Dubai World Africa acquires three South African wildlife game reserves

The acquisition is in line with the Dubai World Group's strategy to acquire high-end assets in key destinations across the world.

The three well-established game reserves will enhance Dubai World Africa's portfolio of prime African properties, which include the iconic Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate and Spa, both in Cape Town, South Africa, Kempinski Beach Resort and Residences in the Comoros, One & Only Zanzibar, Djibouti Palace Kempinski and Nyungwe, Akagera National Park and Gorilla's Nest Lodge all in Rwanda, among others.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Dubai World Chairman, said: "The acquisition of these top-end resorts represents a sound opportunity to co-invest in the growing South African hospitality sector. Each resort is superbly located on prime land with excellent development potential. The deal presents a highly prospective growth opportunity for South African economy."

"Dubai World has long identified South Africa as a sound investment base. We see many good opportunities and we are here for long term. As we have said earlier, the company intends to invest about $1.5 billion in Africa over the next five years," Mr. Bin Sulayem added.

"We are strongly focused on establishing a leading conservation-based company in South Africa," he said. "African wild life is precious. It has much more value than as a tourism attraction. Dubai World sees this as a commitment to protect the reserve as well as encourage tourism."

James Wilson, CEO of Dubai World Africa, said that both Shamwari and Sanbona are within the proximity of the popular tourism destinations of Cape Town and the Garden Route.

Adrian Gardiner, founder of Shamwari and Mantis Collection, will continue as both managing director and shareholder of the three reserves.

The current management at Mantis Collection Head Office as well as all game reserve management and employees will remain in their positions.