PC: Zawya
Jumeirah, the global hospitality company and member of Dubai Holding, has announced an exclusive partnership with the Thanda Group to launch two outstanding new destinations: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa. This new collaboration marks Jumeirah’s entry into Africa and further diversifies its portfolio of world-class experiences.
Iconic Destinations in Africa
Jumeirah Thanda Island is located at the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve in Tanzania. Private island offers an all-exclusive and immersive villa presenting exclusive luxury and tranquility. This, on the other hand, is Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa, which is in one of the country’s most luxurious private safari destinations, that is branded residences and member-only club.
Named after the Zulu word “thanda,” which means “love,” these destinations reflect a core value: deep roots with local communities and dedication to environmental conservation. All this speaks to Jumeirah’s commitment to delivering distinctively culturally enriched experiences. The Journey Rooted in History is a testament to its commitment to delivering distinctive, culturally enriched experiences.
Jumeirah Thanda Island is a historical link between Tanzania and Arabian hospitality. Ancient trade routes are a heritage that goes back to where the seafarers were warmly and graciously welcomed. The Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa, for its part, represents the continuation of this cultural journey within one of Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserves, which in historical times were hunting grounds of Zulu kings. Both these properties combine history, culture, and luxury in unique and meaningful ways.
Leadership Perspectives
Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO of Jumeirah, highlighted the significance of this partnership and the strategic importance of expanding into Africa. He stated,
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 are all about this approach. Those exceptional properties represent our entry to Africa, which continues showing healthy growth in the luxury segment, but they also introduce an entirely new style of experience for Jumeirah from total exclusivity to an opportunity to experience the beauty of nature at its best.
With its emphasis on local culture and conservation, the values at Thanda very much resonate with our own, and we are incredibly proud to continue the fantastic work done to preserve and protect these inspiring destinations for generations to come.
Pierre Delvaux, CEO of Thanda Group, said, “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, with our 20th anniversary from the opening of our first lodge, we are very pleased to begin the next part of our journey. We consider it a huge honor to join Jumeirah and have an entire team at Thanda bursting with excitement and hope about what’s yet to come.
Both properties are slated to welcome their first guests later this year, promising transformative luxury experiences while preserving the rich cultural and natural heritage of their surroundings.
