&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Award winning lodge fit for a king and queen on the edge of the Crater
The spirit of &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Guests can be forgiven for losing track of which era, or even continent, they are experiencing at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque chateau – brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and panelled walls – and be instantly transported into one of the most famous African landscapes with just one glance out the window of the lodge. In this place of dramatic contrasts, where Versailles meets Maasai, anything is possible and the natural luxury of the breathtakingly beautiful setting ensures the dramatic interior of your suite blends perfectly with its stilted thatch architecture.
Why we love it
- Situated on the rim of the beautiful Ngorongoro Crater
- Spectacular Crater views from everywhere in the suites, including the bathroom
- Ornate architecture
- Rich wildlife experience on the Crater floor
- Experience Maasai and cattle living among the wildlife
- Fresh springs and large soda lake within the Crater
- Seasonal sightings of flamingo on the soda lake
DOWNLOAD LODGE BROCHURE
Care of the Land, Wildlife & People
Environmental sensitivity at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Green Team is striving to recreate pockets of indigenous forest and other highland vegetation around the lodge.
Environmental sensitivity at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
The &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Green Team is striving to recreate pockets of indigenous forest and other highland vegetation around the lodge.
New desks create a better learning environment
&Beyond and Africa Foundation recently supplied 40 new school desks to the Embarway Secondary School in the Embarway community near &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. There are over 800 learners currently …
New desks create a better learning environment
&Beyond and Africa Foundation recently supplied 40 new school desks to the Embarway Secondary School in the Embarway community near &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. There are over 800 learners currently attending this school, most coming from families that are unable to afford the $60 annual school fees. Resources at the school are severely limited, and the desk shortage meant that in some classes, 3 or 4 learners were sharing a desk designed for one student. The additional 40 desks have greatly improved the learning environment for these learners, and will certainly have a positive impact on their academic performance. A special thank you to everyone who has supported the Embarway Secondary School!
Conservation lessons in the Ngorongoro Crater
Working closely with the Africa Foundation, &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge rangers take groups of Maasai children on game drives into the Crater. This exposes them to the wonder of nature, …
Conservation lessons in the Ngorongoro Crater
Working closely with the Africa Foundation, &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge rangers take groups of Maasai children on game drives into the Crater. This exposes them to the wonder of nature, and is enhanced by lessons in environmental awareness and the value of ecotourism to local communities.
Understanding our impact
We show our commitment to “Care of the Land. Care of the Wildlife. Care of the People” by looking for ways to contribute and give more to wildlife spaces and …
Understanding our impact
We show our commitment to “Care of the Land. Care of the Wildlife. Care of the People” by looking for ways to contribute and give more to wildlife spaces and the communities that live adjacent to them. But we also believe that we can reduce our negative enviromental impact on the earth without compromising our guest experience.
We operate a high-yield, low-impact model by creating very small luxury lodges that can support enormous tracts of biodiverse land, which remains untouched and untrammeled. But, even though &Beyond ‘s footprint is very small (less than 450 bedrooms in total, which, in turn, support over 9 million acres of precious wildlife land), many of our lodges have a sustainability champion, who together with lodge managers, are custodians of our philosophy to “give more” and “take less”.
At every lodge and office we seek out small but meaningful ways of putting our values into action each day. We understand that delighting our guests is the most important thing we can do to sustain our business and thus sustain the wildlife areas we protect.
Over the years, &Beyond has introduced an environmental strategy to assess our lodges from a sustainability and conservation viewpoint. The lodges are annually subjected to an intensive sustainability audit to determine their environmental impact. This allows us to determine lodge-specified strategies to reduce that impact. Additionally, in order to understand and manage some of our impact, monthly measures are taken of the following eco-overheads:
- Water usage
- Electricity consumption
- Diesel and petrol consumption
- Gas and paraffin, charcoal usage (for illuminating and cooking)
- Firewood and charcoal
- Waste production and management
These statistics are collated and analysed in order to help identify problems, as well as to help lodges see how their innovations and savings have paid off. Efficiencies are identified and the lodges are set targets to improve and reduce their impact still further.
The champions and lodge managers look for new “take less “ ideas and, ways to reduce our energy consumption and carbon emissions, recycling initiatives, conservation awareness drives, water efficiency, elimination of exotic plants, addressing erosion, re-greening and many more. They are the drivers who ensure that each department, behind the scenes, finds practical ways of reducing our impact and creating a better company in a better world.
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Rates & Offers
Family Suite Rate
Family Suite Rate
Perched above cool, swirling mists on the edge of the renowned Ngorongoro Crater, the sumptuous safari suites at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offer breathtaking views. Inspired in design by the Maasai mud and stick manyatta, or homestead, this is without doubt one of the most spectacular lodges in Africa.
Families, or groups, will love the family suite at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Two suites are conveniently interlinked via a closed walkway, which allows access between the suites, while maintaining complete privacy. The bedrooms, sitting rooms and ensuite bathrooms of the suites boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below. The family suite can accommodate two adults and two children.
Ready to start planning your journey?
Suite Rate
Suite Rate
Perched above cool, swirling mists on the edge of the Ngorongoro Crater, the sumptuous safari suites at&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offer breath-taking views. Inspired in design by the Maasai mud and stick manyatta, or homestead,this is without doubt one of the most spectacular lodges in Africa.Three separate and intimate camps totalling just 30 suites are reminiscent of a bygone era. Steeped in romance, each stilted,handcrafted mud and thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques, grand chandeliers and elegant African treasures. The bedroom, sitting room and ensuite bathroom boast floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the magnificent Crater below. Beaded chandeliers hang above large gilt mirrors, while antiques, billowing raw silk curtains and leather-backed chairs blend harmoniously with African art elements. Ensuite bathrooms with a dramatic centrepiece of red roses feature spacious showers and chandelier-lit bathtubs. Personal butler discretely cater for each guest’s every need, bringing tea in bed, stoking fireplaces and drawing luxurious bubble baths.
Ready to start planning your journey?
Tanzania long stay offer Stay longer for less
Tanzania long stay offer Stay longer for less
Take advantage of…
Savings up to 15% per person per night off our published rates with longer than 3 night stays at a combination of &Beyond’s East African lodges and camps.
Ready to start planning your journey?
Kenya long stay offer Stay longer for Less
Kenya long stay offer Stay longer for Less
Save up to 15% per person per night off our published rates with longer than 3 night stays at a combination of &Beyond’s East African lodges and camps.
Ready to start planning your journey?
Fly me around East Africa Explore the classical safari landscapes of East Africa and save up to USD3520 per stay
Fly me around East Africa Explore the classical safari landscapes of East Africa and save up to USD3520 per stay
Take advantage of…
Fly me around East Africa – discover the scenic highlights of East Africa for less. Book seven nights at any combination of &Beyond’s lodges in Kenya or Tanzania and all flights between camps are on us. Ultimate flexibility at a fixed price – you chose which of our East African properties you would like to include and we will fly you there.
Ready to start planning your journey?
Our favourite lodge experiences
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to and around Tanzania?
Tanzania has several airports, although the most common access points are Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) on the coast and Kilimanjaro International Airport in the north-east of the …
How do I get to and around Tanzania? The gateway to Tanzania is Dar es Salaam. Limited international scheduled flights also fly directly to Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania has several airports, although the most common access points are Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) on the coast and Kilimanjaro International Airport in the north-east of the country or connections are available from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi, Kenya).
Guests heading out on safari can fly into either destination and link up with scheduled light aircraft flights to airstrips in the wilderness areas. A typical route would be to arrive at Kilimanjaro, where your safari operator would be waiting to drive you to Arusha, where you would spend the night. Early the next morning, you could catch any of a number of flights that depart from Arusha heading out onto the safari circuit. In the south, guests arriving in Dar es Salaam can connect to light aircraft flights to Arusha or into the southern parks of Selous or Ruaha, depending on their arrival time. If you are travelling to the remote western parks, flights depart only twice a week and take up to five hours to reach their destination.
Flights
SCHEDULED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
The gateways to Tanzania are Dar es Salaam and Nairobi in Kenya. (Limited international scheduled flights also fly directly to Kilimanjaro.) Daily scheduled domestic flights link these gateways with Tanzania’s wildlife areas.
SHUTTLE/CHARTER FLIGHTS
Daily flights link the international airports with Tanzania‘s wildlife areas via Arusha Airport using a reliable network of light aircraft flights sold on a scheduled seat in plane or private charter basis. Please note the luggage limit on these aircrafts is 15 kg (33 lb), packed in soft bags.
Transfers
SELF-DRIVE
Self-drive is not recommended in Tanzania as it is a vast country with varying road conditions, and 4×4 transport is required for most areas.
GUIDED DRIVING SAFARIS
We have a fleet of vehicles and can tailor-make itineraries throughout the country.
TRAVEL TIMES
When travelling through Tanzania it is useful to have the correct expectation as to how distance and time relate. Please reference our guidelines below when calculating how far you can travel in a given amount of time.
What to remember when travelling around Tanzania
Tanzania is a vast country and the distances between attractions can be considerable. It is therefore advisable that you consult a tour operator to help you organise flights and transfers. Keep in mind that some of the attractions, like the Selous Game Reserve and the Ruaha National Park, are quite remote locations and you will need to arrange air transport if you wish to visit them.
Road conditions are variable, there are long distances to be covered and 4×4 transport is required for most areas. This method of travel is not recommended in Tanzania. If you decide to travel by road, be prepared for a long, dusty and potentially exhausting trip.
When should I visit Tanzania?
While it is best known for its exceptional wildlife experiences, Tanzania has a great deal to offer travellers. Home to the endless plains of the Serengeti, as well as a …
When should I visit Tanzania? Tanzania is a year round travel destination where each season has its own reason to visit
While it is best known for its exceptional wildlife experiences, Tanzania has a great deal to offer travellers. Home to the endless plains of the Serengeti, as well as a selection of extraordinarily picturesque wildlife areas, the country is one of Africa’s most well-known safari destinations. It is also home to the continent’s highest mountain, the spectacular Mount Kilimanjaro, which offers a relatively easy ascent and is popular with climbers. The country is also one of the few places in the world where chimpanzees can be seen in the wild. Boasting a golden coastline washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Tanzania is also an outstanding beach destination.
With a well-developed tourism industry and a number of attractive destinations, it is easy for our Tanzania tour packages to cater for one or more of these interests.
Your reason to come may depend on your need to escape the cold, your desire to experience turtles hatching or your quest to receive the best value for money.
Tanzania – what should I pack?
With only 13.5lbs (20kgs) to spare you may need assistance with your packing list
Tanzania – what should I pack? With only 33lbs (15kgs) to spare you may need assistance with your packing list
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. Due to the high altitude on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater it can be cold at night (even in summer) therefore it is very important to pack warm clothing for the nights. The most practical items to pack are:
- Khaki, brown, white and beige colours
- Light cotton tops and cotton trousers/shorts in summer
- Long sleeved blouses/shirts for game drives Safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
- A fleece or sweater and a warm jacket for game drives (and at the Ngorongoro Crater)
- Swimwear is a must for the beach A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Thermal underwear, light layers, sweater, warm jacket, good socks and sturdy, comfortable walking boots for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Depending on your journey it may be easier to reference our useful Packing checklist.
How do I find the Great Migration?
The Great Migration traditionally follows the rain as animals migrate towards better pastures…
How do I find the Great Migration? The Great Migration traditionally follows the rain as animals migrate towards better pastures
The annual movement of wildebeest and other herbivores across the Serengeti– Mara ecosystem consists of more than 1.5 million wildebeest, 400 000 zebra, 18 000 eland and 200 000 Thompson’s gazelle. The Migration is rarely the same in terms of precise timing and direction.
JANUARY – MARCH
The animals gather on the southern Serengeti plains, dropping their calves. The plains are a short drive from &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas.
APRIL – MAY
The herds move north, towards the central Serengeti plains and the Seronera area. The &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas camps follow.
JUNE
The herds move northwest, towards &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp. The luxury tented camps of &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas re-position themselves.
JULY – OCTOBER
The herds start heading northeast, followed by the &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas camps. The wildebeest must cross the Mara River before they reach Kenya’s Masai Mara, to the west of &Beyond Klein’s Camp. As the animals continue to move backwards and forwards across the river, the excitement can also be viewed from &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp and &Beyond Bateleur Camp.
NOVEMBER – DECEMBER
Crossing back into the Serengeti, the Migration moves south, passing &Beyond’s Klein’s Camp and Serengeti Under Canvas.
The wildebeest migration follows the year’s annual rainfall so its appearance in Tanzania and Kenya is weather dependent. Our travel experts are updated weekly by our guides in the field who closely monitor the location of the wildebeest migration throughout the year. This enables us to advise you on the best destination to visit during your particular time of travel.
How do I get to &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge?
A number of airlines operate twice daily scheduled flights from Arusha airport to Lake Manyara Airstrip ❷. The lodge collects guests from the airstrip in closed game viewing vehicles, with …
How do I get to &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge?
A number of airlines operate twice daily scheduled flights from Arusha airport to Lake Manyara Airstrip ❷.
The lodge collects guests from the airstrip in closed game viewing vehicles, with the drive to the lodge ❶ taking approximately 1½ hours.
Why visit the Ngorongoro Crater?
Once a gigantic volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater is now the largest intact caldera in the world. Some maintain that, before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mount Kilimanjaro, …
Why visit the Ngorongoro Crater?
Once a gigantic volcano, the Ngorongoro Crater is now the largest intact caldera in the world. Some maintain that, before it erupted, it would have been higher than Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Long since having collapsed and eroded, this three-million-year-old caldera now shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth.
The crater is also incredibly scenic, with towering euphorbia clinging to the crater walls, while fever and fig tree forests on the crater floor provide shade for an incredible array of wildlife. Lean Maasai, resplendent in their beads and furled in scarlet shuka robes, tend their herds on the crater floor. A burbling spring and a large soda lake quench the thirst of the crater’s inhabitants. Black rhino are protected within the crater rim, giant tusked elephant wander the forests, black-maned lion stalk the grasslands and flamingos crowd the soda lakes.
An estimated 25 000 large mammals are resident in this bowl of plenty, including a large population of lion. Cheetah move in and out of the crater, while leopard are most often encountered in the spectacular Lerai Forest. Among the smaller carnivores, both golden and black-backed jackal are abundant, while the normally shy and nocturnal serval are frequently seen during daylight hours. Vast numbers of buffalo, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle can be seen grazing the crater floor.
Why Visit?
- The world’s only intact caldera – 610 metres (2 000 feet) deep and covers 260 square kilometers (100 square miles)
- The rim of the crater is at an altitude of 2 400m (7 900 feet)
- Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO world heritage site
- Wildlife haven, with a very high game concentration on the Crater floor
- Breathtaking views
- Fresh springs and large soda lake within the Crater
- See Maasai herdsmen graze their cattle side by side with predators and prey
- The Lerai Forest is one of the best places in Africa for leopard sightings
Endangered black rhino are protected within its rim, giant tusked elephants wander the forests, black-maned lions stalk the grasslands, and flamingos crowd the soda lakes. An estimated 25 000 large mammals are resident in this bowl of plenty, including a population of approximately 6 000 resident wildebeest, 16 highly endangered black rhino and around 70 lions.
Cheetah move in and out of the Crater, while leopard are most often encountered in the spectacular Lerai Forest.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, consistently recognised as one of the world’s most luxurious and elegant places to stay, sits right on the edge of the Crater, offering unbeatable views of one of the natural travel wonders of the world.
It boasts some of the best rhino sightings in East Africa, as well as large numbers of lion and hyena, which compete for a share of the abundant zebra, wildebeest and antelope populations, all set against the backdrop of its craggy walls and illuminated by the golden light of the African sun. The Ngorongoro is one of the quintessential experiences for any safari traveller. Entire days can fly by as you roam the wide plains on the crater floor and there is no better place than the Crater rim to sit and contemplate the majestic views as the sun begins to set.
Climate
Summer (September – April)
20°C/68°F Max: 30°C/86°F
Winter (May – August)
Min: 19°C/66°F Max: 25°C/77°F
Long rains: April to May (Monsoon)
Short rains: November to mid-December
What is the &Beyond WILDChild Programme?
WILDChild Program With its warm heart, welcoming people and sunny skies, Africa is a dream destination for a family holiday with children of all ages. A place where time slows …
What is the &Beyond WILDChild Programme?
WILDChild Program
With its warm heart, welcoming people and sunny skies, Africa is a dream destination for a family holiday with children of all ages.
A place where time slows down, it offers the luxury of a leisurely pace, ideal to reconnect and renew relationships among families, as well as grow friendships between the children and land, animals and people of Africa.
&Beyond’s WILDChild programme, designed especially for children visiting our safari lodges and camps in Africa, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities 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 our young guests, our planet and its people.
WILDChild Adventures
“Get your children traveling early. Expose them to the people, the food, the real culture of your destination.” – Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO
Expeditions may involve activities such as tracking and fishing, making traditional bows and arrows, beading, crafting and painting, as well as fun in the lodge garden or kitchen and more. At each of our African lodges, as young, sleepy heads take shelter in the comfort of their beds after a day full of thrills, they will find an assignment for the following day’s expedition laid out on their pillow, ready to fill their dreams with anticipation. Each expedition is carefully selected according to the interests and ages of the children and will be carried out in the care of our friendly staff, from rangers and trackers to child minders and cooks.
The children’s activities available at each of &Beyond’s lodges attempt to tie in with that particular environment, as well as the local heritage of the region. For example, at &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge in Namibia youngsters may experience stargazing as well as Bushman games that teach them the culture of the region, including how to find food and water in the desert. Meanwhile, in Botswana’s Okavango Delta adventures may include fishing expeditions and making necklaces with the Delta’s beautiful water lilies.
WILDChild Memories
Each WILDChild adventure is made up of unforgettable moments to cherish forever and, to help keep memories of their safari fresh, each young traveller will receive a WILDChild backpack with a special scrapbook and other goodies at the &Beyond lodge where they begin their journey. Throughout the safari, the scrapbook is filled up with mementoes of special times in the bush, from notes and drawings to stickers.
At each subsequent lodge our young guests will receive a different educational or bush-oriented gift, as well as fresh expeditions to carry out, so that each stop adds to their collection and their experience continues to grow throughout their journey. Each &Beyond lodge has something different to offer, whether it is a solar torch, a magnifying glass or a compass. Specially sourced by &Beyond, all our gifts consists of quality products made of recycled or sustainable materials where possible and used to encourage interaction between the child and their ranger or guide, who helps them unravel the mysteries of the African bush and introduces them to local customs and traditions.
To add to each child’s experience, the Safari Shops at &Beyond’s participating lodges and camps also stock a range of WILDChild goodies, including scrapbook stickers and clothing. Through purchasing these mementoes, our young guests not only provide themselves with a tangible reminder of their African adventure but also contribute towards the Community Leaders Education Fund scholarship programme, which assists students from the communities bordering &Beyond’s conservation areas with funding for their tertiary education.
WILDChild in the Making
At the end of your extraordinary family adventure, along with treasured memories of time spent together, you will find your WILDChild has fallen irrevocably in love with the animals, people and landscapes of Africa, a true conservationist in the making.
Journeys to inspire
What other people say about us
2015 – The UK Daily Telegraph by larien2nd June 2017
2015 – The UK Daily Telegraph
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge featured in The UK Daily Telegraph – The 50 Best Honeymoon Hotels
2016 – Havering Resident Magazine by larien2nd June 2017
2016 – Havering Resident Magazine
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge featured in Havering Resident Magazine
2015 – FT How to spend it by larien2nd June 2017
2015 – FT How to spend it
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge featured in FT – How to spent it
Sunday Telegraph Escape
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured in the Sunday Telegraph Escape’s 10 Amazing Places to Eat 2017
Andrew Harper Hideaway Report
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #8 in Top Safari Lodges category at the Andrew Harper Hideaway Report Readers’ Choice Awards 2014
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #48 in the Top 100 Hotels and at #12 in the Top Lodges and Resorts (Africa & Middle East) at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2012.
The lodge is also inducted in the Travel + Leisure Hall of Fame.
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured in the Africa & Middle East category of Travel + Leisure’s 500 World’s Best Hotels 2011
Twende
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is named Best Lodge in Tanzania at Twende’s Quest for the Best Awards 2009
Travel News
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is named Travel News’ Best Safari Lodge in Tanzania 2008
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #8 at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2007
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s Places to Visit 2005
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #11 in the Top 30 Resorts in Africa at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2015
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.
Beata Jeromin; &Beyond Regional Hospitality & Safari Shop Manager
Beata Jeromin, has tirelessly delighted and entertained our guests with her unmistakable...
by Claire Trickett5th August 2016
Beata Jeromin; &Beyond Regional Hospitality & Safari Shop Manager Beata Jeromin, has tirelessly delighted and entertained our guests with her unmistakable...
Beata Jeromin, &Beyond’s Regional Hospitality and Safari Shop Manager in Tanzania, is our talented, creative, highly energetic and undoubtedly deserving Guest Delight Champion. She has tirelessly delighted and entertained our guests with her unmistakable charm, non-stop energy and creative genius for an impressive 17 years and she has no plans to stop any time soon.
In 1997, while Beata was at college studying hotel management, she had the opportunity to do a four-month work placement at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. She returned to college to complete her final year, however, she knew the safari bug had bitten. She had fallen in love with the bush and the lodge.
Upon graduating, Beata approached Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for employment, but there were unfortunately no positions available. Determined to secure her dream job and not willing to accept defeat, Beata offered to volunteer at the lodge for four months.
The management team noted her hard work and fierce determination and Beata was eventually offered a housekeeping position. For the next few years, she continued to prove herself and went through a series of promotions, from Housekeeping, to Head Housekeeper, to Head Receptionist, to Front of House Manager, to Safari Shop Manager, to Camp Manager, to Relief Manager, to Assistant General Manager, to her newfound role of Regional Hospitality and Safari Shop Manager for Tanzania.
It has been quite a journey and Beata never once gave up on her personal goals and career growth. Of course there were many challenges along the way that have made Beata stronger, but if there’s one thing Beata also knows well, it’s how to have fun!
Whether she’s travelling to our Tanzanian lodges to present her entertaining and insightful hospitality training course, singing and dancing with children at the lodges, or coming up with new and exciting ways to surprise our guests, Beata always does it with a great big, beautiful and contagious smile on her face.
Beata considers herself very blessed and says she would not take a million dollars for what she has. Well Beata, you are one in a million. Thank you for being you. You are an endless source of creativity for many and you are an inspiration to those around you that aspire to grow their careers with &Beyond. Thank you for your hard work, loyalty, positive outlook and crazy fun energy. We love you and we can all learn from you.
16 candles on the Crater floor
At &Beyond, we love nothing more than to create lifelong memories for our guests and we’ll take any good reason to throw a party...
by Claire Trickett5th August 2016
16 candles on the Crater floor At &Beyond, we love nothing more than to create lifelong memories for our guests and we’ll take any good reason to throw a party...
At &Beyond, we love nothing more than to create lifelong memories for our guests and we’ll take any good reason to throw a party. Be it a milestone birthday or momentous anniversary, to the smaller, but no less significant, things that are so often overlooked in everyday life, such as a magnificent blazing sunset or a sky bursting with twinkling stars. We are in the business of creating magic; of thrilling our guests by day and spoiling them by night. It’s what we do best.
The Krishna family recently travelled all the way from Dubai to &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and when the lodge team discovered it was Tanvi’s 16th birthday, they set out to throw her the best sweet sixteen party imaginable. The lodge’s brand new wine store was the perfect, intimate setting where the Krishnas could flop on the couch and watch Tanvi’s life story unfold on the big screen. Emotional and entertaining, the family watched amidst laughter and a few watery eyes, surrounded by pink balloons and rows upon rows of wine bottles.
The lodge’s incredibly talented Washawasha choir took the celebration up a notch with their traditional African singing and dancing, and of course, no birthday is complete without a decadent chocolate cake and French champagne.
The Krishnas posted a beautiful description of their experience at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge on TripAdvisor:
“Set in the clouds, this place is magical. Located on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater, they have taken hospitality to levels of the sublime. We celebrated our daughter’s 16th birthday here and the team did an outstanding job in making our evening special. The attentive service was consistently exceptional. Every meal setting was poetic in its expression. A meal at the tree lounge is a must. Three days well spent at this magnificent property was way too short. We will come back for sure for more. This is amongst the best hospitality experiences in the world. Not to be missed! I have not added any pictures since this is amongst the few places in the world where the best of cameras feel inadequate. The beauty of this place is just unbelievable.”
~ The Krishna Family
Happy birthday Tanvi, we hope it was a birthday to remember and we look forward to welcoming you all back soon.
Our chefs are world-class
American celebrity chef and renowned author, Anthony Bourdain, recently spent four days at &Beyond Ngorongoro...
by Claire Trickett5th August 2016
Our chefs are world-class American celebrity chef and renowned author, Anthony Bourdain, recently spent four days at &Beyond Ngorongoro...
American celebrity chef and renowned author, Anthony Bourdain, recently spent four days at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge to film an episode of his CNN television series, “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown”. The show focuses on different cuisines and cultures around the world and we can’t wait to see our lodge featured in the upcoming segment.
Anthony spent time with &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge’s Junior Executive Chef, Esther Mashina, who has been with &Beyond for 20 years. It was a wonderful opportunity for Esther and her hard-working team to exchange ideas and stories with this world-famous chef.
Upon departing the lodge, Anthony was kind enough to fill out a guest feedback form on which he gave the food at &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge the highest possible rating of “excellent”. Well done to Esther and our team of chefs at the Crater! To have your food considered excellent by arguably one of the best chefs in the world is a remarkable compliment and an outstanding achievement. We couldn’t be more proud!
Explore the Crater by foot
The walk was incredible, the views absolutely mind-blowing, and &Beyond is delighted to now offer...
by Claire Trickett5th August 2016
Explore the Crater by foot The walk was incredible, the views absolutely mind-blowing, and &Beyond is delighted to now offer...
Grant Telfer, &Beyond Regional Ranger Trainer for East Africa, and &Beyond rangers Erick Nyamohanga, Salimu Mustapha and Erasto Gurty recently visited Empakai Crater, which is just north of Ngorongoro Crater, to assess some walking safari routes for our guests. The walk was incredible, the views absolutely mind-blowing, and &Beyond is delighted to now offer guided walks to guests visiting &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge.
A maximum of six guests per walk are escorted by a fully-qualified &Beyond guide that has been specially trained to provide a safe, interpretive and holistic experience. As per national park requirements, there is also an armed national park ranger who walks ahead of the group, but who does not guide the walking safari.
There are three different routes to choose from, all of which entail a scenic and energetic hike:
1. EMPAKAI CRATER: this full-day hike explores the dense forest that surrounds the Crater walls. Observe impressive strangler fig trees and witness a fantastic array of birdlife. A hearty picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way.
2. LAKE EYASI: this scenic half-day afternoon walk offers magnificent views of the lake and ventures through the Maasai communities. Guests can observe the Maasai way of life and also have an opportunity to visit the Mokilail School, a project supported by Africa Foundation (&Beyond’s social development partner).
3. NGORONGORO CRATER: a 2½ hour late afternoon excursion on the western rim of the Ngorongoro Crater along a well-used Maasai trail.
These picturesque walks are offered to guests at an additional cost, which includes the use of a private safari vehicle to transfer guests to and from the start/end point.
Diet is a four-letter word
At the opulent and whimsical &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where the food is nostalgic, decadent and served...
by Claire Trickett5th August 2016
Diet is a four-letter word At the opulent and whimsical &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where the food is nostalgic, decadent and served...
At the opulent and whimsical &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, where the food is nostalgic, decadent and served in generous abundance, the “tam-tam” dessert trolley is stealing hearts (and waistlines). Tamu is the Swahili word for “sweet” and this tantalising trolley is literally overflowing with the most sinful, irresistible after-dinner treats.
Down at the lodge’s Tree Camp, where the setting is too small and intimate for a trolley, guests are now being spoiled with a hand-carved “tam-tam” wooden box filled with a tempting selection of mouth-watering delights.
Dullah, the lodge’s professional carver, was commissioned to hand carve the small and intricately elegant boxes (Dullah has been hard at work … have a look at the custom easels he made in the previous chapter). Crafted with the classic music box in mind, each tam-tam box features an ornate pattern that is painted with a delicate layer of gold leaf. Once the box is opened, mirrors on the top and bottom light up the box and showcase its treasures.
Each night holds a different surprise, from rose-scented Turkish delights and sultana-rum truffles, to homemade nougat, espresso shortbread and Amarula white chocolate truffles. All of them pleading to be devoured.
Think of it as Willy Wonka’s modern day chocolate factory. There’s no need to resist; you’re on holiday after all!
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.
Family safaris in Africa: A million times better than any textbook
With multi-generational travel consistently on the rise, families across the globe are looking to reconnect...
by Claire Trickett8th August 2016
Family safaris in Africa: A million times better than any textbook With multi-generational travel consistently on the rise, families across the globe are looking to reconnect...
With multi-generational travel consistently on the rise, families across the globe are looking to reconnect in meaningful ways. They want to explore new destinations, have authentic experiences, learn about local cultures, witness unique wildlife and have the opportunity to give back, not only to our planet, but also to its people. The growing need to disconnect oneself from reality and bond as a family is becoming more and more important to today’s traveler.
&Beyond understands the importance of family travel and we have been designing fun-filled, educational and inspirational family adventures for as long as we can remember. From island escapes and intimate villa safaris in Africa, to jungle adventures and cultural festivals in South Asia, all the way to bicycle tours, horseback riding and culinary excursions in South America, we help families explore, learn and, most importantly, reconnect with each other in the most magnificent, enviable destinations.
As we celebrate #25YearsandBeyond, we take a look back at some of the special moments families have shared with us.
Young Maasai warrior in training
There’s no doubt safaris are fun for the whole family. Just ask the Andrade family from France. When Hugues and Agnes visited &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge back in 2003, they immediately fell in love with its dramatic setting, diverse wildlife and warm-hearted people.
They vowed to return, and that they did in 2009. Happily reunited with the staff they had formed friendships with six years prior, especially Pascal their butler, it was like coming home. Again, they vowed to come back once more, but this time with their family. They wanted to share their love affair with the Ngorongoro Crater with their nearest and dearest and celebrate three very special birthdays together.
True to their word, earlier this year, Hugues and Agnes traveled all the way from France to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge with their son Antoine, his wife Caroline and their 10-year-old grandson Victor. They enjoyed full days exploring the Crater floor, private meals on the veranda overlooking the world-famous Crater and in the lodge’s well-stocked wine store, and an electrifying Maasai warrior performance at sunset. As the captivating shuka-clad warriors chanted and marched amidst a blazing bonfire, even Victor joined in on the fun, taking part in the jumping competition.
The next day, Maasai warrior Kamonduli ole Sokoi gave Victor and Antoine a private spear throwing lesson. A cardboard target was mounted on spears, and Kamonduli imparted his wisdom on how best to use the traditional bow and arrows to successfully hit the bullseye … or in this case, the sketch of a lion.
Victor did a great job as a young Maasai warrior, not to mention budding photographer, and the whole family had an unforgettable time reconnecting in one of the natural wonders of the world. To the Andrade family, we hope you returned to France with memories to last a lifetime and we look forward to welcoming you back, yet again, in 2017! Tutaonana tena … until we meet again.
A life-changing safari
At &Beyond, we take great pride in creating emotional, life-changing experiences for our guests. Yet every now and then the tables are turned and certain guests come along that end up changing our lives for the better. This was most definitely the case when the Krusiewicz family chose to visit &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve to commemorate a very important family milestone – the adoption of their beautiful son Wandile.
&Beyond Travel Planner Jomandie Dempers ensured that every last detail was taken care of seamlessly, and although the Krusiewicz’s thank you letter expresses their sincere gratitude to &Beyond, it is us that should be thanking them. They taught us about love, compassion and family bonds.
Here’s their story…
“I’m writing with a debt of gratitude for our experience at &Beyond Phinda Mountain Lodge. My family flew to South Africa from the US to adopt a little boy from Durban. Once the proceedings were complete, we celebrated the excitement of becoming a family of six with a safari at Phinda. It was the single best guest experience we have ever had.
Two things stood out as highlights for the service we received. First, I believe our newest addition, Wandile, was the most popular guest all weekend. The staff doted on him, helped us with Zulu translations and truly eased his transition into our family. Second, my oldest son Max turned 14, and during our last game drive, we reached a mountain peak to find a surprise pancake breakfast waiting for him.
From the moment we arrived, the staff were amazing. The WILDchild backpacks, journals, and snacks were a huge hit and I was blown away by the amazing care everyone showed our kids. Wandile was in heaven and had so much fun telling tales to all the staff in Zulu. He had a huge grin on his face the entire time. Talk about memories to last a lifetime.
Every single detail was on point and we soaked it all in. We were floored by the hospitality. Phinda was the perfect way to celebrate our newly expanded family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It was an incredible gift to us.”
~ The Krusiewicz Family, &Beyond Guest Book
Earth children
The Jansen van Rensburg family are no strangers to &Beyond. Gideon and Coreen celebrated Coreen’s 30th birthday with us and have been returning to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve to get their bush fix ever since. Now a family of five, the Jansen van Rensburgs visited &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge for a weekend of family fun with their gorgeous five-year-old twin girls, Ami and Inge, and their ten-month-old girl Kelsi.
The twins have obviously grown up spending quality time in the bush and they were definitely keen for some adventure. Kitted out with their &Beyond WILDchild backpacks and snack bags, these girls didn’t miss a single game drive on their private vehicle with ranger Bruce Hedges and tracker Musa.
They were lucky enough to see elephant, rhino, and leopard at one single sighting and they also had nocturnal viewings not only of a lioness with four small cubs, but also of a large male vocalising.
One morning the family was treated to a surprise crumpet stop in the middle of the rare sand forest. The twins played in the sand, helped flip pancakes, coloured in their WILDchild Planet Manager booklets and if their chocolate grins were anything to go on … we’d say they had a fantastic time. Not many other children in their class could say they saw the Big Five that weekend!
Gideon and Coreen, we look forward to welcoming you back for your next safari(s) and we hope your two bushbabies Ami and Inge teach their little sister Kelsi to love the bush as much as they do.
Which &Beyonders made a difference to YOUR family adventure?
Safari by numbers: The beginner’s 101 guide
Welcome to Safari 101, the beginner’s guide to getting the most out of your luxury safari adventure…
by Claire Trickett24th August 2016
Safari by numbers: The beginner’s 101 guide Welcome to Safari 101, the beginner’s guide to getting the most out of your luxury safari adventure…
The Big Five? The Super Seven? What’s it all about? Welcome to Safari 101, the beginner’s guide to understanding the local lingo and getting the most out of your luxury safari adventure.
Give me five
Many moons ago, when hunting was once rife in the African bush veld, hunters coined the term “Big Five” to classify the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
Thankfully the hunting heyday is over and nowadays protected conservation areas abound that are thriving with wildlife, just as nature intended. Fear has rightly been replaced with intrigue and the beloved Big Five is now a highly sought-after quintet of magnificent African icons that every wildlife enthusiast hopes to catch a glimpse of while on safari.
Good things come in small packages
The “Little Five” is merely a clever play on words, highlighting five pint-sized critters that bear the same namesakes as their mighty counterparts: the ant lion, leopard tortoise, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver and rhino beetle. This of course adds depth to the overall game drive experience, revealing both the big and small wonders of nature to curious minds.
Beauty is only skin deep
Perhaps a far cry from their majestic counterparts, the unfortunate “Ugly Five” definitely gets a bad rap. We don’t think any animals are ugly; each is loveable in its own way, yet the hyena, vulture, wildebeest, warthog and marabou stork remain the unlucky recipients of this far from endearing moniker.
This less than glamorous gang of underdogs is often depicted negatively in mainstream movies and cartoons, which doesn’t help with their increasing unpopularity. Alas, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and no safari would be complete without the Ugly Five. What would the Great Wildebeest Migration be with no wildebeest…?!
