India’s largest hospitality group, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), is set to enter the South African safari market with three luxury lodges under the Taj brand in Balule Game Reserve within the Greater Kruger region.
The announcement follows the signing of a partnership agreement with New York-based OM USA LLC, founded by Adity and Manish Patel, a company that specialises in the trading of diamonds, gemstones and jewellery.
The properties will include:
- Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp, a 30-key lodge
- Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge, with six keys
- Taj Lion Kings River Lodge, also with six keys
Each of these properties will have an all-day dining restaurant, spa, swimming pool and leisure spaces.
Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL’s MD and CEO, said the development reflects growing demand for “purpose-led travel”. The properties will offer a blend of guided wildlife experiences, community engagement and conservation-focused design, he added.
Balule Game Reserve offers access to Big Five sightings and allows off-roading and night drives. Its unfenced borders also allow wildlife to roam freely between the private and national reserves.
Opening dates have not been announced.
