November 2024
Lodge updates, new experiences, exciting itineraries, and more…
Keeping you in the know…
As we approach the end of 2024, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support. It’s because of you, and your guests, that we can continue our vision to leave our world a better place. In our final Africa Travel Update of the year, we’ve made sure to include everything you need to know across East and Southern Africa to end your year on the right note. We have also highlighted a few of our favourite destinations, itineraries and offers, ensuring your guests an extraordinary, and unforgettable, journey.
Click on the region below to be taken directly to your update of interest.
General updates
Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024
We’re honoured to share that our guests have voted us among the Top 10 Best Specialist Tour Operators in Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2024. In addition, more than half of our portfolio (that’s a total of 15 lodges and camps across our regions) were also recognised in this year’s awards.
&BEYOND was listed as follows:
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Condé Nast Travellers Readers’ Choice Awards ‘Best Resorts in Central and Eastern Africa’
- 5th: &BEYOND Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge – Up from 14th last year
- 7th: &BEYOND Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp – New listing!
Condé Nast Travellers Readers’ Choice Awards ‘Best Resorts in the rest of Africa’
- 3rd: &BEYOND Benguerra Island – New listing!
- 8th: &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge – Up from 10th last year
Condé Nast Travellers Readers’ Choice Awards ‘Best Islands in Africa and the Indian Ocean’
- 1st: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Bazaruto Archipelago was ranked #1 in the category of ‘Best Islands in Africa and the Indian Ocean’, and further to that, &BEYOND Benguerra Island found itself deservedly on the list as one of the ‘Best Lodges’ on the island as number three.
- 2nd: &BEYOND Mnemba Island – Up from 5th last year
Condé Nast Travellers Readers’ Choice Awards ‘Best Resorts in South Africa’
- 6th: &BEYOND Kirkman’s Kamp – New listing!
- 8th: &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve – All our Phinda lodges were recognised
- 12th: &BEYOND Ngala Safari Lodge and Ngala Tented Camp
&BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve and &BEYOND Ngala Safari Lodge and Ngala Tented Camp both featured once again on the list for South Africa. Both our Ngala lodges have featured in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. &BEYOND Phinda Private Game Reserve has featured every year since 2017.
Holiday season: &BEYOND Bateleur House (Johannesburg, South Africa) switchboard operating hours (21 December 2024 to 06 January 2025)
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- 21 December: 09:00 – 12:00
- 23 December: 08:00 – 17:00
- 24 December: 08:00 – 16:00
- 25 and 26 December: Closed
- 27 December: 08:00 – 17:00
- 28 December: 09:00 – 12:00
- 30 December: 08:00 – 17:00
- 31 December: 08:00 – 16:00
- 01 January: Closed
- 02 and 03 January: 08:00 – 17:00
- 04 January: 09:00 – 12:00
- 06 January: 08:00 – 17:30 – business as usual
Your guests can go on a (virtual) safari with us from the comfort of their home
Join &BEYOND guide, Kris “Harri” Harrison as she travels to &BEYOND‘s magnificent wildlife destinations and discovers the amazing stories of the wild animals that inhabit them.
Milestone Celebrations Offer
OFFER: Save 20% on your guests’ accommodation
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.
Solo Travel Offer
LAST CHANCE OFFER: No single supplement rate for 2024
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).
East Africa
Fly Me Around East Africa
UPDATED OFFER: Save up to 18%
For your guests’ 7-night package rate, they have the choice of where (which lodge) and when (for how long) using any combination of nominated &BEYOND lodges and camps in Kenya and Tanzania.
Zanzibar
&BEYOND Mnemba Island
NEWLY REOPENED LODGE: Have you seen our refreshed island paradise?
There’s no place like &BEYOND Mnemba Island. Pristine sandy-white beaches, warm aquamarine waters and endless ocean-views all to yourself – where else can you experience an island utopia like this? And now after months of carefully, and ever-so lightly, perfecting our romantic escape, down to the last grain of sand, we’re thrilled to welcome your guests back.
&BEYOND Mnemba Island Infrastructure Tax increase reminder
The infrastructure tax rate at &BEYOND Mnemba Island has increased from USD 5 to USD 10 per person. Unfortunately, this change is beyond our control and is effective immediately. Please note that this increase currently only applies to island properties, including Mnemba, Bawe, and Chumbe.
All fully paid bookings for &BEYOND Mnemba Island will be honoured. However, for any provisional or pending final payment bookings, guests will be responsible for the additional costs.
Zanzibar mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance reminder
Effective 01 October 2024, all guests travelling to Mainland Zanzibar and its surrounding islands are required to apply for Inbound Travel Insurance. This is a new travel requirement implemented by the Zanzibar Government.
The mandatory insurance can be purchased online through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation and provides coverage for:
- Emergency medical expenses
- 24/7 assistance services
- Personal accidents and liabilities
- Baggage delay and theft
- Legal expenses
- Repatriation expenses
Valid for stays of up to 92 days, Inbound Travel Insurance is applicable to all guests, regardless of their existing medical or travel insurance coverage. To ensure a seamless travel experience, please advise your guests to apply and pay in full for their Inbound Travel Insurance before their departure.
Mnemba Island Impact Journey
NEW ITINERARY: Set off on a transformative, privately hosted 7-day journey to discover the profound connection between marine conservation and thriving communities
“There is no Planet B. This is the only one we have. Most people don’t realise that without the blue there is no green – so we need to protect our oceans if we want a healthy world.”
– Dr. Camilla Floros
Kenya
Closure dates for &BEYOND Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
&BEYOND Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp will undergo a partial rebuild from 16 January to 30 April 2025. During this period, the camp’s 12 existing Classic Tents will be redesigned into six brand-new Superior Tents. While the renovations are underway, the camp will remain open and operating as per usual.
Iconic Masai Mara and Laikipia Safari
ITINERARY: A 7-day safari exploration to two of Kenya’s most iconic wildlife destinations
This extraordinary adventure takes guests to the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve as well as the lesser-known but equally captivating Suyian Conservancy in Laikipia.
Tanzania
Drive Me Around Tanzania
UPDATED OFFER: Save up to 22%
Accompanied by a private &BEYOND guide, your guests can now discover the natural beauty of Tanzania on an exclusively guided, land-based safari. This offer allows them the unique opportunity to explore the region’s fascinating culture and history, including some of its most sought-after attractions, iconic wildlife and hidden gems, in a private six-seater safari vehicle.
Closure dates for &BEYOND Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
&BEYOND Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is set to close for extensive rebuild from 16 January 2025. While exact dates are to be confirmed, in the meantime we have updated our rate sheet and closed bookings until mid-January 2027.
Lobo Airstrip
Currently closed until the end of December 2024. All flights have been moved to Kogatende Airstrip.
Treasures of Tanzania
UPDATED ITINERARY: We’ve revamped one of our all-time guest-favourite circuit itineraries
Explore the shores of Lake Manyara, search for wildlife in the Serengeti and marvel at the Ngorongoro Crater… This updated 9-day itinerary ensures your guests will experience the wonders of this magnificent region without sacrificing luxury or unforgettable experiences.
Lemala Osonjoi Lodge
NEW PARTNER PROPERTY: Scheduled to open 2025
Positioned just off the iconic Ngorongoro Crater rim, Lemala Osonjoi is ideally located, allowing guests to experience the magic of the crater without the crowds.
Nomad Entamanu, Ngorongoro
NEW PARTNER PROPERTY
Entamanu provides guests with a unique way to experience one of Africa’s most visited destinations, allowing for an intimate and immersive connection with the unrivalled Ngorongoro Crater.
Southern Africa
Botswana
Closure dates for &BEYOND Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge
&BEYOND Sandibe Okavango Safari Lodge is set to close for a refresh from 01 February to 08 March 2025.
Immersive land-based adventures that will engage all your guests’ senses
An unparalleled sense of exclusivity and sustainable tourism
Now is an excellent time to visit Botswana because the country is in its prime safari season, particularly between May and October, which coincides with the dry season. During this period, wildlife congregates around water sources, making animal sightings in national parks like the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve particularly rewarding. The dry season also brings clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures, perfect for game drives and walking safaris.
When should I visit Botswana?
Celebrated as one of the most exclusive and wilderness-rich year-round African safari destinations, Botswana boasts endless areas of protected natural terrains, untouched landscapes and diverse wildlife, seemingly tailormade for the most discerning traveller.
Namibia
Take a virtual tour of &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
RIGHT: Click and drag your mouse to discover our favourite desert retreat with our new virtual tour.
Hot air balloon rates now available at &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Hot air balloon rates now available at &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for travel from 01 July – 31 December 2025.
Updated &BEYOND Namibia Ground Handling 2025 rate sheet: Download here
Light aircraft rates now available at &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge
Rates now available for light aircraft transfers to/from &BEYOND Sossusvlei Desert Lodge for travel from 01 April – 31 December 2025
Updated &BEYOND Namibia Ground Handling 2025 rate sheet: Download here
FlyNamibia peak season routing
FlyNamibia will operate their circuit route only during the peak season, which will impact the rest of the season. Flights will operate from 01 May until 30 November.
Ultimate Safaris fees increased
Ultimate Safaris have increased the cost of their meet-and-greet services at Hosea Kutako International Airport and the luggage transfer costs from the same airport. All bookings confirmed up to 18 October will be honoured.
In addition, costs for their meet-and-greet services at Eros Airport and luggage transfer from the same airport have decreased.
Mozambique
A few of our favourite images of our refurbished island lodge
Fresh from Mozambique, see here some of our latest &BEYOND Benguerra Island imagery.
View rates for the &BEYOND Benguerra Island or download images.
Explore our newly refreshed &BEYOND Benguerra Island
In case you missed it, &BEYOND Benguerra Island has a fresh, new feel. While the overall look has remained the same, we’ve made some exciting (and rather significant) enhancements to elevate the guest experience. Ensuring our renovations continue to capture the essence of our magical Indian Ocean haven, the lodge’s new-look embodies the same island-luxury your guests have come to know and love.
LEFT: Click and drag your mouse to discover our much-loved beach hideaway with our new virtual tour.
Here’s what changed:
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- Lodge roofs: All roofs have been redone using the traditional Mozambique Jekka thatching (a change from the original grass thatching)
- Freshly painted: All rooms have been repainted and the woodwork re-stained, ensuring an elevated appearance
- Windows: All room window louvres have been replaced with glass, retaining the louvre look in the bathroom. This allows guests to control the amount of light entering the room, or block it out completely
- In-room: At the writing desk area, all louvres have been removed from the windows in front and new blackout roller blinds and reed mats installed allowing guests to control the amount of light entering the room
- Personal bars: New personal bars have been included in each room, featuring a double fridge to provide a wider selection of beverages, water and award-winning Spier family wines. Each personal bar is also stocked with a curated variety of full-size Southern Africa’s best spirits, including Indian Ocean Seawater Gin, Oceanic Gin, Vachellia, Premium Vodka, Bains Whiskey, Karoo Agave Mezcal, Ciao Bella Limonchello, and Tipo Tinto Rum
- Coffee machine: Each room now includes a Nespresso Latissio machine for brewing coffee, latte, cappuccino, or red espresso using Bean There and Red Espresso compostable pods
- Added comfort: Two comfortable chairs have been added to each room for relaxing, alongside new air conditioners keeping the rooms at a comfortable 21°C during hot summers
- Insect prevention: Gauze has been installed near the bed louvres to keep out unwanted creatures day and night
- New front doors: New glass front doors have been installed, allowing for an open and airy feel
- Decadent beds: All beds have been fitted with brand-new soft linen mosquito nets to complete the romantic look of our famous four-poster beds. All curtains have also been replaced
- Outside deck: All decking has been redone with stunning local Mozambican wood
Updated &BEYOND Mozambique Lodge 2024 and 2025 rate sheets: Download here
&BEYOND Benguerra Island new boat, Tsai
Adding to the &BEYOND Benguerra Island existing fleet, our brand-new boat, Tsai, a 9-m (29-ft) Dame of the Archipelago, is officially on the island and in full use taking guests to and from pristine snorkelling spots and exclusive beach picnics.
Reduced helicopter rates
Reduced helicopter rates available for &BEYOND Benguerra Island.
New &BEYOND Mozambique Ground Handling 2025 rate sheet: Download here
Mauritius
Air Mauritius updated flights
Seasonal non-stop flights from Mauritius to Geneva will resume from 04 October until 24 April. The flights will operate twice a week: Monday and Friday.
South Africa safari and Mauritius island holiday
ITINERARY: An epic 11-day expedition combining both bush and beach
Celebrate one of South Africa’s most distinguished Big Five game reserves offering some of the finest game viewing opportunities in the country, plus the pristine sandy-white beaches of Mauritius, a paradise for sun, beach and culture, all in one awe-inspiring 11-day journey.
Zambia
Green Zambian Safari
NEW ITINERARY: 9 days uncovering Zambia's undiscovered treasure trove
This journey takes guests to some of the country’s most iconic destinations, from the wildlife-rich South Luangwa National Park, the birthplace of the walking safari, to the breathtaking landscapes of Lower Zambezi National Park. The 8-day adventure culminates in Livingstone, home to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and a hub for thrilling activities and unforgettable scenery.
Enhanced accessibility to key destinations in Europe
Proflight Zambia has entered into its first interline ticketing agreement with Turkish Airlines, enhancing connectivity between Europe and Zambia. Effective November 2024, the partnership allows Turkish Airlines to issue tickets that connect passengers to Proflight’s domestic and regional routes. This collaboration simplifies travel logistics and aims to strengthen Zambia’s position as a regional travel hub.
Mukwa River Lodge’s Kosher kitchen
Mukwa River Lodge launched their Kosher kitchen on 01 January 2024 – the lodge is able to offer an array of Kosher light option to guests.
Why visit Zambia?
It shelters extraordinary natural beauty and is one of the most pristine and unspoiled wildlife havens on the continent. It is easy to see why Zambia boasts one of the largest areas of land under protection as a national park in Africa.
Zambia offers a rich blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures, making it a must-visit destination. Home to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, and the Zambezi River, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views, sunset cruises, and exhilarating activities like white-water rafting and bungee jumping. Zambia’s national parks, such as South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, and Kafue, provide unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, walking safaris, and boat excursions, showcasing lions, leopards, elephants, and rare bird species. Beyond nature, the country’s vibrant culture shines through traditional festivals, village tours, and local crafts, offering an authentic glimpse into Zambian life. Scenic landscapes, including Lake Tanganyika and remote waterfalls like Lumangwe and Kalambo, add to the country’s allure. With easy access via domestic flights and guided tours, Zambia promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and wonder.
Fly Me To Zambia
OFFER: Save up to USD 2,000
Indulge in affordable bush luxury with this enticing offer, treating your guests to an exceptional 8-night stay in the pristine wilderness of Zambia. Our Fly Me to Zambia package is specially curated for two guests from USD 10,135 per person sharing* and includes complimentary flights between qualifying lodges and camps.
*High season: 01 July to 31 October 2024
South Africa
&BEYOND Ngala Tented Camp
NEWLY REOPENED LODGE: Visit our refurbished canvas escape
Voted as South Africa’s Leading Tented Safari Camp in this year’s World Travel Awards, our newly transformed &BEYOND Ngala Tented Camp welcomes your guests back to the same cherished safari escape—now reimagined, with a captivating and enchanting feel that stirs the senses.
Turtle nesting adventure
EXPERIENCE: Open for bookings
Our turtle nesting adventure is officially open for bookings for the November 2024 to February 2025 season. This experience offers guests the rare opportunity to share in a ritual as old as time at Sodwana Bay.
&BEYOND ‘Fly Me to Phinda’ complimentary road transfers are now on a private basis
Our ‘Fly Me to Phinda‘ offer now includes private transfers from King Shaka International Airport or Richard’s Bay Airport to the reserve. The previous scheduled transfer times are no longer applicable. This offer is only valid for full-paying adult guests, and for safety reasons, all transfers will take place during daylight hours. Please check with one of our Travel Specialists for the full Terms and Conditions.
&BEYOND ‘Explore Maputaland’ day tour no longer available
We regret to advise that the ‘Explore Maputaland’ day tour at &BEYOND Phinda will no longer be available. This excursion could only be booked at one of our Phinda lodges, and therefore, no bookings have been affected.
NEW ‘Beyond the senses’ experience at &BEYOND Phinda
Enjoy an exclusive nighttime wildlife adventure in a private vehicle, led by a dedicated guide, expert tracker, and specialist cameraman. The vehicle is equipped with high-definition infrared and thermal cameras and four state-of-the-art monitors—one on the dashboard and one for each row—ensuring every guest has an ideal view of the action. A dual-camera system provides both infrared and thermal views side by side on individual iPads, with enhanced audio captured by a parabolic dish and delivered through personal headsets. Star and bird identification apps on the iPads add even more depth to this unparalleled experience.
Please contact our teams for more information.
Guests Conservation Contribution (GCC) Levy for the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve increase
All bookings made before 31 December 2024, for travel between 01 January and 31 December 2025, will retain the current GCC levy rate. The GCC levy increase will apply to new bookings made from 01 January 2025 onwards.
The new rates will be as follows :
- &BEYOND Tengile River Lodge new rate for all guests would be ZAR 957.50 per person per night (max 3 nights) – including VAT
- &BEYOND Kirkman’s Kamp new rate for all guests would be ZAR 574 per person per night (max 3 nights) – including VAT
It is important to note that other properties in the reserve will also be affected by the GCC increase. Please contact our teams for information on the increases relevant to our partner properties in the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve.
Updated &BEYOND South Africa Lodge 2025 rate sheets: Download here
SANPark Levy rate reminder
A reminder that the new SANPark Levy from 01 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 is ZAR 128 per adult and ZAR 64 for children under 12 for all transfers from Skukuza airport.
Updated &BEYOND South Africa Lodge 2024 and 2025 rate sheets: Download here
Cape Town updated ground handling rate sheet 2024 and 2025
Our Cape Town ground handling rate sheet for 2024 have some updates and new changes. We have also released our 2025 rates.
Please contact our teams for more information.
New flight routings to South Africa
One of the factors potentially impacting booking volumes is the cost of flights – therefore it’s encouraging to see Emirates adding a 4th daily flight into Johannesburg, Qantas doubling capacity on its Sydney – Johannesburg route, and SAA increasing to 4 weekly flights on Perth – Johannesburg route, and 5 flights from next year.
FlySafair Cape Town – Windhoek flight
This new FlySafair flight (first flown on 22 October 2024) will continue to operate twice a week: Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Phinda Impact Journey
NEW ITINERARY: Small Group Journey
In this specialist guided 7-day small group journey, guests will explore signature conservation and community experiences that are key to our &Beyond ethos to leave our world a better place. Whilst traditional game drives within the Munywana Conservancy are core to this safari adventure, other activities include e-biking through &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve’s rare Sand Forest, time with a dedicated Wild Impact guide exploring some inspirational community projects, sleeping out under the stars, and an unforgettable rhino dehorning or notching experience.
Move freely with Sherpa
Confidently navigate the visa requirement landscape
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.
Witness incredible sightings seen by our guides and guests
Partner Resources
Tools for you to use
Here you will find all the resources you need to be an &BEYOND expert. Specially curated for your convenience, visit our Partner Resources page – your comprehensive toolkit of resources – to help you promote and, where appropriate, encourage you to convert new business.
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