I was beyond excited to jump back into the adventure of exploring the incredible lodges in Northern KwaZulu! Our first stop was Jumeirah Thanda Safari Lodge, just a smooth 3-hour drive from Durban’s King Shaka Airport. The warm welcome from our guide and tracker, complete with refreshing drinks and towels, set the perfect tone for our stay. The lodge itself is stunning, featuring nine luxurious suites, each with a heated plunge pool. The main area has a cozy lounge, bar, dining space, and a massive deck overlooking an active waterhole.

Every day, we enjoyed morning and evening game drives, plus the option to explore the bush on foot. One of the best things about a safari in this region is the chance to experience Zulu culture and connect with the local community. But what truly blew me away were the unforgettable wildlife sightings—huge herds of Cape buffalo, plus plenty of rhino and cheetah, thanks to our amazing guide and tracker.

Nestled within Thanda Reserve, I also got to visit Villa Izulu, a privately owned, exclusive-use villa with five ensuite bedrooms. It’s perfect for families, friends, or multi-generational groups looking for privacy. The villa has a secure, fenced garden, a swimming pool, a boma, and a terrace overlooking a waterhole. Guests also get a dedicated safari vehicle with a private guide and tracker—an ideal setup for celebrating milestones in style!

If Villa Izulu is fully booked, don’t worry—there’s always the Royal Thanda Club, a new collection of private residences in the heart of the reserve. These homes, perched on a beautiful hill, offer a luxurious, exclusive getaway with space for 8–10 guests. Each house has a private viewing deck, swimming pool, jacuzzi, boma, and fire pit. Plus, the experience is made even more special with a personal butler and chef.

Overall, Thanda delivers an incredible “Big Five” safari experience. Just one heads-up for those who love the sound of hippos grunting in the morning—there are no hippos (or crocodiles) in the Thanda Reserve!

Just 30 minutes from Thanda Safari Lodge, we headed to Rhino Sands Safari Camp, a charming, intimate, owner-run camp with exceptional service. With just five luxury tented suites set in the riverine forest, it reminded me of some of my favorite Botswana safari camps. Each suite is classic safari style, complete with a plunge pool and outdoor shower.

The food and ambiance were outstanding. Our days started with an early wake-up call, followed by coffee, tea, and treats by the fire. Afternoon game drives gave us the chance to explore the wilderness, stopping for cocktails while watching the sunset before continuing our adventure into the night. If the weather had played along, we would have ended the day swapping stories around the campfire.

For a perfect pairing, I’d recommend combining this camp with Sabi Sabi Little Bush or Savanna Private Reserve in Sabi Sands.

A scenic hour-long drive from Manyoni brought us to Phinda Forest Lodge, where we were greeted by white rhinos, tortoises, and giraffes—a fantastic welcome!

From check-in with refreshing drinks and cold towels to the stunning elevated deck and sunken lounge, everything was designed to impress. It was the perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks with our guides before heading to a candlelit dinner. The pool area was another great place to unwind, with plenty of deck chairs for reading and relaxing.

Our guide, Art, and tracker, Dan, were outstanding. They made every game drive special, and I loved the thoughtful touch of extra binoculars for every guest.

Just five minutes away, Phinda Vlei Lodge offers a more intimate experience with only six rooms, each featuring a private plunge pool overlooking the marshland. The four-poster beds and romantic mosquito nets added a beautiful, cozy touch.

We also visited Phinda Mountain Lodge, the biggest in the reserve with 25 rooms, including a spacious family suite. The open, airy design made it feel welcoming and relaxing. While some of the paths are a little steep, the views are absolutely worth it. A highlight was dining under the stars in the boma, with food straight off the grill—such a fun, immersive experience!

For a more secluded retreat, Phinda Rock Lodge is perched high on a ridge with uninterrupted views and private plunge pools. With just six suites, it’s perfect for couples or families with older kids (no children under 12 allowed).

And for small groups or multi-generational families, Phinda Zuka Lodge is an intimate four-room lodge overlooking a busy waterhole—meaning plenty of amazing wildlife sightings from your doorstep!

For a seamless safari experience, I’d recommend pairing Phinda lodges with andBeyond’s sister properties in the Kruger area, like Kirkman’s Camp, Tengile River Camp, or Ngala Tented Camp.