Jumeirah Launches Two New Destinations in Africa

Jumeirah group, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, has unveiled a unique partnership with the Thanda Group, a refined collection of privately owned hospitality experiences, for the introduction of two new iconic 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 comprises an immersive, exclusive-use villa, while Jumeirah Thanda Safari lives in one of South Africa’s most luxurious private safari destinations featuring branded residences, and an exclusive member’s club.

These additions to Jumeirah’s portfolio mark the global hospitality leader’s entry into Africa and illustrates its continued evolution through the delivery of destinations curated to inspire, enhanced by partnerships deeply aligned with Jumeirah’s innate approach of connecting people and culture, through distinctive and meaningful experiences.

This first of its kind private island and safari offering for Jumeirah is infused with the essence of Tanzania’s historical ties to Arabian Hospitality dating back to ancient times; when seafarers on trade routes were received with generous fireside welcomes to exchange the knowledge and stories that have helped shape the culture of the Middle East region today.

Sustainable Growth

Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer at Jumeirah Thomas Meier said that they 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.

According to him, Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari epitomise this strategy.  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.

“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,” he said.

Thanda’s Group’s founding CEO Pierre Delvaux said that when he along with Christin and Dan Olofsson of Sweden first embarked on this journey in 2002, they envisioned partnering one day with a pioneering global operator whose vision aligned with their own ethos and values, particularly concerning philanthropy and nature conservation.

Jumeirah Thanda Island

Jumeirah Thanda Island is an uninhabited, 5-hectare tropical island in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Located within the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, the private retreat is accessible via a short helicopter ride from Dar es Salaam or by speedboat from nearby Mafia Island, itself also accessed by a brief flight from Dar es Salaam.

The Island will also continue its attention on ocean stewardship initiatives including coral reef restoration and a programme to protect endangered sea turtles – mirroring long-standing marine conservation initiatives Jumeirah has in place at both Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem in Dubai, as well as Jumeirah Olhahali Island, Maldives. Jumeirah will also champion Thanda’s Star for Life community programme, an NGO committed to upskilling, empowering, and educating young people in South Africa and on Mafia Island in Tanzania.

Jumeirah Thanda Safari is nestled in the wildlife area of South Africa’s northern KwaZulu Natal (KZN) province and offers an enriching experience in one of Africa’s most exclusive Big Five nature reserves.

CSR Initiatives

As part of the established CSR initiatives of the Thanda Foundation Trust, and Jumeirah’s commitment to being a good neighbour with conscious consideration to the places it calls home, Jumeirah Thanda Safari will continue to be engaged in several critical conservation programmes.  This includes the flagship Project Rhino KZN, an intensive anti-poaching and conservation collaboration between government, NGO, and private entities in KwaZulu Natal and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, which looks to increase the population of this critically endangered species in the wild.