Dubai-based Jumeirah appoints GM of Hospitality for Thanda Safari

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Xander Labuschagne jumeirah thanda safari gm

Xander Labuschagne, GM of Hospitality at Jumeirah Thanda Safari

Dubai-headquartered Jumeirah Group has appointed Xander Labuschagne as General Manager of Hospitality for Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa.

In his new role, Labuschagne will oversee the day-to-day hospitality operations of the luxury safari lodge, which opened in December 2024 as Jumeirah’s first safari property, offering guests a “rare balance of world-class hospitality, conservation and cultural immersion.”

A South African national, Labuschagne will play a key role in shaping authentic guest experiences rooted in culture, conservation and connection, while supporting Jumeirah’s wider regional and global growth strategy.

Jumeirah Thanda Safari Villa iZulu Terrace

Villa iZulu terrace at Jumeirah Thanda Safari in South Africa

With more than 20 years of hospitality experience, Labuschagne has built his career across luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, branded residences, humanitarian projects and international operations spanning Africa, the UAE and Europe.

Most recently, he served as General Manager of Atzaró Cape Town – Boutique Hotel while also leading operations at Atzaró Okavango Camp in Botswana, where he oversaw procurement, guest experience, commercial performance and project delivery.

His achievements include elevating service standards, embedding sustainable practices and strengthening brand visibility in the luxury safari circuit.

Earlier in his career, he also held senior leadership roles in safari and conservation-focused projects, honing his expertise in hospitality management and sustainable tourism practices.

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Commenting on his new role, Labuschagne said: “Jumeirah Thanda Safari embodies a rare balance of world-class hospitality, conservation and cultural immersion. I look forward to working with the team to create purposeful and memorable guest experiences while building on the strong community and sustainability foundations already in place.”

Located in KwaZulu-Natal province, Jumeirah Thanda Safari spans a private 16,500-hectare Big Five game reserve. The destination features five branded Jumeirah Residences, the exclusive Villa iZulu, and an array of conservation-led experiences, from game drives and bush walks to community-rooted cultural activities.

The property also plays an active role in initiatives such as rhino protection, cheetah breeding and landscape rehabilitation, reinforcing its commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainability.

Having recently opened Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab — a superyacht-shaped resort in Dubai featuring 300 rooms and 86 suites — Jumeirah Group has ambitious plans with the upcoming launch of Jumeirah Asora Bay, an ultra-luxury boutique-style hotel on Dubai’s coveted La Mer South peninsula, expected to open in 2029.

For more information, visit www.jumeirah.com and www.jumeirah.com/thanda-safari