big Five. With numerous resident lion prides, our rangers are dedicated to ensuring you have extraordinary encounters with these remarkable animals during your stay.

The &Beyond WILDchild programme, thoughtfully designed for young visitors to our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is brimming with engaging and interactive activities that provide a chance to explore, learn, and embrace new experiences and cultures. Rooted in a deep love for the African bush, it not only crafts a collection of unforgettable moments for the entire family but also fosters strong connections between our young guests, our planet, and its people.