Welcome to the Namib Desert
Take a breather from your hectic schedule to reconnect with yourself and nature
Nestled deep in the heart of Namibia’s ancient Namib Desert, &Beyond Sossusvlei Private Desert Reserve is a world of vast spaces, endless horizons and extraordinary clarity of light that makes this area one of Africa’s most compelling landscapes. A spectacular masterpiece of glass, rock and steel pavilions with a bold geometric structure at its centre, the lodge extends over vast dunes and gravel planes, in perfect harmony with its elemental surrounds.
Overlooking the pristine natural terrain, 10 exquisite suites offer the sophistication of simplicity and the two-bedroomed Star Dune Suite is ideal for families or groups of friends, who prefer more privacy. The guest area features floor to ceiling, frameless glass panels that fold away to reveal unobstructed desert vistas. An interactive kitchen design allows guests to create their own dishes and a fine selection of wines complements sublime meals.
Other signature features include a one-of-a-kind gym, a two-part wellness centre offering a treatment room and a private spa-bath, as well as a wet treatment room. The Lodge Shop displays Namibia’s finest craft offerings.
Stargazing at a sophisticated observatory, accompanied by a resident astronomer
Specialist led guided desert experiences
Unforgettable dune dining
Scenic desert drives in open 4 x 4 vehicles
Early morning scenic hot air ballooning flights
Perfect for honeymooners, couples, photographers and families
#Phinda #FederalAirlines #KrugerPark
Phinda Shuttle Flight Service Termination
Effective 1 March 2017, Federal Airlines regrets to announce that we will no longer provide shuttle flights to the Phinda Private Game Reserve. Federal Airlines had three Phinda flight products; the direct Phinda shuttle to / from Johannesburg that serviced the reserve, the Phinda Airwing - the on-demand service that facilitated flights from Phinda directly to camps in the greater Kruger region and ad-hoc tailor made charter flights. We will continue to offer direct charter flights as agreed with &BEYOND.
With great appreciation for our long-standing partnership with &BEYOND we have conceded to withdrawing our Phinda base and aircraft from the Reserve to avoid an unsustainable situation as the route does not support two air service providers.
Federal Airlines remains the preferred Charter supplier to &BEYOND and we would like to assure our valued clients that private charter flights to / from Phinda are available. Federal Airlines operates a diverse fleet of aircraft which cater to all sectors of the charter market can be accommodated with our unique charter service, offering guests a direct, on-demand charter alternative.
In addition to all our other dialy shuttle’s to various destinations, Federal Airlines would like to assure our clients that we will continue to provide a daily shuttle service to &BEYOND’s Ngala Camp in the Northern Sabi Sand, both from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International and Kruger-Mpumalanga International Airports.
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&Beyond Management Handover For Exeter River Lodge And Leadwood Lodge
Exeter River Lodge and Leadwood Lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which have been managed by &Beyond for a number of years, have been sold by their current owner and as such, &Beyond will conclude its management responsibilities for both lodges on 31 August, 2016. These lodges will thereafter be managed by the lodge operators currently managing Dulini Lodge, situated in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
A handover process has been negotiated and &Beyond will manage the properties until this date. The guest experience will not be affected during this transition period. We are also in the process of adding these two lodges to our preferred partner portfolio after the handover is complete.
From Monday, 16 May 2016, all reservations for travel after 01 September 2016 will be handled directly by the Dulini reservations team. Our consultants will be in contact with you during the course of the week of 16 May to confirm the handover of existing bookings to the Dulini reservations team. The rates for confirmed and provisional bookings, post 31 August 2016, will be honoured by the new lodge operator.
#&Beyond #BeyondBotswana
To coincide with &Beyond’s milestone 25th Birthday, we have spent a year carefully crafting an African Safari of a Lifetime. Truly the ultimate privately guided safari experience, &Beyond’s Private Jet Expeditions offer an unrivalled opportunity to explore Africa’s most prized destinations in sublime exclusivity. Solely created with privacy, authenticity and flexibility in mind, three extraordinary set-departure tours cater for intimate groups and offer special access to a series of unique experiences that are exclusive to &Beyond guests.
Small Set Departures
&Beyond Private Jet Expeditions cater for up to 12 guests using the most exclusive transportation throughout the journey.
Private jets and high performance turbo-prop aircraft will be used for the international legs of the expedition and can host up to 12 guests. Smaller groups will be allocated a more intimate jet. A combination of high performance turbo-prop aircraft and helicopters will be used internally to connect with bush landing strips.
&Beyond Private Jet Expeditions includes three safaris of a lifetime, with departure dates specifically chosen to offer the best seasonal travel within the highlighted destinations.
° Africa and Beyond – Departures: September and October 2017 (maximum 12 guests)
° Southern Africa and Beyond – Departures: May and June 2017 (maximum 6 guests)
° East Africa and Beyond – Departures: February and March 2018 (maximum 6 guests)
Special Access to Signature Experiences
Revel in the unrivalled opportunity to engage with individuals who have played an integral role in sculpting Africa’s fascinating history as well as interact with wildlife experts who have initiated or influenced some of the continent’s ground-breaking conservation projects. Be sure to come hungry as the tours include a host of exclusive dining experiences in unique and unforgettable settings, often in the company of private chefs.
First-Hand Experience With &Beyond’s Incredible Conservation and Community Stories
Personally witness and be a part of &Beyond’s conservation and community initiatives. Guests will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in &Beyond’s core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife and Care of the People.
Depending on their routing, guests will experience first-hand the results of our ground-breaking Rhinos Without Borders initiative, participate in a Rhino Notching adventure, learn about our marine conservation initiatives and partake in a cultural excursion.
In Our Hands from Beginning to End
From the moment you board your private jet and touch down in Africa to the moment you leave, &Beyond will be at your side throughout your journey. Think: no airport queues, VIP assistance to private terminals, customs and baggage claims…
Our substantial footprint of safari lodges and reserves, which equates to 9 million acres of wildlife eco-systems under our custodianship; as well as our expertise found in our private specialist guides, ground logistics teams and over 2000 &Beyonders, means that you’ll experience a journey unlike any other!
#MatetsiPrivateGameReserve
#МатетсиВодопадВиктория
Exclusive Private Game Reserve in Victoria Falls Returns to &Beyond Portfolio
With Zimbabwe fast re-emerging as one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, &Beyond is set to make its presence felt in Victoria Falls. We will once again take over the management of the exclusive &Beyond Matetsi Private Game Reserve, as well as its 50 000 hectare (123 500 acre) wildlife concession on the Zambezi River, while also re-establishing an exclusive ground-handling operation in the area.
“With the expansion of Victoria Falls Airport providing easier access and changing the dynamics of how guests travel in the region, we felt that it was the right time to re-engage with an old safari favourite of ours, Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls specifically,” says Joss Kent, &Beyond CEO. “In the process, we wanted to take the entire guest experience to a new level, from quality ground-handling services, transfers and excursions right through to providing the most luxurious accommodation and unique wildlife experience in the area.”
The brand new Matetsi Private Game Reserve is set to provide both these elements. Situated within 40 km (25 miles) of Victoria Falls, the lodge offers an exceptional wildlife experience on a massive concession that boasts 27 km (17 miles) of private Zambezi River frontage, as well as convenient and easy access to the magnificent sights and variety of adrenalin adventures available at the World Heritage Site. Previously managed by &Beyond from 1996 to 2011, the reserve is currently undergoing an extensive 10 million US dollar investment, reopening on 15 July 2016.
&Beyond Matetsi River Lodge will feature two camps of nine suites each, including a family suite at each camp. A sole-use private villa, &Beyond Matetsi River House, will add exclusive accommodation for private groups of up to eight. The four-bedroom villa will boast its own kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a private veranda overlooking the Zambezi, a swimming pool and its own fire pit. It comes with a dedicated guide, private vehicle, chef and butler.
&Beyond’s specially designed children’s programme, WILDChild, will keep young guests busy with activities such as making their own fishing rods, fishing in the river and making plaster casts of animal tracks, making this an ideal destination for multigenerational travel.
&Beyond has followed a policy of using local talent wherever possible in the rebuild of both lodges. As a result, the rich heritage of Zimbabwe is a strong factor in the new design, which draws inspiration from the traditions of fishing and basket weaving.
Swathed in layers of intertwined reeds that merge with the surrounding vegetation, the spacious suites will boast private plunge pools with Zambezi River views. Set between riverside trees, the soaring guest areas will open out onto the outdoor setting. The reserve will house a generous Safari Shop and state-of-the-art gym, as well as a massage sala and conference facility. A 25-meter-long (82-foot-long) rim flow swimming pool will stretch along the river’s bank, while an exclusive wine cellar will look out onto the Zambezi at eye level.
Sitting areas and dining spaces will make the most of the river views, with an interactive kitchen inviting guests in. Pre-dinner drinks will be served in an open bar area looking out onto the river or in a cosy lounge complete with fireplace. An open area with a blazing fire bowl as a centrepiece will provide the perfect setting for sundowners.
While the area’s cultural heritage will be highlighted with traditional abstract carvings of wood and stone, a more contemporary touch will be brought in with recent art by Zimbabwean artist Helen Teede. Splashes of bright blue will mimic the waters of the Zambezi River. A strong copper theme will run throughout the lodge in homage to the mineral riches of the region, from copper drums in the open-air outdoor enclosure known as a boma to copper pots and pans in the interactive kitchen and copper details on the taps in the bathrooms. Simple glass coffee tables will showcase objects naturally found along the banks of the Zambezi, such as driftwood, nests, rocks and pods. Recycled materials from the previous design of the lodge will be cleverly incorporated wherever possible.
Wildlife
° Large herds of elephant and buffalo
° Kudu, sable and roan antelope
° Hippo
° Lion, leopard, African wild dog, spotted hyena
° 366 bird species
Adventures
“The lodge’s owner is totally passionate about the project and has worked incredibly hard to resuscitate the concession, focusing both on wildlife and habitat. This matches &Beyond’s core ethos of Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife, Care of the People,” explains Kent. “Having originally been involved in the conversion of the Matetsi concession from wildlife hunting to photographic safaris, we are really excited to once again be helping to protect and nurture this beautiful and unique wilderness area back to pristine condition. The game experience that we will create at &Beyond Matetsi will provide an element that has been missing in the Victoria Falls area for far too long.”
Thanks to its years of involvement with the staff of Matetsi and its model of promoting conservation through involving the people who live next to or near wildlife areas, &Beyond will also be working with its community development partner, Africa Foundation, to engage with the local communities. “&Beyond will follow our usual principles of employing from the local community as much as possible and purchasing as much as we can locally, thereby contributing to the economic upliftment of both Matetsi and Zimbabwe as a whole. We want to build on the foundation we once had at Matetsi, bringing back some of our old staff and guides, with their warm hospitality and wealth of experience,” explains Kent.
Useful Information
Access
International scheduled flights to:
° Victoria Falls International Airport (45 km/28 miles road transfer)
° Kasane International Airport (45km/28 miles road transfer plus border crossing)
° Livingstone International Airport (61km/38 miles road transfer plus border crossing)
#Mozambique&BeyondBenguerraIslandNews
#&BeyondBenguerraIslandNews
#&BeyondBenguerraIslandMozambique
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An exquisite piece of paradise in the Indian Ocean, &Beyond Benguerra Island is a magical destination where time stands still and legends come to life.
Spread out along warm, golden sands, every room and guest area at &Beyond Benguerra Island opens out onto a spectacle of sparkling ocean waters. Boasting a fresh island feel, the lodge’s welcoming guest areas offer views of the lush tropical garden and the ocean beyond. Set deep in cleverly created patches of shade, comfortable loungers beckon set around the lodge’s rim flow swimming pool look out onto the waves. Closer to the water’s edge, a colourful traditional dhow has been transformed into the perfect setting for an al fresco meal with your toes in the sand.
Set among a lush island forest, ten casinhas and two cabanas admit cooling sea breezes through wooden shutters and glazed windows and doors that fold back to frame the magnificent views.
&BEYOND BENGUERRA ISLAND – FIRST IMPRESSIONS
It’s hard not to gush about &Beyond Benguerra Island and its heavenly location in Mozambique’s Bazaruto Archipelago. In just a few months after its grand opening, we received some lovely feedback from our guests, highlighting their first impressions of the island. We’ll let them do the talking...
“We stayed at &Beyond Benguerra Island and it was simply BEAUTIFUL! We absolutely loved it, the décor and space of the rooms, private decks, pools, views, location is INCREDIBLE! It is very WOW and we absolutely loved it, you might be feeling that by now!” – Guest, Mandi
“As other reviews have stated, the rooms are beautiful. The staff are fantastic with warm and hospitable service. Our favourite part was our personal butler who delivered coffee to our room each morning. The cuisine is fantastic - definitely a few steps above other five star properties that we stayed in during our safari. The snorkelling is fantastic! The reef is pristine! – Guest, TripAdvisor Review
“Lodge is fully re-furbished and immaculate. Superb rooms with private beach access.
Typical &Beyond hospitality and service. Best cuisine of any resort we have experienced. The chef went to any length to procure whatever we fancied and prepared it with flair. Good selection of quality South African wines available (just ask if not on the counter). For the birders the island is blessed with abundant species.” – Guest, TripAdvisor Review
“Recently reopened with a brand new look following an extensive refurbishment, &Beyond Benguerra Island is a luxury island hideaway with a rustic chic atmosphere and a superb service to match.
Smooth helicopter transfer from Vilanculos Airport (breathtaking views) followed by the extremely warm welcome of the manager and singing staff gives one the idea of what's to come. Add to that a great sense of space and an army of smiling staff and personal butlers you will feel spoilt during your stay.
This is simply the best addition to the &Beyond portfolio in years. I will certainly return.” – Guest, TripAdvisor Review
Experience breathtaking &Beyond Benguerra Island, and take advantage of one of of our exceptional special offers:
° Fly me to the Beach: Save up to USD 750 per person per package.
° Fly me around Southern Africa: Masssive saving of up to USD 4500 per person on a 7 night combination package.
° Honeymoon offer: Bride pays only 50% on accomodation.
° Long Stay Offer: Receive up to 30% off.
