Thanda Group, lifestyle and philanthropic experiences in Africa, is delighted to announce that it clinched two World
Leading awards at the 30th annual World Travel Awards for its private island located off the coast of Tanzania and its safari offering in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Thanda Group was announced as the winner in two of the prestigious ‘World’- the highest honours in travel and tourism- categories: the World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023: Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, and the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island 2023: Thanda Island, Tanzania at the landmark 30th anniversary celebrations of the World Travel Awards’ Grand Final Gala ceremony 2023 held at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab on 1 December 2023.
Globally recognised as the most prestigious ’honours programme’ in travel and tourism, the annual World Travel Awards Gala ceremony is a significant travel and tourism event of the year that brings together the leading industry figureheads and VIPs from around the world. Winners of the World Travel Awards are voted for, and by travel and tourism professionals and leisure travel consumers worldwide. These accolades recognise the commitment to excellence which travel organisations have demonstrated in the last twelve months.
Comments Pierre Delvaux CEO of Thanda Group: “On behalf of Thanda’s owners Christin and Dan Olofsson of Malmo, Sweden, I would like to congratulate the leadership team that represented Thanda, Antigone Meda, our long-standing General Manager of Thanda Island and Imani Mwakosya, Hospitality Manager of Thanda Island as well as Promise Hlongwane, Guest Relations Manager at Thanda Safari and Bronwyn Smith, Head of Sales for Thanda Group who all attended the prestigious event at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai on 1 December.
Thanda has become synonymous with fantastic service excellence where staff always go the extra mile to ensure that guests leave as friends with the greatest of memories. Both Thanda Island and Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari – Private Game Reserve, are exceptional world class products whose teams make magic and whose guests have become used to experiencing the “WOW FACTOR” that makes then return time and time again.
I would like to thank all Thanda staff who contribute towards making this recognition possible, as well as The World Travel Awards whose voters continue to recognise these two unique destinations.”
Both Thanda Safari and Thanda Island are located within their own private reserves. Together with a strong community and conservation commitment they offer discerning guests a wide variety of expert-led wildlife and marine-based activities, including the opportunity to participate in their respective conservation initiatives.
Thanda Island, situated within Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, provides absolute exclusivity for families and friends to enjoy on a sole-use basis. Combining laidback tropical beach-house living with outdoor ocean adventures, it features a five-bedroom villa, two beach chalets, a glass rim-flow swimming pool, a boat house filled with water activity equipment, a tennis court, a fully equipped gym, yoga deck and an outdoor cocktail bar.
Thanda Safari offers an authentic South African wildlife experience with excellent game viewing all year round. Big Five game drives, specialised bush walks, wildlife conservation activities, while the Zulu cultural tours into the rural communities provide meaningful insight and a rewarding African experience. For a luxurious safari experience, Villa iZulu is an outstanding safari hideaway for families, holidaymakers and wedding parties seeking privacy. Available on an exclusive use basis it sleeps up to 10 guests in five suites and comprises a library/cigar lounge, wine cellar, playroom, swimming pool, an outdoor boma and its own helicopter pad. Fully serviced and with a dedicated complement of staff, this magnificent 900sqm villa is set within a beautiful, fully fenced garden. Prices start from ZAR 105,000 (approx. US$ 5,600).
