KwaZulu-Natal is a destination of remarkable geographic diversity. Along the coast, the climate is sunny year-round, with tropical warmth and high humidity. The sea temperature rarely drops below 20°C, regardless of the season, making it ideal for combining a safari with beach relaxation.

In northern KwaZulu-Natal, near the coast of the Indian Ocean and the iSimangaliso/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, you’ll find two outstanding reserves: &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and Thanda Private Game Reserve. Covering approximately 30,000 hectares and 14,000 hectares respectively, these high-quality reserves are renowned for their abundant wildlife, over 436 bird species, and the Big 5. It’s also not uncommon to spot cheetahs and black rhinos in these areas.

Safari Collection has carefully selected the finest lodges in this region to ensure a truly exceptional experience.

Phinda Game Reserve

Phinda Private Game Reserve, formerly known as Phinda Resource Reserve, is a privately-owned wildlife reserve spanning approximately 30,000 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal, eastern South Africa. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, the reserve is home to over 436 bird species and the Big 5. Visitors also have the rare opportunity to spot cheetahs and black rhinos. Phinda is particularly unique due to its seven distinct ecosystems, ranging from palm savannah and mountainous thicket to rare sand forest and dense thornveld, offering an extraordinary diversity of habitats and wildlife experiences.

&Beyond Rock Lodge

Perched atop a rocky outcrop, the unique &Beyond Rock Lodge boasts just six spacious suites seamlessly integrated into the stunning mountainous landscape. Constructed from stone, the suites exude a tasteful, nature-inspired design in earthy tones, creating the feel of a magnificent cave equipped with every modern comfort. The bathrooms, complete with bathtubs, echo the same rustic yet refined aesthetic.

Each suite offers breathtaking views from its private veranda, furnished with chairs, loungers, and a private plunge pool. The lodge’s lounge mirrors the natural elegance of the suites, featuring a well-stocked bar, a grand fireplace, and comfortable seating. Dining options include meals served at the communal table, in your suite, beneath the starlit sky in the bush, or on the lodge’s rooftop terrace with panoramic views.

In addition to twice-daily jeep safaris, Rock Lodge offers exceptional walking safaris.

Children aged 12 and older are welcome.

&Beyond Vlei Lodge

The sophisticated &Beyond Vlei Lodge offers six exquisitely designed suites in a modern interpretation of romantic safari style. Each suite features a grand, draped canopy bed, elegant furnishings in black and light wood, floral patterns, and copper accents. Complete with all modern conveniences, the suite’s bathroom includes a striking copper bathtub that complements its refined, romantic ambiance.

Outside, the spacious veranda includes seating, loungers, and a refreshing pool, perfect for relaxing while gazing at the surrounding wilderness. The lodge’s open-plan lounge shares the same romantic charm, featuring a well-stocked bar and two large fireplaces. Guests can savor gourmet meals in the lounge, on their veranda, or under the stars in the bush. The lodge’s main veranda extends to a cozy boma—a perfect spot for pre-dinner drinks with a view of the savannah and its wildlife.

In addition to twice-daily jeep safaris, Vlei Lodge also offers walking safaris.

Children of all ages are welcome.

&Beyond Phinda Mountain
Lodge

The charming Phinda Mountain Lodge is designed with families in mind, offering an unforgettable safari experience for guests of all ages. Perched on a hilltop with breathtaking views, the lodge accommodates up to 50 guests and features 23 rooms, including three family cottages and one family suite. Each room is tastefully decorated and equipped with a private pool (excluding the family suite), ensuring comfort and luxury throughout your stay.

Phinda Mountain Lodge is thoughtfully equipped with all the amenities families could wish for, including babysitting services, a carefully curated WILDchild programme offering fun and interactive activities for children, a spacious lounge, a dedicated children’s lounge, a wellness centre, and a boutique shop stocked with curated treasures.

Dining at Mountain Lodge is a highlight, with the cuisine tailored to delight every member of the family. From imaginative menus to indulgent treats, the lodge ensures that guests of all ages can enjoy a truly satisfying culinary experience.

In addition to twice-daily safaris, Mountain Lodge offers special safari experiences specifically designed for and with children, creating unique opportunities to explore the wilderness together.

Children of all ages are warmly welcomed at Phinda Mountain Lodge.

Phinda Homestead

The luxurious Phinda Homestead is a private villa available exclusively for up to eight guests, making it the ideal retreat for families or small groups of friends. The Homestead features four individually designed suites, each with its own unique charm. The décor throughout the villa reflects a modern, African-inspired style, with earthy tones accented by vibrant pops of colour, creating an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere.

The main building’s communal areas are equally elegant, designed around a central fireplace and furnished with plush armchairs and sofas. The expansive veranda includes a well-stocked bar, ample space for socialising, a large pool, a charming firepit, and eight lounge beds, perfect for soaking in the surrounding beauty.

Dining at the Homestead is a tailored experience, with meals served wherever you desire—indoors, on the veranda, in the bush, or in the delightful Boma, a beautifully decorated outdoor dining area. The villa is fully staffed with your own butler, bartender, and private chef, ensuring every detail is taken care of. But that’s not all—your safari experience is entirely customisable. With your own private safari jeep and guide, you decide when and how to explore the reserve, creating a personalised and unforgettable adventure.

While the villa accommodates up to eight guests, it can host an additional four children for an extra fee

Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve

Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve was founded and is owned by Swedish entrepreneur Dan Olofsson. This award-winning wildlife reserve is located in KwaZulu-Natal, eastern South Africa, approximately three hours from Durban (King Shaka International Airport), near the Indian Ocean coast. Spanning approximately 14,000 hectares, the reserve is home to the Big 5 and a wide variety of other wildlife species.

Thanda Safari Lodge

The elegant Thanda Safari Lodge features nine spacious suites, each an impressive 220 m², blending classic safari style with a Nordic touch. This unique design combines light furnishings, soft white or neutral fabrics, and understated artwork, creating a serene and tasteful living environment. At the heart of each suite is a large, comfortable bed draped with a mosquito net canopy, adding a touch of romance to the space. The suites are equipped with every modern convenience you could desire, including a chic double-sided open fireplace.

The expansive bathroom boasts a luxurious bathtub, along with indoor and outdoor showers. Outside, you’ll find a generously sized veranda with two lounge beds, a private plunge pool, and breathtaking views of the bushveld, where wildlife often roams nearby.

Thanda Safari Lodge’s spacious lounge carries the same refined aesthetic and offers a library, a large veranda overlooking a waterhole, an exclusive bar, an impressive wine cellar, and a serene spa.

Children of all ages are welcome at Thanda Safari Lodge

Villa iZulu

The magnificent Villa iZulu is a luxurious, African-inspired retreat featuring five spacious and elegant suites. Designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity, this villa is equipped with everything you need for an extraordinary stay. Highlights include a well-stocked wine cellar, a majestic fireplace, a library, a small gym with a ping pong table, a large-screen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, spa facilities, and a spacious veranda with a heated pool overlooking a nearby waterhole.

Perfect for families, friends, or small groups, Villa iZulu offers the ideal private safari home for those seeking a more secluded and personalised experience. Originally designed and built for Thanda Safari’s owners, Christin and Dan Olofsson, this award-winning villa is now available for guests.

Here, you set the schedule—whether it’s dining, going on safari, or enjoying a spa session—because the villa comes with its own private butler, chef, safari jeep, and tracker. Surrounding the villa is a secure fence to keep wildlife at a safe distance, allowing children to play and explore freely.

Children of all ages are warmly welcomed at Villa iZulu

Curated Add-On I

Elevate your safari adventure in KwaZulu-Natal by adding a few serene days on one of these exclusive paradise destinations: the luxurious Thanda Island, the exotic allure of Zanzibar (Tanzania), or the enchanting Benguerra Island and stunning Machangulo (Mozambique). Here, you’ll discover—quite literally—a slice of paradise with powdery white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters and incredible snorkelling. Contact Safari Collection, and we’ll guide you to your dream escape.

Curated Add-On II

Enhance your exclusive safari journey with a truly unparalleled train experience. Begin or end your adventure aboard a moving masterpiece of timeless elegance and unmatched luxury. The world-famous Rovos Rail and the iconic Blue Train offer journeys spanning 2 to 15 days, seamlessly blending with our spectacular safari destinations. Let yourself be captivated by the grandeur of this enchanting, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Reach out to us for all the details!

Curated Add-On III

Cape Town and its surroundings are a world-renowned haven for gourmet experiences. Combine your safari journey to this iconic city with a luxury tour filled with indulgence. Let us guide you to the ultimate wine and culinary adventure, where every moment is a feast for the senses. Contact Safari Collection to learn more and start planning your unforgettable getaway.