Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
Phinda Impact Journey
A journey shaped by nature and driven by purpose
Departure date:
25 – 31 October 2026
JOIN IMPACTFUL CONSERVATION ACTIVITIES THAT REVEAL THE SCIENCE AND COMMITMENT BEHIND PROTECTING ENDANGERED SPECIES.
TRAVEL WITH A SPECIALIST RANGER AND WILD IMPACT GUIDE WHOSE INSIGHTS INTO ECOLOGY, CULTURE AND BEHAVIOUR ELEVATE EVERY EXPERIENCE.
EXPLORE A RESERVE CELEBRATED FOR ITS VARIED HABITATS AND THRIVING POPULATIONS OF RHINO, ELEPHANT, CHEETAH AND THE BIG FIVE.
MEET THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE ALONGSIDE THE RESERVE AND LEARN HOW CONSERVATION-LED TOURISM CONTRIBUTES TO EDUCATION AND OPPORTUNITY.
Your journey at a glance
Step into an adventure that reveals the true heartbeat of Phinda.
Over seven days, explore thriving wildlife habitats, meet the conservationists restoring endangered species and engage with our partner communities who share this landscape. Guided by a specialist ranger and your dedicated Wild Impact guide, you will learn new skills, deepen your understanding of conservation science and experience Phinda’s wildlife with a renewed sense of meaning.
You will stay at the breathtaking &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge, a sole-use lodge in the southern reaches of the reserve, which offers its own private vehicle and guide, butler, and chef. These dates have been carefully selected around the best climates of the year, to ensure that you are able to make the most of your adventure.
A seat on this Small Group Journey includes a Wild Impact donation.
6 nights &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
Day 1
Arrival | &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
25 Oct | &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge
Arrive at OR Tambo International Airport, where an &Beyond representative will meet you and assist with your flight to Phinda. Your guide will welcome you at the airstrip and transfer you to Phinda Zuka Lodge, your exclusive base for the week. Settle in and enjoy an afternoon game drive across the Munywana Conservancy, an area known for its thriving rhino populations, elusive cats and beautifully varied landscapes.
Days 2 to 6
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve
26 – 30 Oct | &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge
Discover Phinda through a mix of immersive experiences. Cycle through the sand forest on e-bikes, join your ranger for tracking sessions, take part in bird-ringing and spend meaningful time with community projects supported by Wild Impact. Swipe through for a glimpse of how these days will unfold.
Day 2
ALL IN THE DETAILS
Begin with a morning game drive before switching to e-bikes for a scenic ride through sand forest. Learn track-and-sign techniques with your guide as you interpret fresh spoor and read the subtle clues that reveal wildlife activity.
Day 3
LIFE UNDER THE SKIES
Take part in a hands-on bird-ringing session to net, measure, tag and release birds. As evening falls, settle into a lantern-lit sleepout with fireside dining and the sounds of the bush surrounding you.
Day 4
BUDDING BUSH PRO
Walk from your sleepout back to the lodge, using your growing field skills to read tracks, listen for bird calls and interpret wildlife movements. Later, enjoy an unhurried afternoon game drive followed by a bush gin tasting.
Day 5
ENRICH YOUR EXPERIENCE
Visit nearby community projects supported by Wild Impact. Spend time with local educators, explore a school environment and learn how community-led initiatives strengthen the region.
Day 6
ACTING FOR THE FUTURE
Join the conservation team for an introduction to telemetry and wildlife monitoring. Take part in key wildlife conservation initiatives, and see how research guides the long-term management of the reserve.
Day 7
Departure | &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
31 Oct | &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge
Savour a final breakfast before travelling to the airstrip for your return flight. One last aerial view of the landscape offers a fitting farewell to a journey shaped by learning, purpose and discovery.
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
Rates
Per person sharing for 6 nights and 7 days
What's included
- Welcome and assistance service at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
- All scheduled flights:
- OR Tambo International Airport to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and vice versa
- Accommodation as specified
- Meals as specified
- Soft drinks, house wine, local brand spirits, local beer, teas and coffees (premium brands to own account)
- Laundry
- Game viewing activities as offered on the Small Group Journey
- Munywana Conservation fees
- Access to renowned &Beyond conservationists and privately guided throughout by a specialist &Beyond guide
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharge
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Administration fee
At an additional cost
- Travel Insurance is not included, however, should you be interested, we can introduce you to our
- Items of personal nature
- Gratuities
- Visas (visit our partner, Sherpa, for reliable and convenient access to all visa-related requirements, supporting information, and costs)
- Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners
Conditions
- Rates are quoted on a per person sharing basis.
- Cost is based on minimum of 4 guests and with a maximum of 8 guests. 6 guests option rates will be quoted on request. Only 4 rooms available at &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge.
- A single supplement of 50% applies from the first single room.
- Single traveller supplement and child rates will be quoted on request.
- Due to the nature of the itinerary, the minimum age of children allowed will be 16 years. Should the entire group comprise of one party and there are children under 16 we would be able to adjust the course content in order to cater for younger children.
- May not be combined with other offers. However, additional nights may be added by using our applicable long-stay rates.
- Flight rates are subject to change.
- All flights route through Nelspruit - Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
- Camera and lense equipment will not be provided. Guests are required to bring their own.
- &Beyond may need to pass on cancellation/amendment costs once bookings including the flight offer have been confirmed
- Validity periods are as specified above.
- The rates quoted are subject to change without warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in South Africa.
- &Beyond trading terms apply.
What makes this journey unforgettable
A rare look behind the scenes of an award-winning reserve.
Conservation moments that stay with you
Join the conservation team as they monitor endangered wildlife and witness signature procedures such as rhino dehorning or ear-notching. Gain insight into how real-time data shapes protection strategies.
A living mosaic of habitats
Experience Phinda’s Seven Worlds of Wonder, from sand forest to river corridors and open grasslands. Each game drive reveals a different facet of a reserve known for cheetah, black and white rhino and the Big Five.
Skills you will carry home
Practise track-and-sign identification, take part in bird ringing and sharpen your awareness on an interactive walking safari. Each activity is guided by experts who share their knowledge and care in the field.
Community stories with real impact
Spend time with educators and community leaders who drive local change. Visit nearby schools and projects supported by Wild Impact, and discover how tourism strengthens resilience beyond the reserve.
Recognised for what matters
Every story speaks to something deeper: connection, care, and the kind of impact that lingers long after the journey ends.
Stay with us on this journey
Just four individual thatched Zululand bush Suites make up &Beyond Phinda Zuka Lodge that can be reserved on a sole-use basis for private gatherings, or on an individual room booking.
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