Please take note of the following travel updates across Southern and East Africa. Below you will also find a few of our favourite destinations, offers and experiences, ensuring you have everything you need to create an extraordinary journey for your guests.
Click on the region below to be taken directly to your update of interest.
We have released our 2025 rates. Please view our 2025 rates on the Trade Portal.
&BEYOND Benguerra Island: Partial closure until mid July 2024
&BEYOND Ngala Tented Camp: 18 March – 04 October 2024
&BEYOND Mnemba Island: 13 January – 30 September 2024
&BEYOND Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: 2025 – while exact dates are to be confirmed, in the meantime we have updated our rate sheet and closed bookings from 16 January 2025 for the remainder of the year
A reminder to visit our Trade Resources page – your comprehensive toolkit of resources – to help you promote and, where appropriate, encourage you to convert new business.
Download our signature offers quick reference guide.
We believe every moment is worth celebrating, especially a momentous occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Which is why we’re delighted to share our Milestone Celebrations Offer with you and your guests – stay at any one of our &BEYOND lodges or camps and receive a 20% discount on accommodation.
No single supplement rate applies for solo travellers staying at any of our &BEYOND lodges or camps in Africa and South America for travel before 20 December 2024 (only valid for the first two (2) single rooms on a booking).
New-look &BEYOND Ngala Tented Camp coming soon
Our sophisticated &BEYOND Ngala Tented Camp, nestled between the dense riverine forest and sandy riverbed of the Timbavati, in the unspoiled &BEYOND Ngala Private Game Reserve, is temporarily closed for a refurbishment and reopening 05 October 2024.
View our new lodge’s much-anticipated 3D renders.
Updated &BEYOND South Africa Lodge 2024 rate sheet: Download here
New E-biking Adventure at &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve
&BEYOND Phinda has launched a new e-biking experience through the reserve’s Sand Forest. Now featuring an easy-going, low-effort Family Route, this is the ideal opportunity for guests of all cycling levels to become immersed in the beauty of the incredible destination , accompanied by their expert ranger.
Updated &BEYOND South Africa Activity 2024 rate sheet: Download here
Sabi Sand Nature Reserve Guest Conservation Contribution increase for 2025
Please note the Guest Conservation Contribution will increase to ZAR 410 per person per day, for a maximum of three (3) days. This rate is valid from 01 January to 31 December 2025.
Updated &BEYOND South Africa Lodge 2025 rate sheet: Download here
Airlink’s ‘Bush and Beach’ direct flights from Mbombela to Vilanculous are back
Back by popular demand, Airlink, Southern Africa’s premier airline, will once again provide its peak season ‘bush and beach’ service linking Mbobela’s Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) with Johannesburg and Vilanculos, Mozambique’s famous coastal resort destination. The direct service, which provides guests with the ability to combine a safari and a beach holiday, will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from 01 July 2024 until 05 January 2025. Flight ticket bookings are available.
Updated &BEYOND South Africa Ground Handling 2024 rate sheet: Download here
CemAir direct flights from Johannesburg to MalaMala
South African domestic and regional airline, CemAir, will launch direct flights between Johannesburg and MalaMala Game Reserve, effective 01 June 2024. The route will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday using a 37-seat Dash-8-100 aircraft.
Departure times:
FlySafair new direct flight from Cape Town to Kruger National Park
FlySafair has announced a new route direct flight between Cape Town International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA), effective April 2024.
The Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa undergoes an exciting transformation
In the second quarter of this year, The Saxon Hotel will commence a comprehensive refurbishment across several areas of the hotel, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining the highest standards of sophistication and comfort that your guests have come to expect from the Saxon. Commencing on 03 April 2024 for approximately 10 weeks, the refurbishment includes an enhanced lobby and arrival experience, revitalised dining experience, enhanced lounge areas and a renewed terrace.
One &Only ongoing refurbishments
Ochre closure 28 April – 31 August 2024: Ochre will be undergoing renovations, the start of a new culinary adventure at One&Only Cape Town. The resulting new space will be opening for breakfast and dinner service. During this closure period, breakfast will be served in the ballroom and surrounding event spaces, which will be customised accordingly. The hotel’s food quality, offering and service will remain unwavering.
Spa closure 01 August – 31 October 2024: Exciting changes are underway at One&Only Cape Town Spa, which is undergoing a ‘full body’ rejuvenation to enhance this haven of rest and relaxation. During this ongoing transformation, selected treatments will be on offer taking place in the comfort of guests’ rooms and suites and performed by the hotel’s highly trained spa therapists.
Richard’s Bay Airport operational again
Richards Bay Airport is up and running again after a temporary closure, operating as per usual.
Natural Selection opens GweGwe Lodge on the Wild Coast
Situated in the Mkambati Nature Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Natural Selection has opened GweGwe Beach Lodge with nine premier quality bedrooms (including two Family Suites).
This transformational 11-day adventure takes guests to the heart of wellbeing, conservation, mindfulness, and beyond…
Easy to ride and lots of fun, explore Phinda’s rare Sand Forest surrounding Phinda Forest Lodge with a guide on a specialised e-bike, fitted with a battery powered assist that makes pedalling a little easier.
Combine an extravagant 3-night Cape Town city stay with a thrilling 4-night Botswana bush adventure for the same price as a South African safari and save up to USD 6,649 per person.
Save a total of 25% (that’s the original 5% plus an additional 20% saving) when staying for 8+ nights at a combination of our Botswana lodges and camps between 01 June and 31 August 2024 (for new bookings only).
Stay Longer for Less in Botswana SPECIAL OFFER 2024
We have updated our rate sheets to include this special offer – save a total of 25% when staying for 8+ nights at a combination of our Botswana lodges and camps between 01 June and 31 August 2024 (only applicable to new bookings).
Updated &BEYOND Stay Longer for Less in Botswana 2024 rate sheet: Download here
New flights to Botswana
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, is set to commence scheduled flights to Maun, effective 10 June 2024, significantly enhancing access to the renowned Okavango Delta. The flights will operate three times weekly between Addis Ababa, Ndola, Zambia, and Maun, utilising a Boeing 737-8MAX aircraft.
Victoria Falls Airport change to arrivals
Please be advised that for the immediate future, access to the Victoria Falls airport terminal is restricted to passengers and airport personnel only. Drivers and guides are no longer allowed access into the terminal to meet guests in the arrival hall and are now required to wait outside of the terminal. Upon arrival, guests are kindly requested to exit the arrivals hall to meet their Wild Horizons airport representatives and driver guides.
Wilderness management contracts with Abu and Seba Camps come to an end
The Wilderness contract to manage the marketing and tourism operations for Abu and Seba camps, situated in the Okavango Delta’s Abu Private Reserve, has come to an end. The camps are temporarily closed.
Feline Fields Lodge horseriding experience
Feline Fields Lodge provides one of the best services for guests who wish to ride horses in Botswana’s Kalahari. Whether an experienced rider or beginner, they offer short guided and hand-led rides as well as longer outings suited to all levels.
&BEYOND hot air balloon rates available
Updated &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge hot air balloon rates are now available and valid from 01 July 2024.
Updated &BEYOND Namibia 2024 activity rate sheet: Download here
&BEYOND helicopter rates decrease
Decreased &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge helicopter flights rates now available.
Updated &BEYOND Namibia 2024 activity rate sheet: Download here
&BEYOND flight rates available
&BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge flight rates are now available, valid from 01 April 2024
Updated &BEYOND Namibia 2024 transfer rate sheet: Download here
Transfers now available to / from Keerweder airstrip
Due to demand, &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge will now offer road transfers to / from Keerweder airstrip. Please note transfers are limited and subject to availability.
Updated &BEYOND Namibia 2024 activity rate sheet: Download here
Green Safaris reopened Ila Safari Lodge in Kafue
Fresh luxury design, same excellent guiding, and hospitality, Ila Safari Lodge reopened its doors on 02 March 2024, ready and energised to welcome guests.
Peak season rates no longer apply to October when staying for 7 nights at any of our East Africa lodges and camps in 2024 (for new bookings only).
&BEYOND Ngorongoro Crater Lodge activity update
We have updated the following activities at &BEYOND Ngorongoro Crater Lodge:
The access road to Empakai Crater is not accessible in rainy season – we have therefore blocked this experience for April and May.
There have been recent repairs to the road and bridges which now makes the Hadzabe accessible all year. The activity will however be subject to weather conditions in rainy season due to the activity being a fully outdoors experience.
Updated &BEYOND Tanzania 2024 activity rate sheet: Download here
Fly Me around East Africa SPECIAL OFFER 2024
We have updated our rate sheets to include this special offer – pay the mid-season rate when staying for 7 nights in October 2024 (only applicable to new bookings).
Updated &BEYOND Fly Me around East Africa 2024 rate sheet: Download here
&BEYOND Bateleur Camp and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp activity update
We have updated the following activities at &BEYOND Bateleur Camp and Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp:
We have updated our balloon safari rates, which now includes the landing fee, community fee and AMREF cover.
In the company of Maasai warriors, enjoy a sundowner ritual at Impala Point, overlooking the vast expanse of the Masai Mara National Park. Guests can savour drinks as they take in the panoramic vista of rolling African plains and lush savanna bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. Watch the horizon erupt in a blaze of colour as the sun dips below the escarpment, painting the classic safari landscape in unforgettable hues.
Updated &BEYOND Kenya 2024 activity rate sheet: Download here
Fly Me around East Africa SPECIAL OFFER 2024
We have updated our rate sheets to include this special offer – pay the mid-season rate when staying for 7 nights in October 2024 (only applicable to new bookings).
Updated &BEYOND Fly Me around East Africa 2024 activity rate sheet: Download here
Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA)
The Kenyan Ministry of Interior and National Administration and the State Department for Immigration has developed and is operating the Republic of Kenya Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). The Kenya eTA is a semi-automated system that determines the eligibility of guests to travel to Kenya. The eTA is mandatory for all foreign guests except for citizens of EAC Member States that want to travel to Kenya.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge introduces Kosher kitchen
Under the leadership of Rabbi Avigdor Bokow and his team, Velvy Bokow and Aharon Bogatie with their extensive experience have provided guidance and introduced a pool of Mashgichim for Kosher guests globally. Kosher groups, whether multigenerational families or group of friends, are welcome to JW Marriott Masai Mara with peace of mind. Their special Kosher kitchen stands as a testament to their dedication to cater to the unique preferences and dietary requirements of their esteemed Kosher guests. Rooted in rich traditions and meticulous attention to detail, their Kosher offerings seamlessly integrate with the lodge’s renowned commitment to rejuvenating guests’ mind, body and soul.
New Mantis expedition vessel: Kivu Queen uBuranga
Mantis is launching a new luxurious expedition vessel, Kivu Queen uBuranga, which is set to redefine travel experiences on Lake Kivu, connecting the primates of Volcanoes and Nyungwe national parks. The Mantis Kivu Queen uBuranga sets sail from either Gisenyi in the north or Nyamasheke in the south of Lake Kivu, where guests are treated to panoramic views, rich cultural experiences, and the natural beauty of Rwanda’s western boundary.
The vessel’s 2-night itinerary offers a serene escape, while the 3-night journey allows for a deeper immersion into the wonders of Lake Kivu. Guests can expect guided tours to iconic islands like Napoleon, Monkey, Peace, and Teddy Bear, where they can witness the region’s rich history and vibrant culture firsthand.
Please view our 2025 rates on the Trade Portal.
Your one-stop-shop; we have partnered with the renowned Sherpa platform to offer your guests a faster, more reliable and convenient access to all visa-related requirements, supporting information, and costs.
Simply select your guests’ nationality, and where they are travelling to, and Sherpa will do the rest. We love the interface and seamless navigation; ensuring a hassle-free travel experience for guests.
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