Banyan Tree Enters Safari Market with Ruaha Retreat and 26-Property Africa Expansion
Banyan Tree has opened Ubuyu, a Banyan Tree Escape, in Tanzania's Ruaha National Park - the group's first safari property. The six-villa retreat sits on the banks of the Great Ruaha River in southern Tanzania, with each villa featuring a private plunge pool, open-air shower and views across the river and savannah. Rates range from $6,100 per night for a River Front Villa to $18,600 per night for the three-suite Ubuyu Private Retreat. The property is all-inclusive and accessed via Msembe Airstrip, with connections from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar, the Serengeti and Selous.
The Ruaha opening was followed almost immediately by a significant expansion announcement, with Banyan Group confirming a majority stake acquisition in Cape Town-based Newmark Hotels and Reserves. The deal gives Banyan Group access to a management portfolio of 26 hotels, safari lodges and private reserves across Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe - including Motswari Private Game Reserve in Greater Kruger, Gorilla Heights Lodge in Uganda and QWABI Private Game Reserve in South Africa's Waterberg Biosphere Reserve. Banyan is acquiring an initial 70% stake, with full ownership to follow in phases, while Newmark will retain its brand identity and Cape Town leadership under founder and CEO Neil Markovitz.
Source: Forbes
