Sustainability at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
At &Beyond we seek to maintain a low impact on the land while deriving high yield for our conservation initiatives by creating very small luxury lodges that support enormous tracts of biodiverse land, which remains untouched. At every lodge we seek out small (and sometimes not so small) but meaningful ways of putting our values into action every day. Each &Beyond lodge supports the conservation of wildlife and contributes to its neighbouring communities in one way or another. In addition, we seek to limit our impact in terms of fossil fuels, the use of renewable energy, water and waste management, and recycling.
For example, at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge 30 000 indigenous trees grown from seed have been planted to reforest the area.
Current Sustainability projects at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Conservation Lessons
Working closely with the &Beyond Foundation, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge rangers take groups of Maasai children on game drives into the Crater. This exposes them to the wonder of nature, and is enhanced by lessons in environmental awareness and the value of ecotourism to local communities.
Environmental Sensitivity
The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge Green Team is striving to recreate pockets of indigenous forest and other highland vegetation around the lodge.
Liaison and support of Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and researchers
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge provides logistical support to the NCAA management, and provides data on wildlife such as Black Rhino, Elephant and Lion. Assistance has been provided on the restoration of damaged wetlands on the Crater floor. Wildlife researchers such as Richard Estes (wildebeest and other herbivores) and Pete Morkel (rhinos) have been assisted in recent years.
New desks create a better learning environment
&Beyond and Africa Foundation recently supplied 40 new school desks to the Embarway Secondary School in the Embarway community near Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. There are over 800 learners currently attending this school, most coming from families that are unable to afford the $60 annual school fees. Resources at the school are severely limited, and the desk shortage meant that in some classes, 3 or 4 learners were sharing a desk designed for one student. The additional 40 desks have greatly improved the learning environment for these learners, and will certainly have a positive impact on their academic performance. A special thank you to everyone who has supported the Embarway Secondary School!
Positive Health
Working closely with the Africa Foundation, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge works with lodge staff and nearby communities to follow a Wellness programme geared towards developing and maintaining a healthy immune system. Diet, natural vitamins and minerals, and the cultivation of a positive attitude are among the key factors in fighting chronic illness including HIV/Aids.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater
