Jumeirah, Thanda Group introduce luxury resorts in Tanzania, South Africa

Jumeirah Group has unveiled a partnership with the Thanda Group, a renowned collection of privately owned luxury properties, to introduce two exclusive new destinations in Africa: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa.

The new properties, slated to open in late 2024, mark Jumeirah’s first ventures into the African market, expanding its portfolio into a region experiencing rapid growth in luxury travel.

The two destinations – Jumeirah Thanda Island, located within Tanzania’s protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, and Jumeirah Thanda Safari, set in one of South Africa’s most prestigious Big Five game reserves – will offer a distinct blend of exclusivity, cultural immersion, and sustainability, in line with Jumeirah’s ethos of delivering meaningful, transformative guest experiences.

These luxury retreats embody the core values of the Thanda brand, with the name “Thanda” meaning “love” in Zulu, reflecting deep-rooted connections to the local communities and environments of both locations.

The island retreat and safari lodge also highlight the brand’s continued evolution in offering curated, culturally rich experiences for travellers.

Jumeirah expands to Africa

Jumeirah’s COO and Interim CEO, Thomas Meier, highlighted the strategic importance of the expansion into Africa: “As we look to the future, our intent for Jumeirah is clear. We want to grow sustainably into new destinations and diversify our portfolio with a focus on properties that offer a distinct proposition and deliver enriching guest experiences rooted in culture and connection.”

“Not only do these exceptional properties mark our first entry into Africa – a market which continues to show strong growth in the luxury travel sector – but they represent a new style of experience for Jumeirah with everything from total exclusivity to the opportunity to experience the wonder of nature at its finest,” he said.

A private island escape

Tanzania’s Jumeirah Thanda Island is set to become one of the most exclusive and immersive luxury retreats in the Indian Ocean. The five-hectare uninhabited island, located within the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, can only be accessed by helicopter from Dar es Salaam or by speedboat from Mafia Island.

The island will offer an exclusive-use villa featuring five suites, along with two traditional Swahili Bandas offering direct access to the ocean.

The retreat will feature exceptional dining experiences curated by a private chef and culinary team using locally sourced ingredients.

Guests will also have the opportunity to engage in a range of water-based adventures, including swimming with whale sharks, diving with turtles, and sailing on traditional Arab dhows to nearby Chole Island.

The UAE-based hospitality group will support marine stewardship initiatives such as coral reef restoration and sea turtle protection.

The property will also support Thanda’s ‘Star for Life’ programme, an NGO dedicated to empowering young people in South Africa and Tanzania.

Jumeirah Thanda Safari highlights

In South Africa, the resort will offer a luxurious, immersive experience in one of Africa’s oldest Big Five game reserves in the northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province.

The vast, 16,500-hectare reserve features a variety of luxury accommodations, including Jumeirah Residences at the Royal Thanda Club, a private lifestyle club offering privileged access to the reserve’s pristine wilderness.

The safari property will cater to both adventure seekers and those seeking solitude, with a dedicated concierge service to accommodate every guest’s needs.

Jumeirah Residences will open in December, with additional branded residences available for purchase off-plan.

A new lodge and ultra-luxury tented camp are also planned to open by 2027.

The reserve will offer a variety of activities, from game drives and bush walks to cultural programmes embracing Zulu heritage.

Guests will also have the opportunity to take part in a junior ranger course, learning about the region’s unique wildlife.

In addition to its focus on wildlife experiences, the resort will continue the critical conservation work undertaken by the Thanda Foundation, including collaborations with government, NGOs, and private entities on initiatives like Project Rhino KZN, an anti-poaching programme, and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project aimed at increasing the population of critically endangered rhinos.

Shared values

Pierre Delvaux, the founding CEO of Thanda Group, expressed excitement about the new partnership, marking a milestone in the journey that began in 2002.

“When our owners Christin and Dan Olofsson of Malmo, Sweden, and I first embarked on this journey, we envisioned partnering one day with a pioneering global operator whose vision aligned with our ethos and values, particularly concerning philanthropy and nature conservation,” Delvaux said.

“Now, on the 20th anniversary of opening our first lodge, we are thrilled to embark on the next chapter of our journey. It is a true privilege to partner with Jumeirah, and the entire Thanda team is filled with excitement and optimism for what the future holds,” he added.

Both properties are set to open for bookings in December.