Jumeirah, a prominent name in luxury hospitality and a subsidiary of Dubai Holding, has recently appointed Xander Labuschange as the General Manager of Hospitality for Jumeirah Thanda Safari located in South Africa.

Xander carries over twenty years of diverse experience in hospitality, which includes work in humanitarian initiatives, luxury safari lodgings, residences, and international operations spanning South Africa, Botswana, the UAE, and Europe. His last position was as General Manager at Atzaro Cape Town, a boutique hotel, where he was involved in both Atzaro Okavango Camp in Botswana.

In his new position at Jumeirah Thanda Safari, Xander will manage everyday hospitality operations, enhancing the property’s unique features while supporting the brand’s transformation through delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Jumeirah’s entry into Africa was marked by the opening of Jumeirah Thanda Safari and Jumeirah Thanda Island in Tanzania back in December 2024. This partnership with the Thanda Group represents a significant milestone in Jumeirah’s expansion strategy, focusing on offering meaningful cultural experiences for travelers.

Located within one of Southern Africa’s private Big Five game reserves, Jumeirah Thanda Safari covers 16,500 hectares in KwaZulu-Natal. The estate features The Royal Thanda Club, a 386-hectare controlled-access enclave that includes luxury residences and a multitude of guest experiences such as game drives, bush walks, gourmet dining under the stars, and tailored cultural programs reflecting Zulu heritage.

Committed to sustainability and conservation, Jumeirah Thanda Safari actively participates in initiatives like landscape restoration and wildlife protection. They also run youth empowerment projects through The Thanda Foundation Trust, impacting over 500,000 young people in South Africa and Mafia Island in Tanzania.

About Jumeirah: Jumeirah operates a collection of 31 luxury properties across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The brand was established with the opening of the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in 1999 and is renowned for its exceptional beachfront resorts and luxurious city hotels.