In 1999, luxury hotels stepped into a new era with the game-changing Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, standing at 321 metres tall, unique architecture and its beachside access made the hotel an iconic part of Dubai’s skyline. Over the years, the Jumeirah Group has expanded across Asia and Europe. Now, the hotel group marks its foray into Africa with two luxury destinations – one in Tanzania and one in South Africa. Thanks to this partnership with Thanda Group, founded and owned by Swedish entrepreneurs Christin and Dan Olofsson, travellers will now have the option of experiencing Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania and Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa.
Jumeirah Thanda Island
Situated in the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve in Tanzania, this island is one kilometre in circumference, 350 metres wide, and eight hectares in size, offering the ultimate secluded getaway. Jumeirah Thanda Island comprises an exclusive-use villa with five suites and two traditional Swahili Bandas, providing guests with direct access to the ocean. Guests can access the island via a short helicopter ride from Dar es Salaam or by speedboat from nearby Mafia Island, which is also accessed by a flight from Dar es Salaam. Travellers can enjoy a private chef, culinary team and locally sourced cuisine. Activities include a dedicated boatman guiding daily trips, swimming with Whale Sharks, sailing on traditional Arab Dhows to nearby Chole Island, and bird walks along the island’s white-sand trails. Additionally, Jumeirah Thanda Island will continue its conservation efforts through its coral reef restoration and a programme to protect endangered sea turtles. Guests will be exposed to Tanzania’s Swahili culture, which is deeply influenced by Arab merchants who have travelled through the country’s ports.
Jumeirah Thanda Safari
Located in northern KwaZulu Natal (KZN), Jumeirah Thanda Safari spans 386 hectares of wilderness, with various luxury accommodation options. Further plans are to introduce a new lodge and an ultra-luxury tented camp by 2027.
Travellers can enjoy dedicated teams of wildlife guides and activities such as game drives and bush walks, dining under the stars, sundowners with panoramic views, and a junior ranger course for younger guests. Other programmes include embracing the province’s reach and diverse Zulu culture and supporting the socio-empowerment of local communities.
As part of the established CSR initiatives, Jumeirah Thanda Safari will continue its conservation programmes, including the flagship Project Rhino KZN, an intensive anti-poaching and conservation collaboration between government, NGOs, 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. In addition, Thanda’s flagship CSR project, Star for Life, will remain central to our commitment to investing in the future of young people.
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, focusing 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.”
Pierre Delvaux, founding Chief Executive Officer at Thanda Group, adds: “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 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.”
