&Beyond honoured in the world’s top 50 ecolodges

&Beyond is delighted to announce that three &Beyond safari lodges have been profiled in US National Geographic Adventure magazine’s “Top 50 Ecolodges in the World” survey.  

&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, &Beyond Klein’s Camp in Tanzania and &Beyond Banjaar Tola Kanha Tented Camp in India, were rated for their dedication to ongoing conservation development and community empowerment. All three safari lodges are deeply committed to &Beyond ’s founding principle of “Care of the Land; Care of the Wildlife; Care of the People.”  

Referred to as “the most earth-friendly retreats in the world’s most spectacular wilds”, the ecolodges listed in this survey may offer great service and comfort in breathtaking locations, but they also support local communities, connect their guests to cultures on an authentic level, create impactful conservation initiatives, and increasingly place adventure at the centre of the experience.

&Beyond Phinda, once farmland, now a thriving Big Five game reserve, comprises 23 000 hectares (56 800 acres) of pristine wilderness, and is home to a growing population of endangered black rhinos. Through the efforts of &Beyond and the &Beyond Foundation, numerous empowerment projects have been launched in the neighbouring communities, focusing on education, income generation, support of OVC’s (orphaned and vulnerable children) and health care.

Set on a 10 000 hectare (24 700 acre) private concession leased from Maasai landlords, &Beyond Klein’s Camp is one of the most strategically positioned wildlife sanctuaries in the world. In addition to being in the path of the annual Great Migration, it offers excellent year round game viewing. USD98 000 has been invested in community projects - a clinic was built and ambulance supplied; three primary school classrooms refurbished; and an income-generating bee-keeping programme launched, to name a few.  

Recently opened &Beyond Banjaar Tola Kanha Tented Camp, near Kanha National Park in India, also aims to conduct 1350 Conservation Lessons to the neighbouring Middle School this year. The children are taken on a game drive in the park, followed by an eco lesson by a naturalist at the lodge. This teaches them the importance of conservation for future generations. They have also embarked on training the local honey hunters to sustainably harvest honey. In addition, thousands of trees were planted around the camp. The camp itself was built with a very light footprint and the team is deeply committed to &Beyond ’s social and conservation principles.

In another award bestowed on &Beyond by National Geographic Adventure magazine, the company was listed as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth, receiving the #1 listing in the luxury category. This survey was based on the idea that a traveller’s most important decision is not always where to go, but who to go with. By choosing to travel with &Beyond , guests can rest assured they are travelling with a luxury operator based on sound responsible tourism practices.

Ends

Issued by: media@andBeyond.com

&Beyond  
T: +27 11 809 4300; F: +27 11 809 4511

www.andBeyond.com

About &Beyond

&Beyond owns and operates 46 luxury lodges and camps and creates personalised travel experiences in South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya and India. The company was established 18 years ago and its commitment to delighting guests, sustainable responsible travel and community empowerment is world renowned.
 

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