Jumeirah enters Africa to expand hotel portfolio

Jumeirah, a member of Dubai Holding, has partnered with South Africa’s Thanda Group to expand the luxury brand into Africa, as it aims to diversify its portfolio of destinations.

The companies have launched a private island and safari reserve.

The Jumeirah Thanda Island, a villa retreat, is located on a remote island in a protected private marine reserve off the coast of Tanzania, East Africa.  

The uninhabited, five-hectare tropical island in the Indian Ocean is accessible via a short helicopter ride from Dar es Salaam or by speedboat from nearby Mafia Island.

The Jumeirah Thanda Safari, situated in one of the private game reserves in South Africa, comprises Jumeirah Residences and The Royal Thanda Club, with plans to introduce a new luxury tented camp and a refurbished lodge.

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“We want to grow sustainably into new destinations and diversify our portfolio with a focus on properties that offer a distinct proposition,” said Thomas Meier, chief operating officer and interim CEO at Jumeirah.

The destinations will open for visitors later this year. No financial details were disclosed.

Jumeirah operates a portfolio of 28 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia.