The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality firm, has officially announced its foray into the luxury wildlife hospitality sector in South Africa with the signing of three exclusive lodges under its iconic Taj brand. These properties will be nestled within the pristine Balule Game Reserve, a vital part of the renowned Kruger National Park.
A New Chapter in Purpose-Led Travel
“As the demand for purpose-led travel continues its upward trajectory, Taj is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional safari experiences,” stated Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL. “Our differentiated offerings seamlessly combine expert-led jungle drives with meaningful community engagement and conservation-focused design, curating truly unforgettable journeys. Our expansion into Kruger National Park builds upon this rich legacy, promising travelers an authentic connection with nature through a responsible tourism approach. We are thrilled to collaborate with OM USA LLC to transform this vision into reality.”
Unparalleled Wilderness Experiences
The three new luxury lodges promise an elevated safari experience amidst the African wilderness. These include the 30-key Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp, the more intimate 6-key Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge, and the serene 6-key Taj Lion Kings River Lodge. Each lodge will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a rejuvenating spa, a swimming pool, and dedicated recreation areas, expertly blending comfort with the raw authenticity of the African wild.
Partnership for Exclusivity and Conservation
Mr. Manish Patel of OM USA LLC expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, remarking, “The tightly controlled environment of the Balule Game Reserve guarantees exclusivity and privacy, making it a perfect destination for discerning global explorers. Taj has held a special place in the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers for over two decades. We are delighted to partner with India’s largest hospitality ecosystem to introduce the legendary Taj brand to Kruger National Park.”
Kruger National Park, spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers, stands as one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves. It is famously home to the “Big Five” – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Located within the Greater Kruger zone, the Balule Game Reserve offers the same rich wildlife experience, characterized by unfenced borders that allow animals to roam freely. Unique to this reserve, off-road game drives and thrilling night safaris facilitate rare and intimate encounters with wildlife.
OM USA LLC, founded by Ms. Adity Patel and Mr. Manish Patel, is a New York-based entity primarily specializing in the trading of diamonds, colored gemstones, and fine jewelry. The company meticulously sources and crafts high-quality diamonds and jewelry, leveraging state-of-the-art processing facilities in both India and the US to create distinctive designs for luxury retailers. Beyond its core jewelry business, OM USA LLC holds diversified interests in real estate holdings and leasing across the US and India. Notably, founders Adity and Manish Patel share a profound passion for wildlife conservation, adding a meaningful dimension to this collaboration.
