REFRESHED LUXURY AT &BEYOND PHINDA VLEI LODGE
&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge has reopened following a complete refurbishment, unveiling enhanced suites, redesigned guest spaces and new sustainability features. Located within the nearly 30 000 hectare &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, the lodge offers an exclusive safari experience overlooking a unique wetland ecosystem.
The lodge’s 6 thatched suites have been expanded to include larger living spaces, private decks and pools, while the refreshed main guest areas and new library create a seamless connection between indoor comfort and the surrounding wilderness. Sustainability improvements include FSC-certified hardwoods and energy-efficient design enhancements.
According to &Beyond, the redesign encourages guests to remain immersed in nature, with wildlife often visible from the lodge itself. Phinda Vlei Lodge welcomes guests aged 12 years and older.
SERENGETI LODGE UNVEILS REVAMP
Lemala Camps & Lodges has completed the refurbishment of Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge in Tanzania’s Northern Serengeti, introducing a new two-bedroom family suite, a relocated spa and an expanded dining area.
Designed for families and multi-generational travellers, the new family suite features spacious living areas and a private plunge pool. The lodge’s main dining tent has also been redesigned and enlarged to create a more seamless flow between the dining and bar spaces.
Located near the Mara River along the Great Migration route, Kuria Hills offers guests exceptional wildlife experiences, including game drives, walking safaris and hot air balloon safaris. The lodge is particularly well positioned for viewing the Great Migration during the traditional July to October season.
NEW ADVENTURE EXPERIENCES ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa’s adventure tourism sector continues to grow, with several new attractions and enhanced experiences giving travellers even more ways to explore the country’s diverse landscapes.
Among the newest additions is the SKY-HI Ride at Hotel Sky in Cape Town, a controlled free-fall attraction that launches thrill-seekers 146 metres above the city, offering spectacular views of Table Mountain and Table Bay.
Adventure enthusiasts can also experience heli-biking with Cape Town Helicopters, combining a scenic helicopter flight with guided mountain biking on the renowned Jonkershoek trail network near Stellenbosch. The experience allows riders to maximise their time on some of the Western Cape’s top downhill routes.
Meanwhile, the new Houw Hoek Zipline in the Overberg offers a dual-line adventure where visitors can zip side by side across the landscape, while Absolutely Wild on Route 62 is expanding its family-focused offering with a new entertainment centre and additional attractions.
COUNTING VULTURES FOR CONSERVATION
Cape Vulture Nature Reserve is combining conservation, community engagement and tourism to help protect one of Africa’s most important scavenger species. Researchers at the reserve monitor vulture populations and investigate threats such as poisoning and collisions, while visitors can gain first-hand insight into these efforts by joining conservation activities in the field.
The reserve’s conservation work also extends into local communities through initiatives such as an on-site permaculture garden, where farmers learn organic growing methods that reduce the need for chemical pesticides and help protect surrounding ecosystems. Educational programmes further aim to change perceptions about vultures and highlight their important role in maintaining healthy environments.
Flight times: Gqeberha to MQP: 11h30 – 13h20 | MQP to Gqeberha: 13h55 – 15h35.
Our Offices will be closed on these below days:
24 September 2026 – (Heritage Day)
16 December 2026: Day of Reconciliation (Wednesday)
25 December 2026: (Christmas Day)
