Tanzania braces for major investments in Luxury lodges

The SafariCo Group, which is one of East Africa’s safari and lodge operators, has earmarked US$72 million for upgrading and expanding its Tanzanian properties’ portfolio.

And this includes 23 lodges operating under the Elewana Collection, the Explorer, also by Elewana, and the Sopa Lodges.

This property accommodation development project in Tanzania is backed by a US$50 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The strategy will add a total of 184 new rooms, pushing SafariCo Group’s footprint well past 1,000 beds and counting.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) which supports the initiative is a member of the World Bank Group which was established in 1956 to promote private sector development in developing countries.

Based in East Africa, SafariCo Group is a premier safari and lodge operator that manages 23 properties across Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda.

The group operates through distinct brands including the Elewana Collection, Explorer by Elewana, and Sopa Lodges, in addition to Cheli & Peacock Safaris as well as the SkySafari.

Separately, in the broader Tanzanian hotel investment market, there are other major deals on the schedule and these include the entrance of New Mauritius Hotel in Zanzibar.

It goes with the Acquisition of the Zanzibar’s Zuri Resort and Lodges.

Reports have that the New Mauritius Hotels Limited has finalized a US$79 million deal to acquire the 5-star Zuri Zanzibar resort on the Indian Ocean Island.

New Mauritius Hotels Limited (NMH) also happens to trade in the name of Beachcomber Resorts & Hotels, a byword for excellence and luxury across the Indian Ocean.

At the same time, the Minor Hotels and Infinity Group have announced their proposed New Anantara Resort in Tanzania.

The Anantara luxury holiday resort is set to open on the Zanzibar Islands in 2027.

Thailand-based hotel owner, operator and investor Minor Hotels has signed a development agreement for Anantara Zanzibar Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Slated to open in 2027, the resort will be located on the northern coast of Zanzibar Island, featuring 181 rooms and a range of amenities.

Dubai-based Infinity Group, the owning company, has entrusted Minor Hotels and the Anantara brand with the management of this new property.

The Anantara Zanzibar Resort and residences is part of Infinity Group’s Africa portfolio, which includes various projects across the continent. The resort will comprise 37 suites, a presidential villa, and 73 one and two-bedroom villas, each with a private pool.