Better World

Radio DJ Msizi James speaks about his journey with &Beyond and Wild Impact (previously known as Africa Foundation), from his romantic engagement at Private Game Reserve to becoming involved in conservation and community projects in and around Phinda Private Game Reserve. Listen to the story of how an intimate engagement experience in an open-air treehouse in the heart of a Big Five game reserve turned into a meeting of like minds and turned into a journey that would reveal the significance of conservation and how it can benefit rural communities. Find out about the Hustle Economy Program, which helps young rural youth create businesses in the informal sector and hear about pangolin conservation at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.

For more about &Beyond Ngala Tented Camp, where Msizi James stayed. Find out about Ngala Treehouse, where Msizi James got engaged. Read about the unusual white lions at &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve. For more information about &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge. Find out about how to experience some of the community projects spoken about by Msizi James. Learn more about the pangolin conservation experiences available to guests at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.

Diving among the shoals of the Sardine Run, following in footsteps of a translocation that brought a species back from local extinction or learning how an African conservation model helped saved a South American species - join in the celebration of &Beyond’s 30 year anniversary with a series of limited edition experiences. Listen to the extraordinary individuals who will be hosting these journeys describe what they will include and reminisce about the events that inspired them.

Blessed with diverse landscapes, home to a multitude of cultures, and birthplace of a number of the world’s major religions, India has far more than just temples and tigers to offer. Toby Sinclair from &Beyond Asia takes us off the beaten path as he shares private glimpses of India’s lesser-known wonders, from ancient battlefields to marvels of natural history and unexpected details of a myriad ways of life. Discover the unexplored aspects of this fascinating Subcontinent and find out how to set up a voyage that will unravel its deepest secrets.

Part of an exquisite coral atoll off the east coast of Zanzibar, &Beyond Mnemba Island is known for its warm, clear waters and the abundance of marine life off its shores. Dive Centre Manager Chris Barfoot speaks about what divers and snorkelers can hope to experience in the balmy waters surrounding the island. Listen to him explain how the Mnemba Island team works with Oceans Without Borders to help preserve this magnificent environment. Beginners can hear about the tranquil underwater world that tempts so many Mnemba guests to take their first steps into scuba at the island’s PADI-accredited Dive Centre. Experienced divers will find out more about dive conditions, visibility and what marine species can be encountered while diving off Mnemba.

The prospect of travelling might sound intimidating right now, with shifting Covid restrictions and a lot of conflicting information muddying the water. But, for those of us who yearn for the pure joy that came with days of unencumbered exploration, it can also be extremely rewarding provided that you take all the required precautions. &Beyond guest, Sherry Potter describes her experience travelling during Covid, including the warm welcomes and the precautions taken to ensure her safety, as well as the help she received from her travel specialist in managing all necessary requirements.

Everyone knows that holiday calories don’t count and sampling the local cooking is essential to any travel experience. But how do you deliver on this while keeping in mind healthy and sustainable options such as plant-based cooking, especially while based in a remote destination? Regional Executive Chef for &Beyond Botswana Murray Weakley talks about the food philosophy at &Beyond, explaining how food is kept healthy and sustainable while also retaining a hearty and decadent aspect. Find out how the lodges cater for vegans and vegetarians, as well as other dietary requirements, and discover how plant-based menus are being developed to satisfy even the most meat-loving guests.

Jules Harding from award-winning South African band GoodLuck chats about what it was like playing their first live gig in the African bush at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. Find out about the thrills and challenges of sensitively setting up a concert in the midst of an ancient sand forest, and hear about the natural inspirations behind the band’s trademark sound. Discover what the band learned about wildlife management and conservation, and hear their impressions of being involved in the release of an endangered pangolin. Listen to Jules speak about the challenges the music industry has faced as a result of Covid-19 and find out what’s next for her and the band.

With their characteristic profile and gentle gaze, giraffes are one of Africa’s most iconic species. And yet, few people are aware that giraffe numbers have declined almost 30% over the past three decades. Julian Fennessy of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation talks about the challenges that come with dwindling wild habitat and increased human encroachment. Find out about the threats facing Africa’s gentle giants, as well as the lengths that scientists are prepared to go to in order to save the species. Discover the latest research into Africa’s giraffe species and find out about the challenges of translocating these unique animals. Celebrate World Giraffe Day on 21 June and find out how you can get involved.

What does it take to convert an interest in your environment into the beginning of a lifelong career in conservation or wildlife management? Find out about the innovative programme being run at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve which is offering young members of surrounding communities the opportunity for the type of hands-on knowledge and skills development that can help launch a career. 

Reserve Manager Simon Naylor speaks about the Phinda Community Conservation and Research Skills Development Course, designed to empower rural youths to pursue a career in wildlife, conservation management, or tourism. Listen as he speaks about the reasons for the development of the course, details some of the training involved, and speaks about the conservation initiatives at &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve. 

Trainee Sibongiseni Sithole proves a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his experiences on the course, how it had changed him and what are his hopes for the future.

Find out more about the Phinda Community Conservation and Research Skills Development Course. Discover more about the &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve, where the course is being run.

&Beyond guests, Laura Cicerale and Michael Screnci reminisce about their African honeymoon, from the beginning stage of choosing a destination, planning, and research to the end result – an unforgettable adventure to mark the beginning of their married life. Listen to their tips and advice, and find out why they recommend working with a travel planner with real-life destination knowledge. Laura and Michael honeymooned at &Beyond Bateleur Camp.