Michelle, Aidan and I had a wonderful time at the two new lodges - &Beyond Xudum and &Beyond Xaranna on our recent trip to Botswana. The purpose of the trip was to celebrate Michelle’s birthday and, as always, we were all made to feel very special and spoilt during our stay. The lodges are both amazing and, though we both decided that we preferred Xaranna, it was a tough call. We particularly liked its setting overlooking the water channel.
Aidan really enjoyed the trip. He loved the tents that the two lodges had set up for him and the walkie talkies at Xudum were also a big hit. He still talks about wanting Priscilla from Xaranna to come and visit him in Cape Town, and it was a rather emotional goodbye on our last day. Michelle and I really appreciate the fact that children are welcomed at most of your lodges – our experience has always been that the staff go out of their way to engage with him.
Our only disappointment during the stay was the general lack of game, although we do recognise that this was not the best time of year to be visiting, particularly given the long grass. We were, however, fortunate to have seen leopard on our first two drives and then, to end the trip on a high note, we managed to track down a male lion on our very last morning drive. I think the problem is that we have been spoilt with an abundance of sightings on previous trips to some of your other lodges.
We’re looking forward to spending future holidays with &Beyond.
Chris Wood
March 2009 |
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I am an avid Bateleur Club member and just had to tell you about a guest service excellence example that recently blew my mind.
On checking in at Bateleur Camp, I was introduced to Audrey, the masseuse, who offered treatments at the pool or in our tent. ‘Or on the banks of the Mara!’ I added as a wisecrack. A couple of days later, on an afternoon game drive, our ranger stopped at the raging river and there was Audrey with the massage bed, a portaloo and a dressing table. I had an hour’s massage that should find itself in one of those 1 001 things to do before you die books.
You have a seriously good team at Bateleur Camp at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo!
Lex van Vught
October 2008 |
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We had a wonderful week at Kichwa Tembo. The staff were absolutely fantastic and we were treated so well from the moment we touched the ground. Every night they arranged a surprise for us and we always felt as if we were the only guests. Our game guide was really great, and we had the privilege of doing a balloon ride and eventually seeing a real live migration. What a sight.
I gather that the main camp managers have been there for many years and have made many friends. I guess we’ll be going back next year.
The people who told us about &Beyond have gone to Kenya every year for 10 years and highly recommended Kichwa. Now we know why.
Mary Anne Clark
October 2008 |
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We had a great time at Mountain Lodge at &Beyond Phinda. The service was excellent, as was the accommodation and the food. Dumi, the ranger, has the best laugh in the business! He understands the animals and has a wealth of knowledge. We had some excellent game viewing.
October 2008 |
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I was overwhelmed by the staff at &Beyond Matetsi – they were absolutely terrific.
Eddy and Calvet (our tracker and ranger), John (the manager), Magdelle, Matthew (our butler), Sam (our housekeeper), Cryface and Max (the transfer drivers) – everyone was exceptional and made our anniversary beyond special.
Their can-do attitude, positive energy and spirit is made even more extraordinary given the crisis that Zimbabwe is in - I cannot rave enough about them. They created hope and beauty in an awful political situation.
I truly commend &Beyond for keeping Matetsi open and for safeguarding the jobs of the staff.
We will be back in a flash once all is well.
You are blessed to have such a magical team and the vision to have kept the Lodge open.
Dawn Franke
October 2008 |
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We recently did a trip to &Beyond Phinda, Okavango Delta and Zimbabwe under the &Beyond banner. Noluthando Mpange took care of all our lodge reservations and flights.
I gather that the main camp managers have been there for many years and have made many friends. I guess we’ll be going back next year.
In the first instance, she handled the reservations with the utmost efficiency and everything she booked on our behalf played out perfectly with not one single hitch. It is indeed a pleasure to have dealt with her. Thando’s knowledge and understanding are top drawer and she is to be complimented on her manner and efficiency. She is an absolute gem!
Because we were accompanied by four overseas visitors who were undertaking their first trip to Africa, we were a little concerned that there may be one or two hitches, delays or disappointments. However, this was not the case at all and the entire trip far exceeded all our expectations.
Well done to Thando and thanks to &Beyond!
Sheila Sanders
September 2008 |
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We had the most fabulous time at &Beyond Kwandwe and our daughter even got to go on a few private game drives!
Janine
September 2008 |
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Please forward my compliments to &Beyond management at Matetsi. Having travelled to almost every &Beyond lodge, Matetsi ranks up there with the best in terms of location, facilities and dêcor. In terms of food, it’s amazing what they still achieve and anyone not aware of the Zimbabwe shortages would be none the wiser about the challenges faced. What continues to stand out is the quality and friendliness of the people, which makes a visit to Matetsi such a complete ‘soul lifting’ experience.
Thanks to management for having such far sighted vision and allowing us to enjoy the experience.
Anton Turpin
September 2008 |
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We had a superb time at &Beyond Madikwe Safari Lodge.
I must say the staff were amazing; always going out of their way to assist us and our kids - and our three young kids can be very challenging at times.
Please convey our thanks and appreciation to the team at &Beyond Madikwe, as well as their managers. The team deserves a huge amount of credit and their managers should know that.
Solomon, Mavis, Margaret, Gareth, Letisha, etc were simply fantastic and knew how to make a family feel extremely at home.
Gus
August 2008 |
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Ngala has become one of our favourite spots at &Beyond. We love the food and service, and all the staff is really nice.
Our ranger was Dyke, who is very experienced and has a really great way with people, as well as a very good sense of humour, which is lovely on a trip like this. We saw a lot of game and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
One person in particular who really also stands out in our minds is Beatrice, who is one of the waitresses. She is also lovely and made us feel at home.
Monika Kopp
August 2008 |
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