Phinda Zuka Lodge
Phinda Zuka Lodge is situated in the 28,555 hectare Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal region. The reserve encompasses an impressive seven diverse ecosystems and an extraordinary range of wildlife, including lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino. Children of any age are welcome at Zuka Lodge.
Accommodation & Facilities
Phinda Zuka Lodge is situated in the western region of Phinda Private Game Reserve and is made up of four stylish cottages which can can be booked together or individually. Each cottage overlooks the waterhole in front of the lodge and has an en-suite bathroom with bath and double shower, and a private verandah with comfortable chairs to watch any wildlife which may come past. All cottages can be configured as twin or double beds and for parents wanting children to sleep in the same room, up to two single beds can be added. There is one cot available at the lodge. The public areas of the lodge include a library, sitting room with an open fire, dining room, interactive kitchen and a large deck with a swimming pool, which also overlooks the waterhole. The pool is 1.5m deep with a step that can be used as a seat.
Eating & Sleeping
Children can have separate meal times by prior arrangement with the chef. Children’s options include chicken strips and chips, burgers, pizzas, crumpets and fruit skewers in the morning. The housekeeping ladies can be booked to babysit at a cost of R50 per child per hour.
Wildlife & Activities
In addition to day and night game drives with highly knowledgeable &Beyond rangers and trackers, guests can enjoy bush walks. Rhino notching, rhino tracking on foot, and elephant collaring are also offered on a limited basis at an additional cost. Phinda’s close proximity to the Maputaland coastline means that guests can enjoy beach activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing and beach picnics. Horse riding is also on offer, along with visits to local villages, viewing turtle nesting sites, and sleep outs. Many of these activities are subject to additional fees, and can be arranged and paid for locally; several of them are for children of 12 years and upwards; please ask us for more details.
Specifically for children …
• Children can take advantage of the WildChild Programme. This offers fun, interactive activities and expeditions tailored to the children’s age and interest. Each young traveller will receive a WildChild backpack with scrapbook and other goodies and they will find an assignment for the following day laid out on their pillow.
• Expeditions may include: frogging, kiddies game drives (no elephants, lion, cheetah and leopard to be viewed), baking and pizza making in the interactive kitchen, painting the Jeep with water-based paint, pellet gun shooting under the supervision of the ranger and parents, plaster of Paris paw-prints, various board games and football on the lawn.
• Children under 6 years will not be permitted on adult game drives unless a private vehicle has been booked and then it is at the discretion of the individual ranger.
• Maputaland Coastline Trip – the main destination is Sodwana Bay which is a two hour drive from the camp.
• Horse riding – minimum age 12 years. Suitable for beginners, novices and experts. Hard hats are provided.