DUBAI: Jumeirah, a leader in luxury hospitality and a member of Dubai Holding, has announced its debut in Africa with two extraordinary new destinations: Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa.
This partnership with the Thanda Group marks a significant step in Jumeirah’s growth strategy, offering exclusive, immersive experiences designed to connect guests with nature, culture, and conservation.
The collaboration between Jumeirah and the Thanda Group brings together an unmatched combination of exclusivity, sustainability, and cultural immersion. As a symbol of this partnership, the name "Thanda," meaning "love" in Zulu, reflects the shared values of these destinations – where luxury is intertwined with respect for the local environment and communities. These properties are not only about opulence but about forging a deeper connection to Africa's beauty and its people.
For Jumeirah, this expansion into Africa aligns with its long-term vision to diversify its portfolio and establish a presence in new, high-growth markets. “We are excited to introduce these two unique destinations that mark Jumeirah’s first entry into Africa, a continent that has seen a rising demand for luxury travel,” said Thomas Meier, Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO at Jumeirah. "This strategy reflects our desire to create enriching experiences that offer guests access to exclusive locations while promoting sustainability and conservation."
Jumeirah Thanda Island
Located in the protected Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve off the coast of Tanzania, Jumeirah Thanda Island offers a rare opportunity to experience barefoot luxury in an unspoiled tropical paradise. The private five-hectare island can be accessed by helicopter from Dar es Salaam or by speedboat from nearby Mafia Island, creating a sense of total seclusion and tranquility.
The island features an exclusive-use villa with five luxurious suites, and two traditional Swahili Bandas offering direct access to the pristine, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Guests can enjoy gourmet dining prepared by a dedicated culinary team, using locally sourced ingredients in the most idyllic beachfront settings. The exclusivity of the island extends to its personalised service, with a dedicated boatman guiding guests on daily adventures across the crystal-clear waters, from swimming with whale sharks to diving with turtles and sailing on traditional Arab Dhows.
Jumeirah Thanda Island embraces the natural rhythms of island life, offering a host of water-based activities that allow guests to explore the surrounding marine environment. From birdwatching along the island’s white-sand trails to exploring nearby Chole Island, the island provides a playground for those looking to experience nature up close.
Conservation plays a key role in the island’s philosophy, with Jumeirah’s marine stewardship initiatives focused on coral reef restoration and the protection of endangered sea turtles. These efforts mirror the company’s established environmental practices at its Dubai properties, such as the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Al Naseem. Additionally, the Star for Life programme, an NGO dedicated to empowering young people in South Africa and Tanzania, will continue to operate on the island, ensuring that the community benefits from the tourism generated by the luxury property.
Jumeirah Thanda Safari
Jumeirah’s second African offering, Jumeirah Thanda Safari, is located in one of South Africa’s most prestigious private game reserves in KwaZulu Natal. Set amidst 16,500 hectares of untouched wilderness, the safari offers a luxurious yet immersive experience in the heart of the African bush.
Guests staying at the Jumeirah Residences enjoy exclusive access to 386 hectares of secure, access-controlled land, complemented by a dedicated concierge service and bespoke offerings that cater to every need.
The Royal Thanda Club, a private lifestyle club, adds another layer of exclusivity to the experience, offering access to a variety of luxury accommodation options, from standalone residences to future luxury tented camps set to be unveiled by 2027. Whether seeking adventure or solitude, guests at Jumeirah Thanda Safari will have access to expert wildlife guides who lead excursions on game drives, bush walks, and cultural explorations, all set against the backdrop of Africa's stunning landscapes.
Jumeirah Thanda Safari’s core focus is not just luxury but also conservation. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the property is engaged in several key conservation projects, including the Project Rhino KZN initiative, which works to combat poaching and protect endangered species, and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project, aimed at increasing the population of black rhinos in the wild.
Cultural immersion is another important aspect of the safari experience. Guests are invited to participate in cultural programmes that celebrate the rich heritage of the Zulu people, including bespoke dining experiences under the stars and interactions with local communities. A Junior Ranger programme also offers younger guests an opportunity to learn about wildlife and conservation in a fun and engaging way.
Future of Africa’s luxury travel
Pierre Delvaux, CEO of Thanda Group, expressed his excitement for the future of this partnership, saying, “It is a true privilege to partner with Jumeirah, and we are filled with optimism about what lies ahead. Together, we are creating magic for our guests and helping preserve the beauty of Africa for generations to come.”
Both Jumeirah Thanda Island and Jumeirah Thanda Safari will open for bookings in December 2024, providing a new dimension to Africa’s luxury tourism offerings. These properties are poised to set new standards for exclusivity, adventure, and conservation, marking a milestone in Jumeirah’s global expansion.