&Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge Secluded safari retreat perfectly integrated into the African bush
The spirit of &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Vlei Lodge is an intimate romantic, private safari destination. Overlooking the Reserve’s unique vlei (wetland) system on the edge of the sand forest, its location offers ever changing game viewing from the comfort of your bed, your shower or your private plunge pool.
At Phinda Vlei Lodge simply spending time in your spacious suite is like being on safari. With each suite carefully positioned for a prime view of the animals coming out to drink and panoramic vistas from even your shower or bathtub, the game viewing never stops!
Set on the edge of the forest and overlooking an open meadow (or vlei), complete with watering hole, this wildlife playground brings your game encounters up close and personal. Each morning and early evening the animals appear, dotting the sweeping vlei in a never-ending wildlife parade.
Whether from the intimate guest areas or the seclusion of your own suite, watch the daily details of the bush come to life, from the antics of the monkeys and the prolific birdlife to the herds of zebra or families of warthog ambling along the open vlei.
Why we love it
- Day and night game drives, walking safari and river cruises
- Secluded and romantic; light Asian inspired structures with warm African interiors
- Phinda Adventures include Zulu village tours, Maputaland beach adventures, night turtle drives (seasonal), scuba safaris, an ocean safari, and black rhino tracking on foot
- Specialist Safaris – birding, photographic, rhino capture and research, tracking, walking, family and private safaris
- Perfect for Couples, wildlife enthusiasts, keen birders
- Situated between two habitats, the forest and the grasslands
The lodge
Carefully tucked away in one of six secluded suites perfectly integrated into the African bush, you are virtually guaranteed to see more animals than people during your stay – and that’s not counting the game drives! Each moment brings a new surprise, as man made barriers melt away and the wonders of the bush are revealed at every turn.
Elegant and serene, the gracious spaces of Phinda Vlei Lodge are designed for quiet contemplation of the African bush. With each suite’s deck opening up onto a dazzling view of the clearing beyond, combine your game viewing with a refreshing dip in your private plunge pool, but be prepared to share it with a thirsty elephant or impala!
Each suite boasts not only a private sitting area and ensuite bathroom, but also a dressing room and game viewing deck, so you may not ever want to leave, even for meals. Not that you will have to – private dining in your suite can be arranged, as can more social meals on the dining deck or even on the edge of the vlei. On clear, cold winter nights keep the chill at bay in front of a roaring fire in the sitting room before retiring to the comfort of a warm bed.
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Care of the Land, Wildlife & People
Elephant research
The giants of the bush, elephants are one of Africa’s most iconic and magnificent wild animals. However, when confined in a defined nature reserve, they are also capable of causing …
Elephant research
The giants of the bush, elephants are one of Africa’s most iconic and magnificent wild animals. However, when confined in a defined nature reserve, they are also capable of causing major environmental changes should their numbers increase too dramatically. With contained populations, low mortality rates and high growth rates, most game reserves are faced with the challenge of ensuring that elephant numbers do not exceed carrying capacity. At &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve the growth of the elephant population is being managed through a non-invasive method of contraception called immunocontraception.
The contraceptive vaccine, which is not based on steroids and therefore runs no risk of altering the animals’ behaviour, is administered to female elephants three times in the initial year of use, followed by an annual booster shot. The vaccine is remotely delivered through the use of darts shot from vehicles or helicopters, which means that there is no need to handle or sedate the animals, thus eliminating stress to the beasts and reducing the cost of treatment. Extensive research has shown no long-term effect on the elephants’ health or their social behaviour. The contraceptive effects of the vaccine can also be easily reversed by omitting the annual booster shot, with female elephants then regaining their fertility. Moreover, the vaccine is safe for other wildlife and does not contaminate the environment or the drinking water in any way.
At &Beyond Phinda the vaccine is used in conjunction with a stringent elephant management plan. Female elephant are vaccinated only after having had one calf and the object of the programme is not to decrease elephant numbers but to slow their growth to an appropriate level.
Monitoring of leopard in the Munyawana Conservancy
In order to establish the population density and dynamics of leopard at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and adjacent properties, a number of individuals have been radio-collared for satellite tracking. A full …
Monitoring of leopard in the Munyawana Conservancy
In order to establish the population density and dynamics of leopard at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and adjacent properties, a number of individuals have been radio-collared for satellite tracking. A full time researcher, working under the auspices of the World Conservation Society’s Global Carnivore Program, documents the movements and interactions of leopards in the area, making use of remote digital camera trapping technology. This is the first serious study of leopard ecology in a matrix of protected areas and hunting concessions.
Land management at &Beyond Phinda &Beyond subscribes to strict land management techniques to ensure that the wildlife areas that we influence remain sustainable...
&Beyond subscribes to strict land management techniques to ensure that the wildlife areas that we influence remain sustainable. Below we highlight a few of our most significant focus areas at …
Land management at &Beyond Phinda &Beyond subscribes to strict land management techniques to ensure that the wildlife areas that we influence remain sustainable...
&Beyond subscribes to strict land management techniques to ensure that the wildlife areas that we influence remain sustainable. Below we highlight a few of our most significant focus areas at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.
Preserving the Sand Forest
Phinda is home to rare sand forest, which is home to important endemic plant species, as well as some of South Africa’s rarest animals. Of the remaining 2 000 hectares of sand forest that is being protected in the world, Phinda is home to 800 hectares. In order to limit damage to this precious area from elephants, an elephant exclusion fence was erected around the largest section of sand forest on the reserve in 2005. One of the first of its kind, other reserves are now utilising the same method to protect vegetation types that are at risk. In addition, a long-term study into the effects of nyala and elephant on sand forest species is currently taking place. Researchers are also exploring the role of beetles and the possibility of using dung beetles as an indicator of the health of the sand forest.
Research and Monitoring
The amount of research conducted at Phinda has allowed it to make a significant contribution to scientific and wildlife seminars, conferences and workshops. The reserve has a full-time team of four, as well as research students from several universities, actively collecting and coordinating ecological data. Data on lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, black and white rhino, hyena and birds of prey is collected daily.
Veld Management
Assessments are regularly conducted on soil, grasses, woody vegetation, carrying capacity, stocking rates and threatened plants and habitats. Fire is the main tool in veld management and these assessments are used to determine the burning regime. Using scientific analysis of the veld and following the management processes derived from these methodologies has allowed the reserve to increase grazing capacity by 30%.
Invasive Alien Plant Removal
Invasive alien plant species pose the biggest threat to the carrying capacity and biodiversity of game reserves throughout South Africa. Thanks to its land management policy, Phinda is a leader in contributing to the removal and clearance of invasive alien plants in KwaZulu-Natal.
Conservation of Threatened Plants
Phinda is home to a number of endangered plant species, including some highly sought-after medicinal plants. Thanks to meticulously implemented management plans, these species are not only surviving but thriving on the reserve.
Soil Conservation
Phinda has implemented a strict off-road driving policy to reduce the impacts of this practice on soil and vegetation. Thanks to this, we have been able to influence industry standards and acceptable practices of off-road driving.
Nkomo School
It takes a community to raise a child Education is one of the core focus areas for Africa Foundation’s drive to support socio-economic development in communities. Since its establishment in …
Nkomo School
It takes a community to raise a child
Education is one of the core focus areas for Africa Foundation’s drive to support socio-economic development in communities. Since its establishment in 1992, Africa Foundation has supported 80 schools and constructed over 200 classrooms. Nkomo School in Mnqobokazi, located near the &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is a school close to Africa Foundation’s heart. Pioneered by the Africa Foundation Robin James Award 2017 winner, community champion Mrs Zikhali was meeting a desperate need for access to education in the community. Established in 1997, with an enrolment of almost 100 children and no infrastructure, she held the classes of her informal school under the shade of a leafy tree. She realised she could not do it alone, and approached &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve for assistance.
The request was directed to &Beyond’s development partner Africa Foundation, whose generous donors enabled the construction of the first two classrooms in 2000. From there Nkomo School has grown from strength to strength and by 2006, six new classrooms had been added and the school boasted an enrolment of almost 800 children.
Identifying the need to provide additional support for children from vulnerable families, and those affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, a centre for OVCs (orphans and vulnerable children) was added to the school. Over 450 children are served by this facility that provides after-school care and hot meals.
Today the school has 19 classrooms of which Africa Foundation has built 12, accommodating the 906 children registered.
Rhinos Without Borders
Rhinos Without Borders is an initiative aimed at combatting the scourge of rhino poaching in Africa. Since 2008, 6 128 rhinos have been poached in South Africa, severely affecting …
Rhinos Without Borders
Rhinos Without Borders is an initiative aimed at combatting the scourge of rhino poaching in Africa.
Since 2008, 6 128 rhinos have been poached in South Africa, severely affecting the African icon’s numbers. With a rhino killed at an average rate of one every eight hours, there are more rhinos being poached than born every year. &Beyond believes that translocations are fundamental to secure the survival of this endangered species. This initiative was designed to help counter the scourge of poaching and preserve this rare African icon for future generations.
The project was born out of the first ever private game reserve donation of rhino to another country, during which &Beyond translocated six white rhino from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. Facilitated in partnership with RHINO FORCE, this conservation coup was generously funded by lead sponsor Motorite Administrators. After years of negotiation and planning, the initial translocation of the Rhinos Without Borders project was begun in early 2013 with the full support of the Botswana Rhino Management Committee.
Botswana was carefully selected for its extremely low poaching rates, thanks in part to its “no tolerance” policy when encountering potential threats. Each rhino, when translocated, will be fitted with specially designed telemetry devices for ongoing research and monitoring purposes.
As part of the process of transferring skills and preparing for the arrival of the rhino, &Beyond provided intensive tracking and monitoring training for game scouts from Botswana, held at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. The game scouts were familiarised with the use of the satellite collars and tracking equipment intended to monitor the movement and behaviour of the six rhino after their release. A portion of this equipment, as well as anti-poaching uniforms and binoculars, was supplied by the Chipembere Rhino Foundation.
&Beyond is playing are fundamental role in securing the ongoing survival of endangered species and this project aims to increase Africa’s dwindling rhino populations for future generations to enjoy. The Okavango Delta has proven to be a successful rhino relocation habitat and Botswana has a strong security and monitoring framework in place, with the country’s military helping to protect the endangered species.
Following the success of this project with all six of the translocated rhino thriving in their new habitat, &Beyond then partnered with Great Plains Conservation in 2014 to move an additional 100 rhino from South Africa to the relative safe haven of Botswana.
Where appropriate, the rhinos will be transported by air as opposed to road, in order to shorten the journey and lessen the amount of stress placed on the animals. The budget to translocate just one rhino is USD 45 000. The whole project, including ongoing monitoring and security, requires a total budget of USD 4.5 million. Both &Beyond and Great Plains Conservation have embarked on a number of fundraising activities yet the project calls on all members of the travel industry to join hands in order to make a difference.
By taking action, Rhinos Without Borders has already succeeded in translocating 37 rhinos (excluding the initial 6), with seven rhino calves having been born in Botswana, signifying a huge milestone for this initiative. An operations centre has also been set up in Botswana for continuous monitoring and surveillance. A further 40 rhino are still to be translocated in 2017.
Additional funds are being raised to move further batches of rhino to undisclosed destinations within Botswana.
For more information or to donate to the cause, please visit www.rhinoswithoutborders.com
The challenge of disease-free buffalo
By 1995, a great deal of the animal reintroduction into &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve had been completed. However, research into the history of the area revealed that this particular …
The challenge of disease-free buffalo
By 1995, a great deal of the animal reintroduction into &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve had been completed. However, research into the history of the area revealed that this particular region was once home to thousands of free-roaming buffalo. The large and heavy buffalo play an important role in land management too. Because of their size and weight, they break up the soil, stimulating the recycling of nutrients back into the grounds. As Phinda was made up of degraded farmlands where the soils had been depleted, buffalo would be instrumental in improving the carrying capacity of the land. &Beyond decided to take on the challenge.
Buffalo carry diseases that affect cattle, so, in order to protect cattle farmers, their movements are strictly controlled. Legislation at the time did not permit for the establishment of new buffalo populations. However, after six years of negotiation with national veterinary authorities and consultation with local farmers, in 1997 &Beyond was eventually granted permission to introduce buffalo to Phinda. No sooner was this in place than bovine tuberculosis was discovered in the buffalo population at nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, from where we had planned to source our buffalo. Reluctant to give up on our vision for buffalo, we simply pioneered a new protocol to ensure that any animals released onto our land were disease-free. This involved the movement of the animals to Phinda, followed by them being placed in specialised holding pens known as bomas for twelve to eighteen months. During this time, each buffalo underwent a succession of blood tests to ensure that they were TB-free.
At last the momentous day came when the buffalo were released onto the reserve and Phinda finally had its Big Five in 1998. The reserve herd has grown so well that Phinda now has over 300 buffalo, with well over a thousand tuberculosis-free animals relocated to other wildlife areas.
Mduku Clinic
A community oriented health care programme Prior to the development of Mduku Clinic, residents living in the communities surrounding &Beyond Phinda Private Game reserve, had to travel 70km to the …
Mduku Clinic
A community oriented health care programme
Prior to the development of Mduku Clinic, residents living in the communities surrounding &Beyond Phinda Private Game reserve, had to travel 70km to the nearest hospital. A nurse attended the area fortnightly via a mobile clinic, which was only able to offer limited services. It was evident that there was a need to support and serve the community with well-equipped resources.
The clinic was one of Africa Foundation’s pioneer projects, in consultation with the community, and construction began in 1993 and reached completion in 1994. The generosity of Africa Foundation’s donors enabled the organisation to build three consulting rooms, a pharmacy, maternity room, post-natal care room, duty room, a dressing room and kitchen. Accommodation was also built to house nursing staff and security. This facility played a significant role in fulfilling the medical needs of 40 000 people, not only those living in Mduku, but also in the neighbouring communities of Nibela and Mnqobokazi.
Today, the clinic offers 24 hours emergency services, treating patients whose ailments range from common complaints to HIV /AIDS and Tuberculosis. A doctor visits three times a week and the clinic is serviced by other medical professionals. These include physiotherapists, dietitians, mental health clinicians and a dentist at least once a month. To accommodate the growing members of personnel, additional housing has been built on site.
The clinic plays a major role in preventing and managing HIV/AIDS in a region with disproportionately high infection rates. Antiretroviral treatment is dispensed to over 2,000 adults and 120 children. Voluntary testing and counselling services are provided, with a strong programme in place for the Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT).
Thanks to the commitment of the community to continuously improve accessibility to quality healthcare, and the ongoing support of Africa Foundation donors, the facilities and services available at Mduku Clinic have increased over the years.
Cheetah breeding
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for some of the best cheetah sightings in South Africa. This most elegant and graceful of all cats was reintroduced to the land …
Cheetah breeding
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is renowned for some of the best cheetah sightings in South Africa. This most elegant and graceful of all cats was reintroduced to the land in 1992, when five males and four females were brought in from Namibia. The reintroduction was carefully timed in order to give the cheetah time to settle before lion where brought into the reserve, the first time the two species had been successfully reintroduced into the same area. Since then, the cheetah have not only survived but thrived and Phinda now boasts South Africa’s fourth largest and most important cheetah population. Between 1992 and 2013, the reserve has seen 70 litters being born, with a total of 124 cubs. As a result of this healthy increase in the cheetah population, 53 animals have been relocated to other reserves countrywide in order to boost other populations while keeping Phinda’s cheetah numbers at optimal levels for the land size. The reserve’s cheetah are highly sought after, as they respect electric fences, are aware of lions and are habituated to game viewing vehicles.
The most intensively monitored and researched cheetah in South Africa, the population has been actively monitored since 2008, with additional males brought in to diversify bloodlines.
Control of invasive triffid weed
The exotic Triffid Weed (Chromolaena odorata) is native to South America but has spread to South Africa where it is classified as one of the country’s most noxious weeds. In …
Control of invasive triffid weed
The exotic Triffid Weed (Chromolaena odorata) is native to South America but has spread to South Africa where it is classified as one of the country’s most noxious weeds. In the absence of any natural control mechanisms, this plant proliferates in savanna ecosystems and &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve has embarked on an ambitious control program which uses fire and mechanical clearing.
A decade of leopard research
As a direct result of the most extensive leopard research ever conducted in the world, the leopard population at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is now stable at 30 resident …
A decade of leopard research
As a direct result of the most extensive leopard research ever conducted in the world, the leopard population at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is now stable at 30 resident adults. At the onset of the project there were only an estimated 15 to 20 resident cats due to the leopard mortality rates, the majority of which were caused by humans.
This increase in population density is the result of the findings and measures implemented as a result of the MunYaWana Leopard Project, a collaboration between &Beyond and Panthera, a USA-based philanthropic association focused on the conservation of the world’s 37 species of wild cats.
Regulations for sustainable leopard trophy hunting and a stricter system of permits for the control of problem animals were set up as a result of the study, resulting in a decrease in annual mortality rates from 40 to a more natural 13%. The success of the project can also be attributed to the introduction of a leopard management programme for cattle farmers and ranchers, providing them with training and support in alternative means of protecting their livestock from predators like leopard.
The research project has also studied the illegal persecution of leopards through snaring, poisoning and illegal shooting, as well as the trade in leopard skins. The team has studied the use of these skins within Zulu culture and the Shembe religion and has developed a low-cost fake fur that may alleviate the pressure on wild leopard populations. Phinda has imported 750 of these fake skins to introduce them to church leadership and have recently secured funds from Panthera to import and donate another 4 000 to church followers.
Black rhino range expansion project
In a joint project with WWF, the Ezemvelo KZN-Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project selected &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve as the first release site for 16 black rhinos in 2004. The …
Black rhino range expansion project
In a joint project with WWF, the Ezemvelo KZN-Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project selected &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve as the first release site for 16 black rhinos in 2004. The endangered rhinos have thrived in their new home, providing further evidence of the successful restoration of farmlands into prime wildlife habitat. Ecotourists frequently observe the black rhinos on &Beyond Phinda game drives and the reserve celebrated the birth of the first baby rhino in August 2006.
Monitoring of Phinda Private Game Reserve’s birds of prey
As predators at the top of the food chain, eagles and other raptors are important indicators of ecosystem health. As a means of monitoring the full recovery of &Beyond Phinda Private Game …
Monitoring of Phinda Private Game Reserve’s birds of prey
As predators at the top of the food chain, eagles and other raptors are important indicators of ecosystem health. As a means of monitoring the full recovery of &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve as a wild landscape, senior rangers are engaged in locating nest sites and documenting the breeding success of eagles, vultures, hawks and owls. This project is part of a regional study under the direction of the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Bird of Prey Working Group.
Mhbedula Craft Market
Rural entrepreneurial spirit On a site chosen by Chief Gumede, for its accessibility and the opportunity to attract passing trade, Africa Foundation facilitated the construction of Mhbedula Craft Market, completed …
Mhbedula Craft Market
Rural entrepreneurial spirit
On a site chosen by Chief Gumede, for its accessibility and the opportunity to attract passing trade, Africa Foundation facilitated the construction of Mhbedula Craft Market, completed in September 2004.
The market aimed to stimulate the economy in Mduku by providing the guests of andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, and those on the road to Sodwana Bay and Mozambique, with the opportunity to buy authentic locally produced African Crafts in Mduku. For women in many rural communities, selling their handmade mementos is their only source of income. The establishment of this venue enables the Mduku women to sell their products locally, and remove the need for them to travel the long distance to Durban, where they would then sleep on the streets.
A cooperative of local women with a range of skills and varying products was formed, and the ladies were provided with the business training essentials to ensure the sustainability of the project. One member of the cooperative, Jabulisiwe Ndlovu, explained the impact: “Now we are a family. The market has given me the freedom to stay home on some days to care for my children, while the other crafters sell my goods.”
The market sells a range of quality woven, wood and bead products, provides tourists with wonderful holiday keepsakes and souvenirs, uplifts the local economy and empowers women to make positive choices for the benefit of their families.
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Rates & Offers
Suite Rate
Suite Rate
Fringing the reserve’s wildlife rich wetland system, situated along the edge of the rare sand forest, the sophisticated &Beyond Phinda Vlei Lodge is intimately integrated into the surrounding bush. Gracious and elegant, this charming lodge comprises six thatched suites decorated in a subtle blend of North and West African styles, with hints of a Balinese influence.
Each suite, which features a luxurious ensuite bathroom, dressing room, private plunge pool and game viewing deck, overlooks a grassy meadow where guests can observe herds of grazing antelope and zebra, as well as a variety of birdlife. The atmosphere is exclusive and personal, with a mixture of understated sophistication and pure luxury. Large private lap pools provide the ideal place to relax and enjoy the drama of the African wilderness unfold, while warm and inviting open fireplaces make the comfortable guest sitting area the ideal place to unwind on a cool afternoon.
Delicious and innovative cuisine is served on the expansive outdoor decks or in a beautiful and remote bush setting, creating lifelong memories.
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South Africa long stay offer Stay longer for less
South Africa long stay offer Stay longer for less
Take advantage of…
Savings up to 10% per person per night off our published rates with longer than 5 night stays at a combination of &Beyond’s South African lodges and camps
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Our favourite lodge experiences
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve?
Airlink operates daily scheduled flights directly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Phinda Private Game Reserve‘s private airstrip. This convenient network of flights connects Phinda to many of Southern Africa’s …
How do I get to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve?
Airlink operates daily scheduled flights directly from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Phinda Private Game Reserve‘s private airstrip. This convenient network of flights connects Phinda to many of Southern Africa’s iconic destinations including the Kruger National Park. The Sabi Sand, Victoria Falls and Mozambique.
Scheduled domestic flights are available from Johannesburg to Durban International Airport or Richards Bay Airport.
Self-drive is possible from Johannesburg or Durban.
How do I get to and around South Africa?
A number of international airlines fly directly to South Africa’s major cities, with Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban the most popular destinations. A good network of domestic airlines makes it …
How do I get to and around South Africa?
A number of international airlines fly directly to South Africa’s major cities, with Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban the most popular destinations. A good network of domestic airlines makes it easy to reach even the smaller towns, while scheduled charter flights can take you directly into most private nature reserves. South Africa also has an excellent road network and a road trip is the ideal way to explore some of the country’s less known destinations. Public transport is not very well developed outside the major cities and it is a good idea to hire a car if you want to get around extensively.
A sophisticated network of domestic and regional flights links the main tourist destinations, as well as those of neighbouring countries. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport services the Southern Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, while Eastgate Airport services the northern Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Reserve.
While there is enough to keep you busy in South Africa for weeks on end, the ease of access to most of its highlights, including the game reserves, makes it easy to plan a worthwhile trip even if your time is limited.
Flights
SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
A sophisticated network of domestic and regional flights links the main tourist destinations, as well as those of neighbouring countries. Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport services the Southern Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, while Eastgate Airport services the northern Kruger National Park and the Timbavati Reserve.
SHUTTLE/CHARTER FLIGHTS
Many game lodges now have competitively priced shuttle flights directly from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. It is also possible to arrange private charters to almost anywhere in South Africa.
Transfers
GUIDED TOURS AND GROUPS
We tailormake minibus tours hosted by excellent local guides – including foreign-language speakers – and we have many years’ experience in designing and managing tours for larger groups. (Both special-interest groups and tour series).
TRAINS AND COACHES
Luxury trains like Rovos Rail and the Blue Train link principal destinations on routes such as Cape Town – Pretoria; Pretoria – Victoria Falls.
SELF-DRIVE
South Africa is an excellent self-drive destination and we highly recommend this method of seeing the country. Roads are in good condition and there is little traffic outside urban areas.
What to remember when travelling around South Africa
There are many different ways of travelling to South Africa, but most visitors fly to Johannesburg or to Cape Town. For most visitors coming from Europe, the UK or the USA, this is a long flight of several hours. Once in the country, different modes of transport are safe to use and are recommended.
Roads are in a very good condition, even in game reserves like the Kruger National Park, but keep in mind that South Africa is a vast country and it may take several hours to reach destinations. Public transport like minibus taxis and buses is not a recommended mode of transport.
What should I be aware of when driving in South Africa?
South Africans drive on the left and give way to the right. Drivers must have a valid driver’s licence, with photo, or an international driver’s permit. Seat-belts are mandatory. Driving in South Africa is easy to adapt to, with sign posting in English and rental cars easily available in all major cities. There are a number of toll roads in South Africa that are clearly indicated well before reaching the toll stations, where payment may be made at an attended booth.
Overtaking on the inside is not illegal in South Africa and is a common practice. When changing lanes be aware of cars on the inside. In general, speed limits are 120 km/h (75 miles) on freeways and 60 km/h (37 miles) in towns and cities. When outside major towns and cities please be aware of potholes in some areas.
When should I visit South Africa?
The timing will depend on what you want to experience, with virtually no wrong time to go. Over much of South Africa, summer is characterised by hot, sunny weather – …
When should I visit South Africa?
The timing will depend on what you want to experience, with virtually no wrong time to go. Over much of South Africa, summer is characterised by hot, sunny weather – often with afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. The Western Cape gets most of its rain in winter, with quite a few days of cloudy, rainy weather. Johannesburg lies at an altitude of 1 694 metres (5 558 feet) above sea level – keeping the average summer temperatures below 30°C. The hot, humid KwaZulu-Natal coast, as well as the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces, offer fantastic winter weather with sunny, warmish days and virtually no wind or rain.
If your main goal is wildlife, the winter months from June to August provide exceptional sightings because the bush is sparse and dry, with animals congregating around watering holes. However, although animals may not be as easy to spot, most of the antelopes tend to give birth to their young in the spring and early summer, when the bush also comes alive with lush and vibrant colour. Most of the rainfall in the country’s wildlife areas comes in summer, but is generally limited to afternoon thundershowers, so the impact on your game viewing is likely to be minimal. If you are conscious about price, rates are likely to be lower during this time.
South Africa – what should I pack?
What should I bring with me? As a general guide, comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash and wear is recommended while on safari. Muted colours are best for …
South Africa – what should I pack?
What should I bring with me?
As a general guide, comfortable and casual clothing that you can wash and wear is recommended while on safari. Muted colours are best for game viewing. Game drives are generally conducted in the early morning and the late afternoon, which can be cold, especially in winter. The temperature often warms up during the day, so it is best to dress in layers.
The most practical items to pack for your South African safari are:
- Clothes in khaki, green, beige and neutral colours
- Long-sleeved shirts that offer protection from the sun and mosquitoes
- T-shirts
- Shorts or a light skirt
- Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- Jackets and sweaters for early morning and late afternoon game drives
- A lightweight waterproof jacket in case of rain
- Swim and beachwear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, moisturiser and lip salve
- Binoculars and camera equipment
The luggage allowance on small flights is usually limited to a maximum of 20 kg (44 lbs), which includes hand luggage, so please bear this in mind when packing. Most lodges and camps provide a same-day laundry service for your clothes.
If you would like to purchase safari clothing, luggage or accessories to prepare for your trip, please visit www.andBeyondsafarishop.com, where a wide selection of quality products is available for your convenience.
What do I need to know about South Africa?
Find all the must-know travel requirements and destination information on South Africa before you embark on your adventure. In terms of personal safety, the same rules apply as to every …
What do I need to know about South Africa?
Find all the must-know travel requirements and destination information on South Africa before you embark on your adventure.
In terms of personal safety, the same rules apply as to every international destination in the world. Keep your belongings close and guarded at all times, don’t go wandering about alone at night and, when in the cities, be on the alert for pickpockets.
Some areas in South Africa are malaria-free and others are not. Make a note of your destination and ask your doctor whether you need to get anti-malaria medication. Also remember that it tends to get very hot in summer (with temperatures of over 30ºC or 86ºF).
Currency
Banking hours at most commercial banks are Monday to Friday from 09h00 to 15h30 and on Saturday from 08h00 to 11h00.
ATMs are found throughout the country, at airports, petrol stations and shopping centres.
The currency is the South African Rand. R1 is made up of 100 cents. Please check with your hotel for daily exchange rates. No other currency is accepted as a form of payment.
Visa, American Express, Diners Club and MasterCard are honoured by most restaurants, shops, hotels, car rental firms and other points of sale. Proof of identity may be requested, so be sure to carry a passport or some form of photo identification at all times. Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most petrol stations.
You will be required to declare all foreign currency in any form when entering/exiting South Africa and therefore we advise that you only change money as required. Most international airports have banks where money can be changed and facilities are usually available at reputable hotels and lodges. The unit of currency is the South African Rand (R), which is divided into 100 cents.
Please note that 14% Value Added Tax is levied in South Africa.
Safety
It is advised you check with your tour operator or hotel concierge – they will know if there are any potentially unsafe areas along your travel route.
It is wise to avoid deserted areas, particularly at night, and if you are on a self-drive adventure then please ensure your car is locked at all times – park in well-lit, busy areas.
Dress-down (i.e. don’t wear excessive jewellery) when exploring Africa’s diverse cities. Concealed travel wallets are recommended.
Stopping for hitch hikers is not recommended.
South Africans are a very warm and hospitable nation – please do not hesitate in asking for assistance at any time.
Health
Please consult your doctor for advice on malaria precautions before travel to South Africa. Anyone who takes any special medication should take enough supplies to last the visit.
Yellow fever certificates are required for entry into South Africa if you travelled through the Yellow Fever belt.
Be aware of ticks on safari. Like most wilderness areas, ticks can be found in the bush. To avoid getting bitten guests are advised to take precautions when going on bush walks by wearing long trousers, socks and boots. If you are bitten, a tick bite could lead to tick bite fever. Symptoms include fever, headaches, and painful enlarged lymph glands in the area of the bite. If you experience these symptoms after returning home please visit your doctor and advise them of the possibility of tick bite fever.
Water
Tap water is safe to drink in South Africa but bottled mineral water is available for purchase.
Gratuities
It is customary to tip 10 to 15% of the bill at hotels and restaurants and 10% of the fare to taxi drivers. It is also the custom to tip local guides and drivers. Hairdressers and theatre ushers are not usually tipped for their services.
Photography
Most types of film material are readily available in all major centres and holiday resorts. Please be sensitive when photographing people. South Africans are renowned for being friendly; however it is courteous to ask permission before snapping away.
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Drones) is not allowed in any of the conservation areas we manage until such time as their impact on wildlife and anti-poaching initiatives can be assessed. This rule will apply throughout Africa, as our partners in various countries and regions have adopted a similar stance.
Passport & Visa Requirements
It is a mandatory requirement that you travel to Africa with at least two blank passport pages per country visited and that your passport is valid for 30 days after the date of travel if you are visiting South Africa and 6 months after the date of travel if you are visiting the rest of Africa. Our recommendation is that you have at least 3 blank pages in your passport (or even 4 if you are travelling through more than one country on your journey). If there is insufficient space in the passport entry into a country could be denied. Visitors who intend travelling to South Africa’s neighbouring countries and back are advised to apply for multiple entry visas.
New Regulations for Families Travelling with Children
Parents of children under the age of 18 will be required to produce the following documentation when entering or leaving the borders of South Africa:
*Both parents travelling with a child
- The unabridged birth certificate of the child, which must include the full names of both the father and the mother.
*One parent travelling with a child
- The unabridged birth certificate of the child, which must include the full names of both the father and the mother.
- An affidavit signed by the other parent and authorising the parent who is travelling with the child to do so.
- If the parent who is travelling with the child has been granted full parental rights and responsibilities or is the legal guardian of the child, he or she must produce the court order granting them those rights.
- If the other parent is deceased, the parent who is travelling must produce their death certificate.
*An adult travelling with a child who is not their biological child
- A copy of the child’s unabridged birth certificate.
- An affidavit from the child’s parents or legal guardians confirming that he or she has permission to travel with the child.
- Copies of the identity documents or passports of the child’s parents or legal guardians.
- The contact details for the child’s parents or legal guardians.
*Children travelling unaccompanied
- Proof of consent for the child to travel from one or both parents or a legal guardian in the form of a letter or affidavit. If only one parent provides proof of consent, the child must also travel with a copy of a court order granting that parent full parental responsibilities.
- A letter from the person in South Africa who is to be responsible for the child on arrival. This letter must contact that person’s residential address, as well as contact details for where the child will be staying in South Africa.
- A copy of the identify document, passport, visa or permanent residence permit of the person who is to be responsible for the child on arrival.
- The contact details of the child’s parents or legal guardians.
- If you are planning to travel to South Africa and will exit the country after 1 June 2015, please remember that you will need to bring these documents with you for use at your time of departure. Families travelling with children under the age of 18 will be restricted from leaving the country without the above mentioned documentation.
Should you need any additional details regarding these policies, we ask that you contact your nearest South African consulate.
*Unabridged birth certificate: Please note that this must show the full details of the child, as well as both parents, including ID numbers and place of birth.
Supporting documents should either be the originals or certified copies of the originals.
What the Experts Say
- Internet facilities are available in all cities and most rural areas.
- Hospitals, transport and educational facilities are world-class.
- Accommodation ranges from guesthouses and boutique hotels to exclusive tented camps.
- If you are going into game parks by yourself, remember to remain in your car and not get out to photograph the wild animals.
Journeys to inspire
What other people say about us
2017 – Jetsetter Magazine by larien4th June 2017
2017 – Jetsetter Magazine
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is featured in Jetsetter Magazine
2016 – Vacations and Travel by larien31st May 2017
2016 – Vacations and Travel
&Beyond Kirkmans Kamp featured in Vacations and Travel Magazine
2016 – Conde Nast Traveler by larien2nd June 2017
2016 – Conde Nast Traveler
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp, Phinda Private Game Reserve and Benguerra Island listed in Conde Nast Traveler – Best in the World
2017 – Singapore Tatler Homes Magazine by larien31st May 2017
2017 – Singapore Tatler Homes Magazine
&Beyond Vamizi Island featured in Singapore Tatler Homes – Sustainable sojourns
Virtuoso
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve wins the Virtuoso Sustainable Tourism Leadership Awards 2016
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is featured in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Hotels (Africa & Middle East) 2012
AOL
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is Best in Summer Travel (Best Adventure Getaways) at the AOL Luxist Awards 2010
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve wins the Condé Nast Traveler World Savers Awards (Best in Wildlife Conservation) 2008
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is featured at #8 in the Travel + Leisure Top 10 World’s Best Hotels 2004
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is featured at #10 in Condé Nast Traveler’s Best Resorts in South Africa (Africa & Middle East) 2014
National Geographic
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is named one of National Geographic’s 50 Best Eco Lodges 2011
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is featured at #3 in Top 50 in Africa in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2010
Stories from The Bateleur
Family fun with a conservation message
In 2013, we launched our exciting WILDchild programme at our lodges in South and East Africa...
by Claire Trickett4th August 2016
Family fun with a conservation message In 2013, we launched our exciting WILDchild programme at our lodges in South and East Africa...
In 2013, &Beyond launched our exciting WILDchild programme at our lodges in South and East Africa.
The programme was designed to create opportunities for families to engage not only with each other, but also with their environment, in a new and stimulating way that will change the way they see the world.
Carefully thought out and presented by rangers trained to share their knowledge in a way that sparks the enthusiasm of even the youngest guests, WILDchild was created to do more than just keep children occupied while their parents enjoy their safari. While it is essential that the programme remains entertaining enough to capture youngsters’ imaginations, it also has a strong conservation message at heart.
The programme is filled with fun, interactive activities that allow children to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but forges strong bonds between the children, our planet and its people.
Inspiring young minds
Each young traveller receives a WILDchild backpack with a scrapbook and a gift, such as a solar torch, a magnifying glass or a compass. Throughout the safari, the family’s ranger helps the child to fill up the scrapbook with notes, drawings, stickers, dog tags and badges that the youngsters earn for completing a series of bush-related activities that are selected for them according to their interests and age.
The activities attempt to tie in with the lodge’s environment, as well as the local heritage of the region.
For example, children staying at &Beyond Klein’s Camp in Tanzania might be taught how to shoot with a bow and arrow or how to build a fire in the Maasai way. Meanwhile, at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa, they may be taught tracking skills by a local Zulu tracker or set out on a fishing expedition on the Mzinene River.
Each family-friendly lodge puts its own unique spin on the WILDchild programme and so far, our guests have been raving about it.
Well done to all of our creative and hard-working lodge teams and rangers for helping to care for and entertain our young guests and for helping to create memories of a lifetime for families travelling with &Beyond.
The predators are back, we’re not ‘lion’
Last month, &Beyond donated five lionesses from Phinda Private Game Reserve to the country of Rwanda...
by Claire Trickett5th August 2016
The predators are back, we’re not ‘lion’ Last month, &Beyond donated five lionesses from Phinda Private Game Reserve to the country of Rwanda...
A brilliantly captioned billboard in Rwanda for Turbo King beer sums it up perfectly – a bug-eyed cartoon zebra looks startled, as the caption above boldly states, “The lions are back!” Sorry zebras, but it’s true, and we couldn’t be more proud to have been involved in this groundbreaking conservation project.
Last month, &Beyond donated five lionesses from Phinda Private Game Reserve to the country of Rwanda as part of an African Parks project aimed at reversing the local extinction of the species in Akagera National Park. Lions became extinct in Akagera 15 years ago, as Rwanda experienced a period of intense upheaval following the 1994 genocide, resulting in the lack of management of its national parks and the subsequent poisoning of lions by cattle herders.
&Beyond Phinda has a long history of successful lion conservation. It was one of the first private game reserves in South Africa and the first in the province of KwaZulu-Natal to introduce lions, thereby extending the species’ historical range. Since the first 13 lions were introduced in 1992 and 1993, an impressive 62 litters of 204 lion cubs have been born on the reserve. &Beyond Phinda has also helped establish other lion populations in private game reserves in the Eastern Cape, Zululand, Mpumalanga, North West and the Limpopo Province, as well as neighbouring Mozambique.
&Beyond Phinda is also proud to have been home to one of the oldest lions known outside of a zoo, a female that was introduced as an 18-month-old in May 1992 and died of fight-related injuries at the age of almost 20 in September 2009.
The five lionesses that &Beyond donated were carefully selected based on the fact that they are all disease-free, genetically diverse and habituated to vehicles. Together with two males that were donated by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, they will form a suitable founder population for Akagera National Park. Studies have shown that Phinda’s lions are the second most genetically diverse population in South Africa.
The lionesses were tranquilised, placed into individual transport crates, carefully loaded onto trucks and driven to Johannesburg where they were immediately loaded onto a charter flight and flown directly to Kigali. There, they were transported by road to their new home at Akagera, accompanied and monitored throughout by an experienced veterinary team.
Upon arrival in Akagera, the lions were placed in a quarantine boma, where they could be closely monitored before their eventual and highly-anticipated release back into the wild. The predators settled nicely into this temporary home and were all observed feeding and interacting, as hoped.
At the end of July, a waterbuck carcass was strategically placed just outside the boma gates to entice the newly formed pride. Within minutes, the first female ventured out to investigate and she was closely followed by another two curious females. Once they determined it was safe, the trio began to feast on the meat. The youngest of the five lionesses was the last female to leave the boma and she warily kept her distance in some nearby bushes. The two males were far more cautious, only exiting the boma after all of the park officials and onlookers had left.
Now, 15 years later, guests visiting Akagera National Park can witness the lion once again roaming free in the wild. All seven lions have been fitted with satellite collars, which will allow their movements to be tracked and their behaviour monitored post-release.
We are so proud to have been part of this historic translocation, which involved the private sector, a non-governmental organisation and the government of Rwanda all working together for the good of conservation.
Translocation images courtesy of African Parks.
Herd to the rescue
Elephants are renowned for having a strong family bond and it was both fascinating and heart-warming to see how they...
by Claire Trickett5th August 2016
Herd to the rescue Elephants are renowned for having a strong family bond and it was both fascinating and heart-warming to see how they...
Couldn’t resist sharing this heart-warming memory from &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Robin Cheesman (then Phinda Mountain Lodge Head Ranger) sat with his guests and watched quietly as a herd of 70 elephant slowly made their way across the Inkwazi floodplain. They ventured down to Barbel Beach for a drink and a bit of playtime in the water, when a small calf suddenly fell in. Elephants are renowned for having a strong family bond and it was both fascinating and heart-warming to see how they all pulled together to safely rescue the little one from drowning.
Images courtesy of Robin Cheesman.
Celebrating 25 years of luxury experiential travel
They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case for all of us here at &Beyond...
by Claire Trickett8th August 2016
Celebrating 25 years of luxury experiential travel They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case for all of us here at &Beyond...
They say time flies when you’re having fun and that has certainly been the case for all of us here at &Beyond. Hard to believe we’re already a quarter of a century old! As we celebrate #25YearsandBeyond, it’s a wonderful opportunity to look back and reflect on some of our proudest and most cherished moments, but most importantly it is a time for us to give our sincere thanks and gratitude to the countless loyal guests, dedicated travel/media partners and committed conservationists, without whom these 25 years would not have been possible. 2016 is a year of many &Beyond milestones:
25 years of delighting guests in order to make a meaningful difference to conservation in Africa.
20 years of empowering the youth through Africa Foundation’s Community Leaders Education Fund (CLEF) bursary programme.
10 years of luxury experiential travel in Asia and honeymoons in the Maldives.
1 year of creating tailormade luxury travel and family adventures in South America.
1 year on &Beyond Benguerra Island in Mozambique, the second island to join our portfolio.
The welcome addition of the exclusive &Beyond Vamizi Island…
The launch of our &Beyond Private Jet Expeditions.
And last, but certainly not least, the long-awaited return of our beloved &Beyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve…
That’s a lot of birthdays … and you know how much we LOVE a reason to celebrate! So that’s why we’ve decided to turn our bi-monthly BATELEUR magazine into a far more regular and interactive blog. This way we can share our heart-warming stories more often and engage with our readers on a more personal level. You can expect regular updates from our teams on the three extraordinary continents that we operate on. They will be inspiring stories from the field that truly encompass what &Beyond is all about: guest delight and natural luxury; destination inspiration and travel tips; family travel; wildlife and our world-class rangers, trackers, naturalists and divemasters; conservation and community initiatives; as well as a celebration of the food, cultures and many inspiring Humans of &Beyond. It’s time to reflect on #25YearsandBeyond; a quarter of a century of unforgettable stories, laughter, tears and pure camaraderie. We invite you along for a ride down memory lane. For the rest of the month, we’ll be sharing some of our favourite celebrations, memories and victories with you. What we’d really love though, is to hear from you! What are your favourite &Beyond memories? Whether you’ve been travelling with us for 25 years or 25 minutes, we’d love to hear your stories.
25 Conservation victories our guests can be proud of
&Beyond was formed in 1991 with the goal of successfully demonstrating that a financially sound, wildlife-based...
by Claire Trickett11th August 2016
25 Conservation victories our guests can be proud of &Beyond was formed in 1991 with the goal of successfully demonstrating that a financially sound, wildlife-based...
To commemorate this #ThrowbackThursday / #ThankfulThursday, we give our most heartfelt thanks to the countless guests who have shared #25YearsandBeyond with us and who, simply by travelling with us, have personally contributed towards the ongoing conservation of our planet.
&Beyond was formed in 1991 with the goal of successfully demonstrating that a financially sound, wildlife-based tourism operator could in fact make a significant contribution to conservation and biodiversity whilst also promoting sustainable community development. By true definition, responsible travel not only positively impacts the land and its wildlife, but also the people who live in and around these wildlife areas.
From our greater conservation model right down to the minutest details of the daily activities that take place in our lodges, every decision made revolves around our core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, and Care of the People. These intrinsic values have become an intuitive part of the way that we operate and, increasingly, are part of the reason why our guests find their travel experience with us so rewarding.
Over the last 25 years of pioneering this proven ecotourism model of responsible travel, here are the 25 conservation coups that our guests can be proud of:
&Beyond contributes to the protection of almost 4 million hectares (over 9 million acres) of land under wildlife conservation.
&Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve encompasses 23 000 hectares (56 800 acres) of re-established wilderness land. This once degraded farmland is now one of the world’s most renowned Big Five game reserves. Phinda is home to cheetah, elephant and lion populations of national significance and has the biggest private herd of nyala in the world. Phinda also houses a multitude of other species, some rare, others endangered, including all members of the Big Five.
&Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve in the Kruger National Park was the first three-way partnership between a private organisation (&Beyond), the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) SA and the state-run South African National Parks Trust in 1990. In terms of the agreement, &Beyond leases the Ngala land and, in return, pays a portion of its turnover to the SANParks Trust for use in expanding the national parks network.
Leopard monitoring at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve: between 2002 and 2012, 72 leopards were radio collared and satellite tracked, and their movements and interactions documented. The research findings have led to the reduction of leopard trophy hunting in the region, as well as to an increase in Phinda’s leopard population.
Rhinos Without Borders (RWB), the joint initiative between &Beyond and Great Plains Conservation, has safely translocated 25 endangered rhino from the poaching hotspots of South Africa to relative safe haven of Botswana. Read more on rhinoswithoutborders.com to see how you can get involved.
Over 500 teachers and 7 000 community children have been hosted on Conservation Lessons.
The Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife Black Rhino Range Expansion Project selected &Beyond Phinda as its first release site in 2004. Today, Phinda is renowned for its healthy population of both black and white rhino.
Protection and monitoring of green turtles on &Beyond Mnemba Island, one of only two protected nesting sites for the species in Zanzibar. Each year an average of 38 nests are laid on the island, with more than 100 hatchlings born per nest.
&Beyond negotiated the formation of the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, which protects the waters around the island.
Relocation of over 250 suni antelope living on &Beyond Mnemba to Jozani Forest on Zanzibar Island, greatly enhancing the species’ status at Jozani. The remaining suni on Mnemba continue to prosper, breeding twice a year in some cases.
In 2005, five Aders’ duiker (the rarest antelope species in Africa) were introduced to &Beyond Mnemba Island; the population has since increased to 18. The Wildlife Conservation Society estimates there are only 300 to 600 Aders’ duiker remaining in the wild.
Every year, the &Beyond Mnemba Island team hosts marine conservation lessons for 80 school children from mainland Zanzibar.
Monitoring of endangered wattled crane and other threatened birds at &Beyond Sandibe and Nxabega in Botswana has helped guides to understand the population dynamics and ecological requirements of wetland-dependent species.
Elephant research and pioneering contraception helps to maintain sustainable elephant numbers at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve without the need for culling.
Research of the symbiotic relationship between lion and hyena at &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp; a select group of animals were fitted with GPS collars that will be used to collect data on their movements and interaction.
In 1998, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve donated 10 lions to the Mpumalanga Parks Board for relocation to Mthethomusha Game Reserve.
In 2015, &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve donated five lionesses to Rwanda’s Akagera National Park (as part of an African Parks project) which helped to successfully reverse a 20-year local extinction of the species; one of these lionesses recently gave birth to the first cubs born in Rwanda in nearly two decades.
In 2011, &Beyond assisted with the groundbreaking mass translocation of 50 gaur (Indian wild cattle) to restore the species in India’s Bandhavgarh National Park. The herd, which continues to thrive, has now officially surpassed the 100 mark.
&Beyond’s conservation teams continue to protect and monitor the rhino populations in our reserves across East and Southern Africa on a daily basis.
Supported by an on-site conservation team for more than ten years, the careful preservation of the reefs surrounding &Beyond Vamizi Island has led to one of the dive sites accessed from the island, Neptune’s Arm, being recognised as one of the top scuba sites in the world.
&Beyond Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge participates in a programme to combat an invasive alien weed, salvinia molesta, which is threatening the marine life and diversity of the Okavango Delta (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
A groundbreaking quarantine programme at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve has turned the reserve into a major source of TB-free buffalo, with more than a thousand animals relocated to other reserves.
So little is known about the coconut crab (the world’s biggest land crab) that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists their conservation status as ‘data deficient’. &Beyond Mnemba Island has a small yet stable population of these enormous crabs and recently hosted researchers from Sweden’s Gothenburg University in Sweden, who conducted a study of the coconut crabs on Mnemba and nearby Chumbe Island (the first study of its kind conducted in Africa).
Conservation has been a strong driver on &Beyond Vamizi Island even before its six luxury villas were opened, with a conservation team present on the island from 2005. Home to one of the world’s great marine archipelagos, this entire area is under threat. Along with the Vamizi conservation team, &Beyond uses our influence and expertise to protect it, focusing on reef conservation and creating safe migratory routes for the endangered species that travel this coastline, from turtles to humpback whales.
&Beyond Phinda was the first private game reserve to re-introduce adult elephants from Zimbabwe, ultimately re-establishing social normality for orphaned elephants.
Our fearless rhino warriors
Today, we celebrate a quartet of rhino warriors dedicated to our ethos of Care of the Wildlife…
by Claire Trickett19th August 2016
Our fearless rhino warriors Today, we celebrate a quartet of rhino warriors dedicated to our ethos of Care of the Wildlife…
At &Beyond we feel so honoured to have countless dedicated, long-serving employees, some of whom have actually been with the company since our inception 25 years ago. Their stories of unwavering loyalty and selfless hard work, which is often behind-the-scenes and not always ‘seen’ per se, continue to inspire and motivate us all.
Last week, we introduced Uledi Jaku, our quiet and unassuming, yet boldly determined “turtle whisperer” and fully qualified PADI Divemaster. Read his heart-warming story of two decades worth of personal perseverance and triumph here.
Uledi’s ongoing commitment and devotion to marine conservation embody one third of our core company ethos: Care of the Land, which of course we expand to include the earth’s precious oceans through our Oceans Without Borders initiative.
Today, we celebrate a quartet of “rhino whisperers” who represent the second arm of our three-tiered core company ethos: Care of the Wildlife.
A lifetime dedicated to conserving wildlife
Hired back in 1991 as &Beyond’s second official employee, Les Carlisle recently celebrated his own personal milestone of #25yearsofandBeyond. This enthusiastic, energetic and infectiously positive man with the heart of a lion has dedicated a quarter of a century of his life to making one heck of a meaningful difference to conservation all around the world.
When asked how he’s doing on any particular day, Les will always flash a great big grin and, in a booming voice, will tell you that he’s “disgusting”. It’s his trademark way of letting you know that, in his world, the glass is always half full and he won’t let anything get him down.
With an endless string of worthy accolades and accreditations to his name, as well as an impressive list of conservation firsts, many of which we are proud to say have been accomplished during his time at &Beyond, Les’ lifelong focus has always been the preservation of wildlife.
He has found himself in all sorts of precarious positions, from grabbing a semi-sedated gaur (Indian wild cattle), literally, by the horns to save it from falling into a ditch to flying in a very small aircraft next to a sedated lion that suddenly and very unexpectedly decided to wake up mid-flight. He is afraid of nothing and continues to guide dangerous operations with ease, courage, talent and true professionalism.
Read more about Les Carlisle, our beloved Group Conservation Manager and Rhinos Without Borders hero.
Leading the way for conservation
Another fiercely passionate, quietly dedicated and truly professional conservationist is Simon Naylor, Conservation Manager at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.
For someone who, just two days into &Beyond’s Inkwazi ranger training course at Phinda, wondered what on earth he had got himself into, Simon sure has stuck around for a long time; playing an integral part of &Beyond’s conservation and guiding teams for more than 20 years.
Upon completing a degree in nature conservation, Simon joined &Beyond in 1995 as a ranger at &Beyond Phinda. As he sat on the small plane that was officially bringing him back to what would now be his new home, he caught a glimpse of the rare sand forest and open plains of Phinda, as well as the nearby Indian Ocean and Lake St Lucia, and knew in his heart that it was the right decision.
Five years later, the exciting opportunity arose for Simon to take &Beyond’s ranger training programme to East Africa. Thus the &Beyond Mwewe Ranger Training School was born and Simon communicated and instilled the &Beyond way throughout Kenya and Tanzania. After nearly four years, he was due for a change of scenery and moved to Kasane to take charge of &Beyond’s mobile camping expeditions in Botswana.
In 2006, when fate came knocking with an opportunity to return to Phinda, he accepted the position of Conservation Manager without hesitation. For Simon, no two days at work are ever the same and he revels in caring for all aspects of wildlife and habitat management both at Phinda and for the entire Munyawana Conservancy. He has also brought his skills to bear on formulating national conservation strategies for elephant, lion, cheetah and both black and white rhino.
Simon considers himself blessed to have worked in some of Africa’s most beautiful and pristine wilderness areas. Watching the Great Migration cross the Mara River, seeing African wild dogs hunting in the Selous and herds of elephant swimming across the Chobe River, stargazing in the Namib Desert and scuba diving off &Beyond Mnemba Island are all special moments for him.
However, for Simon, nothing compares to Zululand and everything pales in comparison to Phinda. The ultimate highlight in his working life has been playing a role in turning Phinda into a world class wildlife reserve, both in terms of tourism and conservation.
Simon, we salute you and the enormous contribution you have made, and continue to make, to conservation in Africa.
One fierce rhino warrior
Lee-Anne Davis has been a ranger with &Beyond for almost seven years. When she joined the &Beyond Inkwazi Ranger Training School in 2010, she was a good seven to nine years older than her fellow trainees, and had already been living abroad working as an event planner at Chateau Marmont on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard. Prior to that, Lee-Anne was a model. Talk about opposite worlds colliding.
Hollywood glitz and glamour aside, to work in the bush and be surrounded by nature was Lee-Anne’s destiny and her homecoming, and subsequent qualification as an &Beyond ranger, was the start of an exciting new chapter that has only just begun.
Lee-Anne’s undeniable passion for wildlife is evident in everything she does. By day, she enthusiastically reveals the beauty of &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve to our guests, and during the very little downtime that she actually has, she runs her own non-profit organisation, Our Horn is Not Medicine (OHNM).
Lee-Anne launched OHNM in 2012 and, with the help of her fellow rangers at &Beyond Ngala and generous donations from &Beyond guests and wildlife enthusiasts around the world, she has managed to raise ZAR 2.8 million f