Jumeirah Moves Into Africa With Exclusive Island & Private Safari Reserve

• Jumeirah Thanda Island is an exclusive-use remote island in a protected private marine reserve off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa
• Jumeirah Thanda Safari is situated in one of the most exclusive Big Five private game reserves in South Africa and comprises of Jumeirah Residences, and The Royal Thanda Club, with plans to introduce a new luxury tented camp and a refurbished lodge
• Jumeirah’s move into Africa is part of the hospitality brand’s ongoing strategy to grow, and diversify, its portfolio with new destinations and enriching experiences.

United Arab Emirates, Dubai, 2 December 2024: Jumeirah, a global leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, unveils 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. The name "Thanda" itself – meaning ‘love’ in Zulu – encapsulates the core values of these distinct destinations that already showcase deep rooted connections with local communities and the environment.

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. The safari – meaning ‘journey’ in Swahili – carries on into South Africa, to one of Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserves, once the ancient hunting grounds of the Zulu kings.

Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Jumeirah, comments: “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.

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.”

 “When our owners Christin and Dan Olofsson of Malmo, Sweden, and I first embarked on this journey in 2002, we envisioned partnering one day with a pioneering global operator whose vision aligned with our own ethos and values, particularly concerning philanthropy and nature conservation. 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. Our collective mission with Jumeirah remains to create magic for our guests and members, while elevating our offering and guest experiences to new heights.”

Pierre Delvaux, founding Chief Executive Officer at Thanda Group