Jumeirah, the luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, is preparing to open its first set of properties in Africa. The company has partnered with the Thanda Group, a collection of privately owned hospitality experiences, to introduce two new destinations — Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa.
Situated in the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve in Tanzania, Jumeirah Thanda Island consists of an exclusive-use villa, while Jumeirah Thanda Safari is located in one of South Africa’s most luxurious private safari destinations featuring branded residences and an exclusive member’s club.
“With a focus on local culture and conservation, the values of Thanda very much align with our own and we are immensely proud to continue the great work done to preserve and protect these inspiring destinations for generations to come. We look forward to welcoming our first guests later this year,” said Thomas Meier, COO and interim CEO at Jumeirah.
Africa continues to show robust growth in the luxury travel segment and represents a new style of experience for Jumeirah, Meier said.
Jumeirah Thanda Island sits on an uninhabited, five-hectare tropical island on the Indian Ocean. The private retreat can be accessed via a helicopter ride from Dar es Salaam or by speedboat from nearby Mafia Island, which itself can be accessed by a brief flight from Dar es Salaam.
The exclusive-use island has a villa featuring five suites and two traditional Swahili Bandas providing guests direct access to the ocean. Guests can avail a private chef and a dedicated culinary team and enjoy a range of water activities.
Situated within the wildlife area of South Africa’s northern KwaZulu Natal province, Jumeirah Thanda Safari offers guests to experience one of Africa’s exclusive Big Five nature reserves. The property includes residences and an exclusive lifestyle club, with guests at the residences enjoying access to 386 acres of access-controlled wilderness and a dedicated concierge service.
The residences will open later this month, with more purpose-built branded residences available to purchase off plan. There are further plans to introduce a new lodge and an ultra-luxury tented camp by 2027.
Dedicated wildlife guides will lead guests on adventures spanning 16,500-hectares of the private reserve’s plains, valleys and mountains. Activities may include game drives and bush walks, dining under the stars, sundowners with panoramic views and a junior ranger course for young guests.
Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari will open for bookings later this month.
Ever since opening the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in Dubai in 1999, Jumeirah has grown its global portfolio to currently operate 28 beachfront resorts, city hotels and luxury residences across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.
