The Thanda Group, a family-held portfolio of hospitality, lifestyle and philanthropic experiences in Africa, won two awards at the recent annual World Travel Awards for its private island located off the coast of Tanzania and its safari offering in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
At the World Travel Awards (WTA) Africa & Indian Ocean Gala ceremony, commemorating its 30th anniversary of rewarding travel excellence, held on 15 October 2023 at the most ultra-luxury experiential resort in the world, Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, the Thanda Group’s Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari in KwaZulu-Natal was announced as the winner of the category South Africa’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023, and its sister property, the exclusive Thanda Island, located off the southern coast of Tanzania, was awarded the prestigious title of Africa’s Leading Luxury Island 2023.
The World Travel Awards ceremony is the most prestigious travel and tourism event of the year that brings together the leading industry figureheads and VIPs from across Africa and the Indian Ocean for an unrivalled networking experience.
The World Travel Award winners are voted for 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 and are recognised across the globe as the ultimate gold standard accolade.
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 including 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 available to guests on an exclusive-use basis. Sleeping up to 10 in five suites, it comprises a library/cigar lounge, wine cellar, playroom, heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, an outdoor boma and its own helicopter pad. Fully serviced and with a dedicated complement of staff, this magnificent 900 sqm villa is set within a beautiful, fully fenced garden.
