andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge — Hotel in The Big Five False Bay Local Municipality

We had an amazing time at Phinda, Zuka Lodge. We did wonder if 8 days in one lodge might get a little repetitive, as it turned out no two days were the same and we felt there was no pressure on us or the guides to try and cram everything in to a few days…..the wildlife and the landscape came to us as opposed to us chasing them…..whilst we had excellent sightings of most of the larger game species in Phinda including the rarer black rhino, leopard and cheetah we had time to see vast range of birdlife, reptiles, insects, trees and plants and begin to gain an understanding of how they all interact.||The sightings were only possible due to the highly skilled guide, Busani and spotter Musa, their expertise was equalled by their interpersonal skills and enjoyment in their work…..the evening sundowners will never be forgotten!||The team at Zuka lodge also deserve special mention….the loge itself is small and you are made to feel part of the family which is so excellently managed by Zee. Meals provided by the chef, Mr Q, ably assisted by Professor, were always delicious and varied throughout with the option to tailor to our requirements, but we were happy to follow chefs suggestions and never disappointed.||Service at Zuka was genuine and attentive but never obtrusive, with Menzi as our butler….we were able to relax as though we were at home. A true reflection of the professional excellence of Zee and all her lodge team.||Indeed the lodge itself gave us some excellent sightings with impala, Nyala and Warthogs grazing the gardens with elephant, baboon and cheetah making *guest” appearances. ||Whilst there were many sightings that provided lasting memories, for me the one thing I shall never forget is the amazing evening frog chorus from the pond at Zuka lodge …..it accompanied the excellent dinners and lulled us to sleep every night.||We ended our trip with 3 days in Cape Town, the &Beyond organised tour guide and hotel accommodation were excellent in every way…..but I think our hearts were still in Phinda and Zuka lodge.||Transfers and collection from airports was always efficient and helpful which is very important to any long hall vacation. This has been the case each time we have booked a vacation with &Beyond and one of the reasons we keep returning.||Last but not least we must mention Daryl Dell at &Beyond who organised our trip his knowledge of guiding and organisational skill are truly exceptional and we always feel safe in his...

We had an amazing time at Phinda, Zuka Lodge. We did wonder if 8 days in one lodge might get a little repetitive, as it turned out no two days were the same and we felt there was no pressure on us or the guides to try and cram everything in to a few days…..the wildlife and the landscape came to us as opposed to us chasing them…..whilst we had excellent sightings of most of the larger game species in Phinda including the rarer black rhino, leopard and cheetah we had time to see vast range of birdlife, reptiles, insects, trees and plants and begin to gain an understanding of how they all interact.||The sightings were only possible due to the highly skilled guide, Busani and spotter Musa, their expertise was equalled by their interpersonal skills and enjoyment in their work…..the evening sundowners will never be forgotten!||The team at Zuka lodge also deserve special mention….the loge itself is small and you are made to feel part of the family which is so excellently managed by Zee. Meals provided by the chef, Mr Q, ably assisted by Professor, were always delicious and varied throughout with the option to tailor to our requirements, but we were happy to follow chefs suggestions and never disappointed.||Service at Zuka was genuine and attentive but never obtrusive, with Menzi as our butler….we were able to relax as though we were at home. A true reflection of the professional excellence of Zee and all her lodge team.||Indeed the lodge itself gave us some excellent sightings with impala, Nyala and Warthogs grazing the gardens with elephant, baboon and cheetah making *guest” appearances. ||Whilst there were many sightings that provided lasting memories, for me the one thing I shall never forget is the amazing evening frog chorus from the pond at Zuka lodge …..it accompanied the excellent dinners and lulled us to sleep every night.||We ended our trip with 3 days in Cape Town, the &Beyond organised tour guide and hotel accommodation were excellent in every way…..but I think our hearts were still in Phinda and Zuka lodge.||Transfers and collection from airports was always efficient and helpful which is very important to any long hall vacation. This has been the case each time we have booked a vacation with &Beyond and one of the reasons we keep returning.||Last but not least we must mention Daryl Dell at &Beyond who organised our trip his knowledge of guiding and organisational skill are truly exceptional and we always feel safe in his...

Full disclosure. Our trip to Phinda was marred by exceptionally terrible weather, but also by the reserve overpromising on the wildlife experience on offer.||We arrived at Zuka from our first lodge and were greeted and told to "treat Zuka like our own home". We were specifically told that there was no fixed menu and that the resident chef would come and discuss what we'd like to eat.||The rooms are ok but of a lower standard than other luxury lodges at this price point. Of note, there is no mini bar (no fridge, no soft drinks) in the room. We were told by the manager we could call for drinks to be brought to us if we wished to.||We were also told that we could help ourselves to the complimentary drinks in the lodge bar. When I attempted to do so I was given the firm impression by the "butler" that this was NOT allowed. I would have to request a drink and wait to be served. The butler seemed to be always there skulking in the background ....except when you wanted a drink. He created quite a creepy vibe for the lodge. It most certainly did not feel like home.||The chef also made us feel very uncomfortable. We were told with each meal... this (one option) is what is being served. No choices, no alternatives offered and definitely a fixed menu. Food overall was of a poor standard (especially meat) compared to the &beyond Mountain Lodge where food was delicious and there were options offered at every meal. A traditional African dish was difficult for us to navigate and quite different to other food we have been served in luxury safari lodges.||Overall Zuka lodge was generally the most unpleasant part of our otherwise quite disappointing holiday in Phinda. ||With our experience overall, we couldn't recommend Phinda for wildlife photographers and think that, in particular, Zuka lodge needs some significant changes to the way it is run to bring it back in line with the standard of the other &beyond lodges...