Global hospitality group Jumeirah is making its first foray into Africa through a partnership with the Thanda Group, managing two Thanda properties in Tanzania and South Africa.
The properties that will carry the Jumeirah brand are the Jumeirah Thanda Island, an exclusive-use property in Tanzania's Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa's KwaZulu Natal province.
The partnership brings together Jumeirah's luxury
hospitality expertise with Thanda Group's established presence in
Africa. The company was founded in 2002 by Swedish entrepreneurs Christin and Dan
Olofsson.
"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," said Thomas Meier, COO and interim CEO at Jumeirah.
The properties
The private Thanda Island sits on roughly 12 acres and features a villa with five suites and two traditional Swahili bandas (thatched huts) with direct ocean access. The retreat, accessible via helicopter from Dar es Salaam or by speedboat from Mafia Island, provides guests with a private chef and culinary team, along with a dedicated boatman for daily excursions. The property maintains active conservation initiatives, including coral reef restoration and sea turtle protection programs.
The villa at Jumeirah Thanda Island, a 12-acre property that also includes two traditional Swahili bandas (thatched huts). All offer direct ocean access. Photo Credit: Jumeirah
In South Africa, the new Jumeirah Thanda Safari is located within a 64-square-mile Big Five private game reserve in northern KwaZulu Natal. The first phase launched this month with Jumeirah Residences at The Royal Thanda Club, which includes branded residences. A new lodge and ultraluxury tented camp are planned to follow by 2027.
Once operational, the South African property will offer guided adventures across its plains, valleys and mountains, with activities including game drives, bush walks, starlit dining and sundowners. A junior ranger course will be available for younger guests, while cultural programs will embrace local Zulu traditions and support community empowerment initiatives.
Focus on conservation
Conservation remains central to both properties' operations. The South African development will continue the existing involvement with Project Rhino KZN, an anti-poaching initiative, and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. Both properties will support the Star for Life program, a nongovernmental organization that is focused on education and empowerment of young people in South Africa and on Mafia Island.
"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," Meier said.
The expansion into Africa adds to Jumeirah's existing portfolio of 28 properties
across the Middle East, Europe and Asia.