Jumeirah has appointed Xander Labuschagne as General Manager of Hospitality at Jumeirah Thanda Safari in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The appointment marks an important step in Jumeirah’s African expansion. Xander will lead hospitality operations, focusing on creating purposeful guest experiences rooted in culture, nature, and luxury. With more than 20 years in global hospitality, he is well equipped to strengthen the safari lodge’s unique positioning. His leadership is expected to bring innovation, growth, and enhanced guest satisfaction. This role cements Jumeirah’s commitment to its newly launched properties in Southern Africa.

A Leader with Global Hospitality Experience

Xander brings more than two decades of experience across diverse hospitality sectors. His career has taken him through luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, residences, and global operations. He worked in South Africa, Botswana, the UAE, and Europe. Most recently, he managed Atzaro Cape Town – Boutique Hotel and contributed to Atzaro Okavango Camp in Botswana. His roles covered procurement, guest experience, commercial strategy, and project delivery. These experiences honed his ability to balance luxury with operational excellence. At Jumeirah Thanda Safari, he will use this knowledge to deliver meaningful guest journeys.

Building on Jumeirah’s African Expansion

In December 2024, Jumeirah entered the African market with two landmark openings. Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa and Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania marked a milestone in the group’s global expansion. These launches, in partnership with the Thanda Group, blend luxury with cultural and natural connections. The strategy is designed to attract travellers seeking authenticity and exclusivity. Xander’s role will be key in reinforcing this vision. By leading hospitality at Thanda Safari, he will ensure Jumeirah’s African properties deliver on brand promise while embracing local culture.

The Unique Setting of Jumeirah Thanda Safari

Jumeirah Thanda Safari spans 16,500 hectares of pristine wilderness in KwaZulu-Natal. It is set within one of Southern Africa’s private Big Five game reserves. At its centre lies The Royal Thanda Club Estate, a 386-hectare private enclave. The estate features The Royal Thanda Club and five branded Jumeirah Residences. Villa iZulu, the iconic villa within the reserve, adds further exclusivity. Guests can enjoy game drives, bush walks, starlit dining, and junior ranger courses. Cultural programmes celebrate Zulu heritage, with 90% of staff coming from neighbouring communities. This setting creates an authentic and immersive safari experience.

A Focus on Conservation and Community

Jumeirah Thanda Safari plays an active role in conservation and sustainability. Projects include landscape rehabilitation, alien vegetation removal, and wildlife protection. Its cheetah breeding programme and rhino conservation efforts connect with initiatives like Project Rhino KZN and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project. Through The Thanda Foundation Trust, the property also supports youth empowerment. The Star for Life programme has reached more than 500,000 young people in South Africa and Mafia Island, Tanzania. With Xander’s leadership, conservation and community projects are expected to gain stronger visibility and impact.

Accessibility and Strategic Location

The lodge is accessible via King Shaka International Airport in Durban. Guests can arrive by road transfer or take a one-hour helicopter flight directly into the reserve. This ease of access makes Jumeirah Thanda Safari an attractive option for both international travellers and regional visitors. Its positioning combines luxury with convenience, while offering exclusive experiences in untouched wilderness. The property’s facilities, conservation work, and cultural depth position it as a leading safari destination. With Xander at the helm, Jumeirah Thanda Safari is set to shine brighter on the global luxury tourism map.

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