Xander Labuschagne Appointed General Manager Of Hospitality At Jumeirah Thanda Safari In South Africa

With over twenty years of varied experience in the hospitality industry, Xander Labuschagne has recently been appointed as the General Manager of Hospitality for Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa by Jumeirah, a premier luxury hospitality brand and part of Dubai Holding.

Labuschagne’s career highlights include roles in humanitarian efforts, luxury safari lodges, and international operations spanning South Africa, Botswana, the UAE, and Europe. He previously held the position of General Manager at Atzaro Cape Town – Boutique Hotel and contributed to the Atzaro Okavango Camp in Botswana, where he oversaw procurement, operations, guest experience, commercial performance, and project delivery.

In December 2024, Jumeirah made its debut on the African continent by opening Jumeirah Thanda Safari and Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania. This expansion, realized through a partnership with the Thanda Group, marks a pivotal growth phase for Jumeirah. It promises travellers distinctive propositions and meaningful experiences deeply rooted in culture and connection.

Located in KwaZulu-Natal province, within one of Southern Africa's private Big Five game reserves, Jumeirah Thanda Safari extends over 16,500 hectares of pristine wilderness. The heart of this vast expanse hosts The Royal Thanda Club Estate, covering 386 hectares and featuring controlled access. This estate not only houses The Royal Thanda Club at Jumeirah Thanda Safari but also includes five branded Jumeirah Residences, alongside Villa iZulu nestled within the larger game reserve.

Guests at the reserve can engage in a variety of activities, including game drives, bush walks, and starlit dining experiences. For younger guests, there is a junior ranger course, while all visitors can enjoy wildlife experiences led by expert trackers and cultural programs showcasing Zulu heritage. Remarkably, 90% of the staff originate from local communities, further enriching the guest experience with authentic cultural insights.

Xander Labuschagne is set to manage the daily hospitality operations at Jumeirah Thanda Safari. His role is crucial in maintaining the property's unique appeal and facilitating the evolution of the brand. Labuschagne is tasked with creating distinctive and purposeful guest experiences that align with Jumeirah's vision for its properties.

Jumeirah Thanda Safari is not only a luxury retreat but also a beacon of conservation and sustainability efforts. The reserve actively participates in landscape rehabilitation, alien vegetation removal, cheetah breeding, and rhino protection. It is involved in notable projects such as Project Rhino KZN and the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project.

Additionally, through The Thanda Foundation Trust, it supports Star for Life, a youth empowerment initiative that has positively impacted over 500,000 young people in South Africa and Mafia Island in Tanzania. Conveniently accessible via King Shaka International Airport in Durban, the reserve offers road transfers or a quick one-hour helicopter flight directly into the reserve, ensuring guests arrive with ease.