&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
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Travel News
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is named Travel News’ Best Safari Lodge in Tanzania 2008
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured in the Africa & Middle East category of Travel + Leisure’s 500 World’s Best Hotels 2011
Gogobot
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #3 in Gogobot’s Top 100 Hotels of 2011
Andrew Harper
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #6 in Andrew Harper’s 20 Best Views in the World 2009
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge receives Special Mention in the Africa & Middle East category of Travel + Leisure’s Top 50 of the World’s Best Hotels for 2012
Travel News East Africa
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is named Best Lodge in Tanzania at the Travel News East Africa Quest for the Best Travel and Tourism Awards 2006
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #25 in the Top 30 Resorts and Camps (Africa & Middle East) at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2007
Condé Nast Traveler
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is named one of Top 25 Resorts (Africa & Middle East) at the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2006
Travel + Leisure
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is featured at #8 at the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2007
Stories from The Bateleur
Funny wildlife photos: part 3
Back by popular demand, here are some more entries from Mother Nature’s oh-so entertaining blooper reel…
by Claire Trickett10th March 2017
Funny wildlife photos: part 3 Back by popular demand, here are some more entries from Mother Nature’s oh-so entertaining blooper reel…
Laughter. Not only is it the best medicine, but it’s a welcome escape from the daily monotony of routines and responsibility. Mother Nature is no stranger to comedy and even the most serious of wildlife photographers will agree that animals do the funniest things.
People around the world fell in love with the eco-conscious elephant that was caught on CCTV doing a bit of a spring clean:
And let’s not forget the British comedy show, Walk on the Wild Side, with its hilarious voiceovers that guests continue to quote on our game drives to this day:
In the spirit of fun and changing the way you see the animal kingdom, we created a recurring blog to showcase the funniest wildlife photos and videos taken by our &Beyond rangers and guests. In case you missed them, here are the first two editions:
25 Funniest Wildlife Photographs
15 (More) Funny Wildlife Photographs
Sadly, the endangered and threatened species lists continue to grow and the ever-present poaching atrocities continue to worsen. Let’s face it, wildlife lovers could use a bit of cheer. And so, back by popular demand, here are some more entries from Mother Nature’s oh-so entertaining blooper reel. May they put a smile on your face and change the way you see the animal kingdom. Humour abounds everywhere … you just have to look for it. Happy Friday everyone!
1. “When you know you’re fabulous, flaunt it.” © Matt Yardley
2. “Why so glum chum?” © Daryl Dell
3. “When you’re on a diet and someone eats fries in front of you.” © Claire Trickett
4. “When you bite off more than you can chew, yet try to act cool when the waiter asks how everything is.” © Andy Biggs
5. “When you know your selfie game is strong.” © Jen Robertson
6. “This is pure joy in the elephant world.” © Bruce Hedges
7. “Monday face.” © Andy Biggs
8. “Patience is what parents have when there are witnesses.” © Matt Yardley
9. “When you know better than to talk back.” © Daryl Dell
10. “When your mum sings in public. #makeitstop.” © Matt Poole
When adventure turns to fate
Guest Caleb Shepard had no idea what was in store when he first travelled with us five years ago…
by Claire Trickett16th January 2017
When adventure turns to fate Guest Caleb Shepard had no idea what was in store when he first travelled with us five years ago…
Jobs fill your pockets and adventures fill your soul. But what if you could find an adventure-filled job? That way both your pockets and your soul would always be full. Well, this story is about just that. Meet Caleb Shepard, an 18 year-old adventure-seeker whose journey with &Beyond extended far beyond the safari experience and into a photographic internship. Here is Caleb’s story, a wonderful tale of adventure and not knowing what comes next:
From the age of nine my life was strongly influenced by two people – my Dad and my stepmother. In addition to the usual things that kids learn, my Dad showed me how to use a camera and my stepmother ensured that my brother and I got to experience the most incredible holidays at various destinations throughout South Africa. &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve became a destination I was promised I would visit as soon as I was old enough and my first visit to Phinda Mountain Lodge was an experience I will never forget. Encountering the world of &Beyond for the first time, I was mesmerised by the beauty of the reserve and blown away by the rangers who treated me as an equal, not just a kid, and showed such interest in my questions.
Various trips to Phinda followed – each one as exciting as the previous – and gradually I started to understand the challenges of capturing wildlife on camera. I was fortunate to be a pupil of Westville Boy’s High School, which offers an incredible Art curriculum that includes the opportunity to utilise the school’s extensive photographic equipment. My all-consuming passion for photography made the selection of Art as a subject for Matric a no-brainer, and in my final matric Art project, I published a book of my wildlife photography entitled “Fragility” in which I wrote:
“I am a child of Africa. I was born with the sun on my back and the open plains before my eyes; plains that teemed with wildlife. In the noise and chaos of life the escape to the African plains has restored my equilibrium and renewed my soul. We talk of ‘rights’ when we should talk of ‘responsibilities’ and the greatest should surely be to live this life by adding, and not by depleting. Each of us has the capacity to give back, to make a difference and to arrest the crisis. Let our legacy not be one of extinction. Let my images convey this message and remind us all of the precious beauty of God’s creatures and their fragility.”
In many of our family chats around the dinner table over the years we would plan the next family adventure and a trip to Namibia was discussed as being something that every person should experience. Initially I wondered whether a trip to the desert with very little wildlife was really going to be that exciting, particularly as we had just celebrated my Dad’s 50th birthday at &Beyond Kirkman’s Kamp – I was convinced that nothing could beat that experience! A trip to Sossusvlei to celebrate my 18thbirthday was planned. Not for one minute could I have imagined how my life would change as a result.
In January 2016 we travelled to &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and my 18th birthday was celebrated dining on top of the sand dunes under the stars. Nothing prepared me for the beauty of the dunes, the sunsets and the night skies. The staff, and in particular our guide George, took great pleasure in showing us the secrets of Sossusvlei and I revelled in the photographic opportunities that Namibia offered.
On my return home, feeling quite nostalgic, I visited the &Beyond website and discovered that a photography competition had been running for a few months. I had been 18 for two days and accordingly was entitled to participate. Knowing just what an amateur I am, but wanting to share the photos of the amazing trip I had just returned from, I entered the competition. No one could have been more surprised than me when I heard that I had won that month’s category entitled “Care of the People”, and winning the following month’s category called “Care of the Land” completely floored me. The news that I had won the overall prize left me speechless – something that my family will tell you seldom occurs.
The four nights I spent at both &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp and the newly-rebuilt &Beyond Ngala Safari Lodge as the category prize were exhilarating – sightings of leopard and African wild dogs filled the memory cards in my camera in no time, leaving me wondering what could ever top that experience. The trip to East Africa as the overall prize was for two people and it was a fitting tribute to my Dad and the role he has played in encouraging my love for photography, that I was able to have him with me. We embarked on the trip of a lifetime, our luggage comprising more camera equipment than clothing, and together we experienced the treasures of all that Tanzania has to offer.
I will forever remember:
- Meeting our guide Erick at Mount Kilimanjaro airport – a man who I am proud to say has accepted me as a friend and whose passion and commitment to &Beyond and all that it stands for has inspired me;
- The welcome we received from May, Linda, Dave, Yona and their respective teams at the lodges – who treated us as royalty and made us feel as if we were the most valued guests they had ever met;
- The flocks of pelicans – too many to count – that filled the sky with colour when they flew;
- Sundowners at the edge of Lake Manyara, watching the light change;
- Being told by Erick to close my eyes as we approached the summit of the Ngorongoro Crater, and then instructed to open them as we reached the top – the vast crater landscape lying before us like an open book of infinite beauty;
- The sheer magnitude of the herds of wildlife teeming over the plain – wildebeest, lion, hippo, crocodiles and the Colobus monkeys – a first for me;
I started 2016 as a 17 year old visiting Namibia with my family and the year closed off with me being able to experience what makes the amazing lodges operated by &Beyond function as they do, being able to witness first-hand the community projects undertaken by them, and grasping fully the three core values treasured by them. I have learnt about the importance of teamwork in the workplace (not just on the hockey field) and the opportunity I have been given to participate in their team has been the greatest privilege and the realisation of yet another of my dreams.
~ Caleb Shepard
All images © Caleb Shepard Photography.
Stop & smell the roses
While many have roses on the mind for Valentine’s Day, we delight guests’ senses with roses every day…
by Claire Trickett13th February 2017
Stop & smell the roses While many have roses on the mind for Valentine’s Day, we delight guests’ senses with roses every day…
&Beyond’s trademark touch of understated luxury is a golden thread that runs throughout our lodges. From our famous, “you’ll never want to get up”, seven-layer beds and our decadent dessert trolleys overflowing with sinful treats, right down to the unexpected champagne trees and long-stemmed roses that are ever-present at some of our lodges, we love to make our guests feel special.
Our guests seek adventure, transformation, relaxation and wonder and we aim to delight each and every one of them with a subtle and understated, yet powerful and memorable sensory overload. We appeal to all five senses by way of legendary landscapes, wondrous wildlife, mouth-watering menus, imaginative interiors and surprise spoils.
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, many love-struck lovers have roses on the mind. But at &Beyond, we delight our guests with roses every day, not just on Valentine’s Day.
Guests exploring some of the luxury lodges on our East African circuit can expect old-world charm intertwined with endearing African elegance. In and amongst the quirky, traditional artefacts, such as beaded lampshades, wooden carvings and Maasai sculptures, are vases bursting with roses that add colour and natural beauty.
It does beg the question, though, of how on earth we get so many perfectly-petalled roses to the most remote corners of Africa? Well, every week, we collect them from one of the largest rose cultivators in Tanzania, whose two large farms in Arusha cover a distance of 50 hectares and employ more than 1 000 people from the surrounding local communities.
Our procurement driver, Said Saleh, collects the flowers on a Wednesday and stores the boxes in refrigerators until they are dispatched to the lodges the same day. On average, 4 000 crimson red “Respect” roses are sent to &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, 200 burned orange “Tropical Amazon” roses to &Beyond Klein’s Camp and 200 white “Akito” roses to &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge … every week. In fact, when &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is running at full occupancy, they receive an astounding 6 400 roses a week!
Keeping with our core ethos of caring for the land and not creating unnecessary waste, the flowers are first enjoyed and then recycled into loose petals that can be used everywhere. From our signature rose petal carpet dinners and bubblebaths, to decorating place settings, adorning cakes, creating romantic turndowns and making potpourri, every last petal is put to good use. So the next time you’re at one of these lodges, take a moment to stop, absorb the breathtaking surroundings and, literally, smell the roses.
Every drop counts
We can all make changes in our lives, both big and small, to help save water. Every drop counts…
by Claire Trickett22nd March 2017
Every drop counts We can all make changes in our lives, both big and small, to help save water. Every drop counts…
Did you know that today is World Water Day? What steps are you taking today, and every day, to help conserve water? The reality is that we can all make changes in our lives, both big and small, to help save water. Every drop really does count, so let’s all do what we can.
In 1993, the United Nations officially declared 22 March as World Water Day. It is a global call to action that serves to remind people around the world that we all have a shared, and very urgent, responsibility to conserve water. World Water Day is a universal plea for us all to join forces, take immediate action and not only help solve the current water crisis by saving water wherever we can, but also by helping to grant those less fortunate with access to this precious, and most valuable, natural resource.
- Installation of guttering and rainwater tanks, taps, water pumps and windmills, affording numerous communities with cost-effective rainwater harvesting solutions.
- Drilling of boreholes and installation of pump facilities thereby creating clean water sources for thousands of people.
- Construction of dams and water pan systems in communities with little water storage facilities enabling water supply for agricultural farms, livestock, crop irrigation and firefighting water provision.
- Distribution of more than 4,000 hippo water rollers enabling one person to carry up to 90 liters of water.
- Installation of Enviro Loos (a waterless, on-site, dry sanitation toilet system that functions without water or chemicals) in communities that do not have efficient sanitation.
To learn more about these projects, click here.
We are also proud to announce that we now have fully-functioning water bottling plants at the following lodges:
Not only do these water bottling plants provide clean, safe drinking water (both still and sparkling) for our guests and staff, but our sleek reusable glass water bottles eliminate the use of wasteful plastic bottles. At &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge alone, this is an incredible saving of up to 6,000 plastic bottles a month! We aim to have water bottling plants installed at the vast majority of our lodges by the end of 2018.
Let’s all continue to change and transform our habits in order to keep saving water and reducing our plastic consumption.
50 words to use on your next safari
Did you know that each grouping or ‘family’ of animals has its own collective noun? Here are 50…
by Claire Trickett23rd June 2017
50 words to use on your next safari Did you know that each grouping or ‘family’ of animals has its own collective noun? Here are 50…
A safari is at the top of many a bucket list. And for good reason. It is an adventure; a true broadening of horizons; an education for the mind; and a rejuvenation of the soul.
Fully kitted out in brand new khakis, cameras and binoculars, wildlife and nature enthusiasts from around the world eagerly clamber up onto the rugged Landcruiser, barely able to contain their childlike excitement as they embark on a journey of discovery and amazement. For the next few hours, or days, they will be captivated by nature’s beauty, mesmerised by the most fascinating facts and regaled with stories they’ll continue to tell their own friends and families for years to come.
While on safari, you get to do things you’ve only ever dreamed of. Like listening to the grunting gnus of the Great Migration as they traverse the mighty plains of East Africa. Or riding a horse in the African wilderness alongside curious zebra and giraffe. Perhaps you’ll take to the sky in a hot air balloon and float peacefully over the world-famous Mara River or equally renowned Namib Desert. If you’re lucky, you’ll see the Big Five, perhaps catch a fleeting glimpse of one of the Elusive Eleven, or you might even witness a kill, like something straight out of a wildlife documentary.
Going on safari with an expert &Beyond guide is like stepping into a real-life encyclopaedia that is filled with the most fascinating and unexpected facts about the most curious of creatures, both big and small. You’ll learn all sorts of wildlife trivia, like how the chameleon changes colour, what makes the flamingo pink, why the dung beetle spends its day rolling around in dung, and why lions have black tufts on fur on their tails and the backs of their ears.
