Zululand Phinda & Hluhluwe Luxury Safari
Seven Ecosystems, Both Rhino & the Wild Heart of KwaZulu-Natal
Overview
This is Zululand at its most luxurious — a five-day journey that pairs the celebrated &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve with the ancient rhino wilderness of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi. Phinda protects seven distinct habitats across its 280 square kilometres, from rare sand forest to open savannah, and is one of the finest places in South Africa to watch cheetah hunt across the plains. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, just to the west, is the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa and the birthplace of rhino conservation, where Operation Rhino saved the southern white rhino from extinction.
Staying in the elegant glass-walled suites of Phinda Forest Lodge, hidden in a dry sand forest, and the hilltop luxury of Phinda Mountain Lodge with its sweeping views over the Ubombo Mountains, this itinerary is unhurried and indulgent. Expert &Beyond rangers and Zulu trackers lead you to both black and white rhino, big cats and the reserve's famous rare species, while a day in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi deepens the conservation story that makes this corner of Africa so extraordinary.
Who It's For
Ideal for couples, honeymooners and discerning travellers who want a refined, malaria-cautious Big Five safari with world-class lodges, exceptional cheetah and rhino viewing, and easy access from Durban or Johannesburg.
Package Highlights
Cheetah on the Plains
Phinda is one of South Africa's premier reserves for watching cheetah hunt in open country
Both Rhino Species
Track white and black rhino across Phinda and the conservation heartland of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi
Seven Ecosystems
From rare sand forest to wetland and savannah — remarkable diversity in one reserve
&Beyond Luxury Lodges
Glass-walled Forest Lodge suites and the hilltop views of Mountain Lodge
Full Big Five
Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo across both reserves
Easy Access
Short flight or scenic drive from Durban, or fly in direct to Phinda's airstrip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Fly or drive into Zululand and transfer to &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge, where sixteen glass-walled suites stand hidden in one of the world's rarest dry sand forests. After lunch and a chance to settle in, your first afternoon drive explores the reserve's mosaic of habitats as the light turns golden and the search for cheetah and lion begins.
🏨 Accommodation: Phinda Forest Lodge
🍽️ Meals: Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Dinner
Featured Lodges & Accommodation
Phinda Forest Lodge
📍 Phinda Private Game Reserve
Sixteen glass-walled Zulu-Zen suites raised on stilts within a rare dry sand forest, each wrapped in glass so the forest surrounds you. An &Beyond flagship celebrated for its architecture and intimate, unhurried atmosphere.
From $780 per person per night
Phinda Mountain Lodge
📍 Phinda Private Game Reserve
Hilltop suites with private plunge pools and sweeping views over the savannah to the Ubombo Mountains. A refined base for exploring Phinda's seven ecosystems and the wider Zululand wilderness.
From $720 per person per night
Pricing & Options
All prices per person sharing. Customize any tier to your preferences.
Luxury
(~$1,050/night)
&Beyond Phinda lodges, shared game vehicle, all meals and activities
Get QuotePremium Luxury
(~$1,350/night)
Leading suites with plunge pools and premium specialist activities
Get QuoteExclusive
(~$1,950/night)
Private vehicle and guide, exclusive-use villa, all-inclusive fine dining
Get QuoteWhat's Included & Excluded
✓ Included
- ✓ 4 nights luxury &Beyond Phinda lodge accommodation
- ✓ All meals, teas and house beverages
- ✓ Twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles
- ✓ Full day in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
- ✓ One specialist Phinda activity (rhino tracking or river cruise)
- ✓ Reserve conservation and park fees
- ✓ Transfers from Durban
- ✓ Laundry and Wi-Fi
✗ Excluded
- ✗ International and domestic flights
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Premium wines and champagne
- ✗ Spa treatments
- ✗ Private vehicle upgrade (unless selected)
- ✗ Gratuities (guidelines provided)
- ✗ Personal expenses
Photo Gallery
Best Time to Travel
Phinda and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi are rewarding year-round, but the dry winter months of May to September offer the finest game viewing, thinner bush and the best cheetah and rhino sightings.
Why Choose This Package
Both Rhino Species in Rhino Country
Track white and black rhino across Phinda and the reserve that saved the southern white rhino from extinction.
South Africa's Cheetah Reserve
Phinda is one of the very best places in the country to watch cheetah hunt across open plains.
Two &Beyond Flagship Lodges
The glass-walled Forest Lodge and hilltop Mountain Lodge are among South Africa's most celebrated properties.
Seven Ecosystems in One Journey
Rare sand forest, wetland, savannah and mountain — extraordinary diversity across a single safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Experience the Zululand Phinda & Hluhluwe Luxury Safari?
From $4,200 per person | 5 Days / 4 Nights
⚡ Limited availability for peak season 2026 — book early to secure your dates
