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• Thanda Safari Celebrates 20 Years

20 years ago on 22 May 2004, the 14 000-hectare Thanda ('love' in isiZulu) Safari, a Big Five private game reserve, officially opened to guests.

Thanda Safari - staff on 22 May 2024 (Pierre Delvaux - group CEO, and Truman Ndlovu - reserve GM - in the front)

Inspired by the adventures of Ernst Hemmingway, Dan Olofsson and his wife Christin ventured from Malmö Sweden into the rolling hills of Zululand South Africa where they were warmly welcomed by the local Zulu people. Dan’s initial quest was to find a Safari property where he could rewild all of the land with Big 5 and build a private luxury Villa for his friends and family.

Meeting Pierre Delvaux in March 2002, who at the time was a partner and head of management consulting at the accounting firm Hills Howard Zululand, changed both of their trajectories whose impact is significantly still being felt not only in the Thanda Group across Africa but also in the Star for Life International organisation.

Having first completed construction and development of the Olofsson’s first private Villa in Africa on Thanda Safari, Villa iZulu (Place of Heaven), they set about building a 9-key luxury safari lodge. Weeks before the official opening of the new lodge, Pierre’s life was about to take a radical turn.  Until then he had been consulting for Dan and handling all Thanda related matters in South Africa on behalf of the Olofsson family. It was then that Dan appointed Pierre as Managing Director and his first order of business was to undertake a restructuring of senior management.

“Just step in as Acting General Manager too Pierre in order to officially open the lodge to the public, it will only be for six months until we recruit and appoint a new General Manager.” Dan Olofsson famously said.

That was 20 years ago.

Humble Beginnings

Delvaux, who grew up in Zululand, speaks fluent Zulu and as a young child, went on safari each year with his father and siblings to the very spot where Thanda Safari and The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari are now situated, relates the Thanda Story:

“My reflection on the past 20 years is one of immense pride, humility and appreciation of the Olofsson family’s unwavering support of Africa. The Thanda journey can best be described as a business rooted in family values and ethos, where all staff regard themselves as being part of a dynamic family, deeply committed, loyal and dedicated to the ideals and vision that have made Thanda great and what it is today. Guests immediately feel the warmth and magic of our staff, appreciating extraordinary memories of a lifetime whilst on a Big 5 African Safari, where everyone goes the extra mile and nothing is a problem, showcasing the Thanda WOW FACTOR that have become known around the world as THANDA-ISMS… my greatest accomplishment and sense of satisfaction is that I feel that after twenty years that we have only just begun.” Pierre Delvaux – Founding Thanda Safari General Manager and Thanda Group CEO.

A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Thanda Safari, ranked as one of the 20 Top Resorts in South Africa in the 2020 Condé Nast Traveler Awards, is a multiple award winner of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge Awards and has consistently clinched wins at the annual World Travel Awards. Most recently at the 2023 World Travel Awards  (Africa & Indian Ocean) – Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari: South Africa ’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023 and Thanda Island: Africa’s Leading Luxury Island 2023 and the 2023 World Travel Award (Global) – Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari: World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023 and Thanda Island, Tanzania: World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island 2023.

Thanda Safari is situated 23km north of Hluhluwe on the N2, approximately 220km north of Durban, and is easily accessible from the N2 by gravel road (no 4×4 required). Richards Bay is the closest commercial airport, with King Shaka International Airport, Durban being the closest international airport. Road and helicopter transfers are available from and to Durban’s King Shaka and Richards Bay airports.

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Explore the Beauty of Nature with Tantalizing Thanda Safari

Perched on a hillside in the northern reaches of Zululand in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province, Thanda Safari is steeped in Zulu history, making it the perfect destination to take in the spectacular views while experiencing the magnificence of the Big 5.

When Swedish IT entrepreneur Dan Olofsson and his wife, Christin, first set foot in South Africa, his commitment was to establish a place that encompasses luxury, conservation, and community. In 2002, Dan founded the Thanda Group , and in essence, became entrenched in the vastness of the land, the affability of the people, and the majestic wildlife.

Arriving at Thanda Safari Lodge, I am immediately mesmerized by the landscape, the rolling hills, and undulated topography. Its storied past goes that the reserve was once the ancient hunting grounds of Zulu Kings, but is now a conservation success story, where guests come from all over the globe to enjoy up-close sightings of buffalo, rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard in the private 36,300-acre reserve. At the lounge, I am served a welcome drink, consisting of lemonade and grenadine, and ushered through to the dining area, where I will be enjoying lunch overlooking the beautiful panorama. A team of chefs ensures that I am well catered for, with a delicious venison burger & French fries for the main course, and the morish pannacotta citrus for dessert. 

Taking a leisurely stroll to my luxury suite, I swing open the imposing door and catch my breath at the size of my accommodation . In a nod to the traditional Zulu dwellings, each suite has been carefully constructed, with its rounded shape bearing testament to a conventional homestead. My luxury suite comes complete with a lounge area, a bedroom, a bathroom containing a bath and indoor & outdoor shower, an outside sala, and a heated plunge pool. Sized at around 2,400 sq. ft. and with only nine individually appointed suites dotted across the terrain, guests are ensured of the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity. Other accommodation options include the 5-bedroomed Villa iZulu , Thanda Tented Camp , featuring 15 classic safari-style tents, and the newly built Royal Residences . 

A big drawcard to Thanda Safari is the prospect of wildlife encounters, and field guide Sabelo meets up with me during high tea, where the delectable chocolate brownies are too good to resist. Making our way to the safari vehicle, tracker Khaya is in his seat at the front of the vehicle to distinguish the spoor of animals, hopefully matching the footprint to the wildlife. Departing on our game drive, we spot a black-winged kite, a side-striped jackal, and much to our surprise, a herd of buffalo decides to gatecrash our sundowner stop. Safely back in the vehicle, we head back to camp for dinner, but Sabelo decides to stop by the cheetah boma to see if the cheetahs are visible. They are indeed present, and what a privilege to cast eyes on these stunning cats. Forming part of a Thanda rehabilitation program, the bomas are used to accommodate injured cheetahs from other reserves or ones that are being rehomed at Thanda and released back into the wild once they have become acclimatized to the reserve.

Dinner is served in the indoor dining room, and tonight’s menu consists of sole with rice cake as a starter, fillet in pepper sauce with potato fondant & seasonal vegetables for the main course, and my all-time favorite – chocolate mousse for dessert! Following a good night’s sleep, we head out on our early morning game drive after snacking on homemade rusks and sipping on hot chocolate. 

It is misty and cold, with limited visibility and I reach over to grab my blanket and hot water bottle that will ward off the early morning chill, which does the trick. I had heard lions roaring at dinnertime, and during the night, but to find them might prove challenging as a lion’s roar can be heard up to 5 miles. Out of the mist, we see their outlines – a pride of nine lions, with one large male, and the rest are a mixture of females, sub-adults, and cubs. The cooler weather makes them very playful, chasing each other around, much to the delight of Thanda guests. 

How to Get There:  CemAir is a fully equipped carrier offering flights between 16 destinations within South Africa and Africa. With daily direct flights between Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport, passengers are flown in the comfortable Bombardier CRJ-900. To book visit www.flycemair.co.za

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Talking conservation at thanda safari.

• January 9, 2024
• Safari , Conservation

Driving through the rolling hills of the Zululand region in KwaZulu-Natal one cannot help but be aware of the challenges rural Zulu communities face and checking in for a luxury safari experience could feel somewhat improper. And it would be if not for the ethos of responsible tourism that underpins every decision the owners of Thanda Safari , Christin and Dan Olofsson and Pierre Delvaux, the CEO of the Thanda Group, make.

 From the very beginning, with their significant investment and commitment to creating employment, to their continuous work in the neighbouring communities, the rehabilitation of the land and the many conservation initiatives. Their love for Africa and the Zulu people is even reflected in the name – Thanda, means ‘love’ in isiZulu.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of the African bush, the sounds of unseen creatures and critters and the anticipation of what might be around the next corner. I had the privilege of being ensconced in one of the luxury tents at Thanda Tented Camp … I may have been in a tent, but the only thing close to camping about it was the closeness of the bush around me, the gravel pathways lit by the gentle light from paraffin lanterns and the flickering light of the campfire in the boma.

The other great thing about the Tented Camp is that the camp is off-grid, with solar power and a backup generator – there is even internet connectivity in the central living areas, but ideally one should just ‘switch off’ when in the bush. My tent had a wonderfully spacious bedroom, ensuite canvas bathroom and huge outdoor shower. The private deck overlooking the valley offered the perfect spot to relax, binoculars in hand, watching the birds flitting in the bush and checking the distant hillside for wildlife.

Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve was proclaimed as a protected environment in 2015 and spans 14,000 hectares of bushveld that is home to a wealth of species, including critically endangered rhinoceros and numerous other iconic animals. I met with Lorraine Doyle, Wildlife Manager and Resident Ecologist of Thanda Safari to learn more about Thanda’s commitment to conservation.

Their primary conservation focus she tells me is on conserving wildlife and their habitats, with their wildlife and environmental management team operating around the clock to achieve this. Their responsibilities encompass the overall ecological management of the reserve, combating rhino poaching in the region, and actively participating in range expansion programs for critically endangered species such as white and black rhino as well cheetah. Thanda has a proactive approach to conservation and has formed meaningful partnerships and collaborations with various conservation organizations such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) and Project Rhino KZN, of which it is a founding member.

Project Rhino KZN plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive anti-poaching and conservation effort that unites leading conservation agencies, provincial game reserves, government bodies, private game reserves, and anti-poaching security specialists in KwaZulu-Natal. These joint endeavours yield invaluable insights, contributing to the effective protection and management of wildlife within the reserve.

Additionally, Lorraine tells me, Thanda Safari proudly collaborates with the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP), an initiative committed to increasing the population of critically endangered black rhinos and expanding the habitat available to them. The project achieves this by fostering partnerships with private landowners and reserves further afield in Africa possessing suitable black rhino habitat. The reserve’s Rhino Monitoring and Anti-Poaching Unit works tirelessly to safeguard these magnificent creatures from the relentless threats of poaching, employing state-of-the-art technology (read about that HERE) and round-the-clock surveillance.

Lorraine tells me that in addition to aiding the surveillance from a security point of view, the collars on the black rhino will help them to manage the population, especially once the entire population is collared.

“It will help us answer questions like: Are there overlaps in territory? Do we maybe have too many black rhino because they’re strictly territorial? Are we going to be heading for conflict in the near future? So, there are lots of management decisions you can make around that information”, states Lorraine. “The data we’re collecting is really valuable and quite fascinating.”

It was this data that revealed the story behind “Grumpy”, a black rhino that was frequently seen around Thanda Safari Lodge. Black rhinos are very territorial, which resulted in a territorial dispute with another male, and him being the older male decided, blow this, I can walk in here and be safe walking between the rooms.  Ideal for the rhino perhaps, but not for guest safety.

“We started observing a little more and then we realized that he was going into the lodge quite frequently, mostly at night, which is not ideal with guests walking around.  So, we’ve installed a temporary electric fence around the lodge with the plan to relocate him to another reserve because he’s going to keep going back there and it’s not fair to him,” says Lorraine. “We just need to find him a reserve where there’s no other big bulls that are going to push him around.”

Another conservation initiative is Thanda’s collaboration with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s (EWT) Cheetah Metapopulation Project which is on a mission to create a sustainable and interconnected population of cheetahs across various reserves, thereby establishing the foundation for a successful metapopulation management strategy.

Lorraine tells me that her team has guided the treatment of several cheetahs, including a male with a leg fracture that inhibited -his ability to hunt, and a female who sustained an injury from what appeared to be a hyaena bite. “We put her leg back together again, and now she’s pregnant.” She will give birth in the boma and remain there until the cubs are around 12 weeks old, at which time she and the cubs will be released back into the reserve. This mirrors the time frame in which cubs born in the wild would start to move around with their mother. The special treatment of cheetahs is based on their IUCN ‘Vulnerable’ classification, meaning they face a high risk of extinction in the wild and global population decline. 

To get a first-hand experience of these conservation initiatives I head out with assistant head guide Mceleni Ephraim Mathe and tracker Ronnie Nsukwini. We are fortunate to see several white rhino on our game drives through the reserve, as well as a rather skittish black rhino that high-tailed into the thicket when Ephraim stopped the vehicle.

It is at our coffee break that I learn a little more about the game restoration project, and how this previously overgrazed and unproductive farmland and that Thanda has committed to return this land to its wilderness state. Ephraim points out where there were once cotton fields, which one would never guess, save for the occasional remaining cotton plant. No longer overgrazed, the bush and grasslands offer herbivores a veritable feast and during our game drives we see numerous herds of buffalo, plenty impala, zebra, wildebeest and a few giraffes.

Ephraim also tells of the newest section of the reserve – the additional 6,700-hectare Mduna Royal Reserve (land that is held in trust for the Zulu people by the Zulu King), a partnership between the Thanda Foundation, Ingonyama Trust and the Wildlands Conservation Trust.

It seems apt that ‘ingonyama’ means lion in isiZulu, as shortly after our coffee break, we find one of Thanda’s lion prides doing what lions do best, lying around. Their bellies large from devouring their kill from the night before, so it would be a while before they moved. We were fortunate to see them on several of our drives, and on one occasion watched as a young elephant bull mock charged one of the young males, and on another watched a lioness stalk three young kudu males, but without success.

No safari is complete with sundowners in the bush. We head out for our last afternoon drive, I enjoy the sights and sounds of the bush, the warmth of the sun on my body and the general contentment that comes from spending time in nature. And then we spot him, one of Thanda’s male cheetahs… he strides across the plain, pausing only to scent mark a couple of trees before passing beside our vehicle, walking along the road for a short distance and disappearing into the bush.

On-route to what was going to be our sundowner stop we spot a white rhino at one of the waterholes, we watch a while before proceeding. Ronnie sees a herd of buffalo in the distance and makes the call that they would be heading to the waterhole too. Plans adjusted, we too head for the waterhole… there are in fact two white rhino, and before long the herd of buffalo come charging down to the water in a cloud of dust, drinking and submerging themselves with abandon.

We leave them in peace and raise a sundowner G&T toast to Thanda’s successful conservation and habitat restoration initiatives. Back at camp we sit around the flickering light of the campfire under the starlit sky… and just when I think the evening couldn’t get any better, the melodious voices of Zulu women fill the air. The Zulu Mama’s, a choir of mothers from the local community and dressed in traditional wear, perform meaningful traditional songs – one about the threat of poaching to the bhejane , the black rhino, and another about finding a man of character. Subjects we could relate to, something beyond our love of Africa, a humanity that somehow united us in the soft glow of the firelight.

www.thanda.com

Pics – Thanda Safari (resident photographer and photographic guide Christian Sperka Photography ) & Tessa Buhrmann

Read about my experience at Thanda Villa iZulu and a safari experience while there 🙂

Read this article in the digital mag HERE

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THANDA SAFARI CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

The Thanda Story 

20 years ago  on 22 May 2004, the 14 000-hectare Thanda (‘love’ in isiZulu) Safari, a Big Five private game reserve,  officially opened to guests. 

Inspired by the adventures of Ernst Hemmingway, Dan Olofsson and his wife Christin ventured from Malmö Sweden into the rolling hills of Zululand South Africa where they were warmly welcomed by the local Zulu people. Dan’s initial quest was to find a Safari property where he could rewild all of the land with Big 5 and build a private luxury Villa for his friends and family. 

Meeting Pierre Delvaux in March 2002, who at the time was a partner and head of management consulting at the accounting firm Hills Howard Zululand, changed both of their trajectories whose impact is significantly still being felt not only in the Thanda Group across Africa but also in the Star for Life International organisation. 

Having first completed construction and development of the Olofsson’s first private Villa in Africa on Thanda Safari, Villa iZulu (Place of Heaven), they set about building a 9-key luxury safari lodge. Weeks before the official opening of the new lodge, Pierre’s life was about to take a radical turn.  Until then he had been consulting for Dan and handling all Thanda related matters in South Africa on behalf of the Olofsson family. It was then that Dan appointed Pierre as Managing Director and his first order of business was to undertake a restructuring of senior management. 

“Just step in as Acting General Manager too Pierre in order to officially open the lodge to the public, it will only be for six months until we recruit and appoint a new General Manager.” Dan Olofsson famously said. 

That was 20 years ago.

Humble beginnings

Delvaux, who grew up in Zululand, speaks fluent Zulu and as a young child, went on safari each year with his father and siblings to the very spot where Thanda Safari and The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari are now situated, relates the Thanda Story:  

“My reflection on the past 20 years is one of immense pride, humility and appreciation of the Olofsson family’s unwavering support of Africa. The Thanda journey can best be described as a business rooted in family values and ethos, where all staff regard themselves as being part of a dynamic family, deeply committed, loyal and dedicated to the ideals and vision that have made Thanda great and what it is today. Guests immediately feel the warmth and magic of our staff, appreciating extraordinary memories of a lifetime whilst on a Big 5 African Safari, where everyone goes the extra mile and nothing is a problem, showcasing the Thanda WOW FACTOR that have become known around the world as THANDA-ISMS… my greatest accomplishment and sense of satisfaction is that I feel that after twenty years that we have only just begun.” Pierre Delvaux – Founding Thanda Safari General Manager and Thanda Group CEO.

For further information, visits and high-res images please contact  Theresa Gibbon:  [email protected]  | 082 820 8437.

About Thanda Safari

Thanda Safari is a Big Five game reserve situated on 14 000 hectares in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, owned by Swedish philanthropists Christin and Dan Olofsson. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda Safari offers an authentic South African wildlife experience with excellent game viewing all year round. With a sincere commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation, it is actively involved in conservation, wildlife research and works to uplift the local communities through its ‘Star for Life’ and other projects. 

A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Thanda Safari, ranked as one of the 20 Top Resorts in South Africa in the 2020 Condé Nast Traveler Awards, is a multiple award winner of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge Awards and has consistently clinched wins at the annual World Travel Awards. Most recently at the 2023 World Travel Awards  (Africa & Indian Ocean) – Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari: South Africa’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023 and Thanda Island: Africa’s Leading Luxury Island 2023 and the 2023 World Travel Award (Global) – Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari: World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023 and Thanda Island, Tanzania: World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island 2023. 

Thanda Safari offers four different accommodation types, Thanda Safari Lodge, Villa iZulu, Thanda Tented Camp and The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari:

•                Thanda Safari Lodge has nine bush suites – shaped like a traditional Zulu homestead, the suites have panoramic views of the surrounding game reserve

•                Villa iZulu is an outstanding safari hideaway for families, holidaymakers and wedding parties wanting privacy – situated amidst lush green lawns and surrounded by expanses of wild African bush, Villa iZulu can accommodate 10 guests in five suites

•                Thanda Tented Camp features 15 colonial safari-style tents, each with its own viewing deck and en-suite bathroom

•                For the ultimate in hospitality, The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari offers the exclusive-use Royal Residences, situated within a high security, access-controlled, enclosed estate in the central part of Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve.  The Royal Residences range in size from 587m² to 1,100m² and can accommodate eight to ten guests.

Thanda Safari is situated 23km north of Hluhluwe on the N2, approximately 220km north of Durban, and is easily accessible from the N2 by gravel road (no 4×4 required). Richards Bay is the closest commercial airport, with King Shaka International Airport, Durban being the closest international airport. Road and helicopter transfers are available from and to Durban’s King Shaka and Richards Bay airports.

Thanda Safari 

E: [email protected]

T: +27 (0) 32 586 0149 | www.thanda.com (new website)

Facebook/Instagram: thandasafari

Twitter: Thanda_

Thanda Group: Global Triumph at World Travel Awards 2023

• January 23, 2024

Thanda Group has announced that it won two World Leading awards at the Grand Finale of the 30th annual World Travel Awards for its private island located off the coast of Tanzania and its safari offering in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

Thanda Group won two prestigious ‘World’ categories, the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island 2023 for Thanda Island in Tanzania and the World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2023 for Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The World Travel Awards Grand Finale Gala ceremony 2023, held at Dubai’s iconic Burj Al Arab on 1 December 2023, announced the winners.

Prestigious Recognition

Globally recognised as the most prestigious ’honours programme’ in travel and tourism, the annual World Travel Awards Finale Gala ceremony is a significant travel and tourism event of the year that brings together the leading industry figureheads and VIPs from around the world.

Winners of the World Travel Awards are voted for, and by, travel and tourism professionals and leisure travel consumers worldwide. These accolades recognise the commitment to excellence that travel organisations have demonstrated in the last twelve months.

On behalf of Thanda’s owners Christin and Dan Olofsson of Malmo, Sweden, I would like to congratulate the leadership team that represented Thanda, Antigone Meda, our long-standing General Manager of Thanda Island and Imani Mwakosya, Hospitality Manager of Thanda Island as well as Promise Hlongwane, Guest Relations Manager at Thanda Safari and Bronwyn Smith, Head of Sales for Thanda Group, who all attended the prestigious event at the Burj Al Arab in Dubai . Pierre Delvaux CEO of Thanda Group

Thanda’s WOW FACTOR

“Thanda has become synonymous with fantastic service excellence where staff always go the extra mile to ensure that guests leave as friends with the greatest of memories. Both Thanda Island and Villa iZulu at Thanda Safari – Private Game Reserve are exceptional world-class products whose teams make magic and whose guests have become used to experiencing the “WOW FACTOR” that makes them return time and time again.

I would like to thank all Thanda staff who contribute towards making this recognition possible, as well as The World Travel Awards whose voters continue to recognise these two unique destinations.”

Both Thanda Safari and Thanda Island are located within their own private reserves. Together with a strong community and conservation commitment, they offer discerning guests a wide variety of expert-led wildlife and marine-based activities, including the opportunity to participate in their respective conservation initiatives.

Thanda Island & Thanda Safari

Thanda Island , Nestled within Tanzania’s Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, this property provides absolute exclusivity for families and friends to enjoy on a sole-use basis. Combining laidback tropical beach-house living with outdoor ocean adventures, the property boasts a five-bedroom villa, two beach chalets, a glass rim-flow swimming pool, a boat house filled with water activity equipment, a tennis court, a fully equipped gym, a yoga deck, and an outdoor cocktail bar. Furthermore, guests can enjoy a range of activities, from swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding to yoga, tennis, and cocktails.

Thanda Safari offers an authentic South African wildlife experience with excellent game viewing all year round. Big Five game drives, specialised bush walks, and wildlife conservation activities, while the Zulu cultural tours into the rural communities provide meaningful insight and a rewarding African experience. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious safari experience, Villa iZulu is the perfect option for you. This exclusive-use villa can accommodate up to 10 guests in its five stunning suites.

In addition to its well-appointed bedrooms, Villa iZulu boasts an impressive array of amenities. These include a library/cigar lounge, wine cellar, playroom, heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and outdoor boma. With its own helicopter pad, guests can arrive in style and convenience. The villa is fully serviced and staffed by a dedicated team of professionals. Set within a beautiful, fully fenced garden, this magnificent 900sqm villa offers an unforgettable safari experience that is sure to leave you feeling pampered and rejuvenated.

www.than da.com

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Thanda Safari Celebrates 20 Years

20 years ago on 22 May 2004, the 14 000-hectare Thanda (‘love’ in isiZulu) Safari, a Big Five private game reserve, officially opened to guests

Inspired by the adventures of Ernst Hemmingway, Dan Olofsson and his wife Christin ventured from Malmö Sweden into the rolling hills of Zululand South Africa where they were warmly welcomed by the local Zulu people. Dan’s initial quest was to find a Safari property where he could rewild all of the land with Big 5 and build a private luxury Villa for his friends and family.

Meeting Pierre Delvaux in March 2002, who at the time was a partner and head of management consulting at the accounting firm Hills Howard Zululand, changed both of their trajectories whose impact is significantly still being felt not only in the Thanda Group across Africa but also in the Star for Life International organisation.

Having first completed construction and development of the Olofsson’s first private Villa in Africa on Thanda Safari, Villa iZulu (Place of Heaven), they set about building a 9-key luxury safari lodge. Weeks before the official opening of the new lodge, Pierre’s life was about to take a radical turn.  Until then he had been consulting for Dan and handling all Thanda related matters in South Africa on behalf of the Olofsson family. It was then that Dan appointed Pierre as Managing Director and his first order of business was to undertake a restructuring of senior management.

“Just step in as Acting General Manager too Pierre in order to officially open the lodge to the public, it will only be for six months until we recruit and appoint a new General Manager.” Dan Olofsson famously said.

That was 20 years ago.

Humble beginnings

Delvaux, who grew up in Zululand, speaks fluent Zulu and as a young child, went on safari each year with his father and siblings to the very spot where Thanda Safari and The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari are now situated, relates the Thanda Story:

“My reflection on the past 20 years is one of immense pride, humility and appreciation of the Olofsson family’s unwavering support of Africa. The Thanda journey can best be described as a business rooted in family values and ethos, where all staff regard themselves as being part of a dynamic family, deeply committed, loyal and dedicated to the ideals and vision that have made Thanda great and what it is today. Guests immediately feel the warmth and magic of our staff, appreciating extraordinary memories of a lifetime whilst on a Big 5 African Safari, where everyone goes the extra mile and nothing is a problem, showcasing the Thanda WOW FACTOR that have become known around the world as THANDA-ISMS… my greatest accomplishment and sense of satisfaction is that I feel that after twenty years that we have only just begun.” Pierre Delvaux – Founding Thanda Safari General Manager and Thanda Group CEO.

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South Africa – Villa iZulu

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Villa iZulu

 south africa, africa.

Situated in the rich wildlife area of South Africa’s northern KwaZulu Natal (KZN) is one of Africa’s most luxurious safari destinations, Thanda Safari. This multi-award-winning, Big Five private game reserve spans over 14,000 hectares and offers four unique safari accommodation options: Thanda Safari Lodge, Villa iZulu, Thanda Tented Camp, and The Royal Residences, each one an absolute dream to experience.

Thanda’s dedicated team of wildlife guides and trackers lead guests on an adventure into the reserve’s plains, valleys, and mountains in search of the legendary Big Five and all the extraordinary wildlife that can be seen on an African Safari. The reserve opened in May 2004 and has consistently been named Africa’s and the World’s Leading Luxury Lodge.

Villa iZulu is Thanda Safari’s luxury classic villa. It was originally built as a getaway for Thanda Safari’s owners, the Olofsson family from Sweden. Today it is available for guests who prefer an exclusive, completely private retreat. It has been honored with the most awards of any luxury, privately-owned villa in Africa by the World Travel Awards.

With five luxurious bedrooms en suite, a large living and dining area, the Hemingway library, and a wine cellar, Villa iZulu has a dedicated butler, chef, and manager looking after the guests. The villa’s dedicated chef prepares delicious cuisine for every dietary requirement, from English breakfasts (with a perfect egg benedict) to four-course fine dining dinners, bush barbecues (braais), and legendary high teas. Outside there is a beautifully landscaped garden with a swimming pool, boma, and helipad, with high-security fencing enclosing the whole property, making it very safe for guests to wander through the gardens or to sit on the deck overlooking the waterhole. This safari villa offers expansive views of the 14,000-hectare reserve where the Big Five and all the other wildlife roam. Villa iZulu has its own safari vehicle, guide, and tracker, and extra vehicles are brought in when needed. Game drives are flexible, and guests can decide when they wish to head into the reserve.

For Spa treatments, the therapists from the Spa at Thanda Safari Lodge come to Villa iZulu, or guests are transported to Thanda Safari Lodge.

“For our family, Thanda is a place of seclusion and wilderness ~ where we restore our senses and rejuvenate our spirit in the heart of the Royal Zulu Kingdom. It is about living the adventure, conserving this wildlife wonder, and sharing in the traditions of this vast, wild domain.” – Dan Olofsson, founder-owner of Thanda

Villa iZulu was initially built as an exclusive luxury villa for the owners of Thanda Safari, the Olofsson family of Sweden. Today it is a sumptuous butler-serviced safari lodge and bush retreat available for guests who prefer a completely private, exclusive retreat. It has been honored with the most awards of any luxury, privately-owned villa in Africa by the World Travel Awards.

Dan Olofsson’s requirement for Villa iZulu is that it should offer absolutely everything that guests would expect from the world’s best safari villa. It has five luxurious bedrooms en suite, a large living and dining area, the Hemingway library, and a wine cellar, and is situated in a beautifully landscaped garden with a swimming pool, boma, and helipad, fenced in from the surrounding reserve. Villa iZulu has been honored with the most awards of any luxury, privately-owned villa in Africa by the World Travel Awards.

In addition to offering guests an unforgettable safari experience, what sets Thanda Safari apart is the embracing of Zulu people and Zulu culture – one of the most enigmatic, powerful, enduring cultures in the world. Thanda Safari is committed to the socio-economic empowerment of the local Zulu communities.

Thanda Safari Lodge offers early morning and late afternoon safari drives as this is the best time to look for the Big Five, led by experts of the African bush. You’ll see an incredible range of animals, including cheetahs, hyaenas, giraffes, warthogs, and an abundance of bird and plant life.

Guided walks through the bush can also be organized, as can photographic safaris. Both offer a thrilling experience of the wilderness and all its inhabitants. Thanda’s guides and trackers share their extensive knowledge and animal tracking ability with you, as well as ancient Zulu stories of the wild.

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Lottie's World

Simple luxury & joy

Thanda – South Africa at it’s best

I’m quite proud to be a compatriot to Dan Olofsson, Swedish IT billionaire and philanthropist. One of Dan’s huge projects is  Thanda Safari;  a 14 000 square kilometers private game reserve  in the beautiful, hilly bushlands and forests of northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa .

Thanda is rewarded and world-renowned for its passionate and sustainable approach to wildlife – you may see The Big Five – and highly interesting educational initiatives and co-operations with the local community; among those the Star for Life project.

Thanda has three accommodation options: Thanda Safari Lodge with nine separate villa huts called bush suites, in a charming African-Narnia style with own pools and ‘bomas’. Another option is the Thanda Tented Camp with 15 luxury safari tents where non-dangerous grass eaters wander freely around the tents, pool and restaurant area.

And there is Dan Olofsson’s own villa, possible to rent when he is not there with his family: Dan’s villa is named Villa iZulu and is a huge, private and exclusive bush retreat, often chosen by small groups, celebrities and families. If I ever get to stay there, I will take the “parents, main bedroom” with private veranda overlooking the water hole.

On top, for those who would like to become residents in this huge reserve, there is a new project with a 44 private villas yet to be constructed, in the northern parts of Thanda . Personally, I’m not really there with the needed six million dollars for one of those Royal Villas, even though it would be exciting to fraternize with the Zulu King and to wake up to roaring lions in the surrounding mountains.

I loved the exclusive experience of the South African bush and the Thanda understated luxury, matched with village and school visits and its celebration of Zulu culture. Plus the boma dinner by the fire – and a sad zulu sangoma (divine) examination and prophecy regarding myself…I still need to digest that one.

Christian Sperka has taken most of the pictures of animals in this post, among those Thandas beautifully posed leopard, just waiting for us in the bush. Christian Sperka is the photo master at Thanda and cooperated excellently with Becky, our tracker. I will never forget the rhinos chasing lions, nor the newly arrived cheeta. See Christian’s pics  from our game drives.

You may, by the way, book a free two hour wild life photo course withChristian Sperka at Thanda, it’s included in the tent or villa price, as well as all inclusive food and game drives. Longer photo courses and rides in Christian’s specially adapted photo jeep ”Green Mamba” may be booked as well, at an additional cost. Highly recommended. @sydafrikaresor @christiansperkaphotography

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Published by @Lottieknutson

Experienced traveller. Knows the industry and eternally curious of new meetings, cultures, food and hotels. View all posts by @Lottieknutson

4 Replies to “Thanda – South Africa at it’s best”

Hej Lottie – long time! Följer dig i spåren via Fb. Kan du ta kontakt, please! Bästa / Anders W

absolut vad har du för mob nr eller mail? Med vänlig hälsning Lottie

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Hi Lottie, lovely article.

The Thanda Royal Residences consist of 44 Royal Villas. The King extends a personal invitation to selected member that purchase a villa to become a part of The Royal Thanda Club, a highly exclusive, one-of-a-kind, Private Royal Club of only 44select members on invitation only by the King.

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Dagens namn: Robert, Robin

Resa | Sydafrika

De äger världens bästa safari-lodge.

Frida Bergsten

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Uppdaterad 2011-03-10 | Publicerad 2010-11-12

Paret Olofsson från Malmö byggde lyxcamp i Sydafrika

Världens bästa safari-lodge ligger i Sydafrika.

Och den är svenskägd!

Thanda Private Game Reserve är en lyxlodge och safarianläggning på 14000 hektar, belägen norr om Durban på Sydafrikas kust mot Indiska oceanen.

Här finns runt 5000 vilda djur, bland annat lejon, bufflar, elefanter, noshörningar och leoparder.

Thanda – som betyder kärlek på zulu – startades och ägs av Malmö-miljonären Dan Olofssons och hans hustru Christin. De åkte ner till Sydafrika 2002 och hade tänkt köpa en mark för privat bruk. Men det blev mycket mer än så.

År 2004 och efter att ha ha investerat 250 miljoner stod lyxlodgen färdig.

– Man kommer till ett skede i livet där man värdesätter livskvalitet, och vi tyckte att det var trevligt att bygga en lodge,säger Dan Olofsson.

Fick pris i London

I söndags fick anläggningen pris som världens bästa lyxlodge på World travel awards i London, galan som sägs vara resebranschens Oscarsgala. Galan hölls för 17:e året i rad och sammanlagt tävlades det i 1000 kategorier från resebranschen.

Det var andra året i rad som Thanda korades till världens bästa lyxlodge. 2007-2008 vann Dan och Christin Olofsson även pris för Afrikas bästa safari.

”Fantastisk natur”

– Sydafrika har en fantastisk natur och vi har en fin anläggning. Sedan är landet ändå välordnat fungerande infrastruktur och lagstiftning. Dessutom får utlänningar äga mark, och det är knappt någon tidsskilland till Sverige, säger Dan Olofsson.

I dag är det skånska paret bosatt i Malmö. Men de åker ner till Sydafrika fyra till fem gånger om året och bor i en privat villa som de har i anslutning till lyxlodgen.

Vad saknar ni mest från Sydafrika när ni är i Sverige?

– Kvällarna, när man sitter runt en eld med en fantastisk stjärnhimmel och hör när lejon ryter. Vi svenskar gillar ju att sitta ute.

Vän med Mandela

Thanda Private Game Reserve har 90 anställda och plats för 30 besökare, alltså hela tre anställda per besökare. Den dyraste sviten har fem rum och kostar 45000 kr.

Dan Olofsson är nära vän med Nelson Mandela och var den enda europén när denne bjöd sina närmaste vänner på 90-årskalas. Men Mandela har ännu inte besökt Thanda Private Game Reserve.

Dan Olofsson är även grundare till Star for Life 2005, ett program för att förhindra spridningen av hiv bland unga människor i södra Afrika.

Följ RESA på Facebook – klicka här och titta in!

Längtar du till värmen? Hitta erbjudanden på solresor bland Airtours sista minuten-resor!

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Official Launch: The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari

Luxury Travel Lifestyle PR

Discover Africa’s most exclusive private residence club at Thanda Safari.

On its 20th year anniversary, Thanda Safari is thrilled to launch The Royal Thanda Club . This exciting new experience is set to become one of the most exclusive private residence clubs and real estate offerings in Africa. Owned by discerning families from around the world, these Royal Residences, located within The Royal Thanda Club Estate, is where they gather and spend glorious days and starlit nights together. Some have chosen to make their Royal Residences available to the guests of Thanda Safari who seek an adventurous lifestyle, a great African Safari and an escape to freedom. Guests can now book these ultra-exclusive Royal Residences for the ultimate in hospitality during their Big Five Safari.

Situated in the rolling hills of Zululand, South Africa’s northern KwaZulu Natal, Thanda Safari is one of Africa’s most authentic safari destinations, rich in wildlife, Zulu culture and history, made even more exclusive by the addition of The Royal Thanda Club. Meticulously designed and individually furnished according to owners’ refined taste, each Royal Residence seamlessly blends sophistication with a unique Zulu architectural theme and spirit. Ranging in size from 587m² to 1,100m² covered area, these magnificent four and five suite abodes offer absolute privacy and spectacular views over the expansive, multi-award-winning, 5-star Big Five private game reserve, spanning 14,000-hectares, where wildlife conservation is the main priority and lions roam free. Creating a true sense of belonging, of destiny, these Royal Residence’s offer an exceptionally luxurious home away from home – a Kingdom to call Home.

With an extensive range of lavish facilities and amenities, from private verandas and air conditioning, to indoor and outdoor showers, every detail has been curated to ensure guests’ utmost comfort and luxury. Complete with private swimming pools, hot tubs, and indulgent spa treatments available, guests will experience a profound sense of belonging and peace, surrounded by the vast untouched African wilderness. A stay in one of the Royal Residences comes with a dedicated butler, private chef, personalised concierge service and hospitality staff to ensure every need and desire will be effortlessly fulfilled. In keeping with this truly extraordinary safari experience, visitors can arrive direct by Thanda Safari’s own helicopter, enjoying aerial views of protected nature reserves and KwaZulu-Natal’s magnificent coastline during the flight. With 24-hour access-controlled VIP security, guests seeking a little extra reassurance can be sure their stay at Thanda Safari is secluded and safe.

Whilst staying at The Royal Thanda Club travellers can embark on an extraordinary journey of discovery and adventure through twice-daily game drives in a private game viewing vehicle, led by Thanda Safari’s highly experienced guides and trackers to immerse visitors in the wonders of the African wilderness. From exhilarating bush walks led by specialist walking guides and outdoor dining experiences under a million stars with the sounds of the night, to sundowners overlooking the ancient African hills, the once in a lifetime activities at Thanda Safari are endless. For younger guests, a junior ranger’s course awaits, offering a remarkable educational experience, ensuring all members of the family are entertained and included, brought together by their love and appreciation of nature.

In addition to an unforgettable safari experience, what sets Thanda Safari apart is its dedication to protecting wildlife and embracing the rich history of the Zulu people– one of the most enigmatic, powerful, enduring cultures in the world. With 93% of its team coming from the neighboring communities Thanda Safari is proudly committed to the socio-economic empowerment of the local Zulu people. Supporting employment, skills development, career advancement and community educational initiatives they also work with communities on conservation. Thanda Safari’s highly skilled wildlife and environment management team operate 24-hours a day to combat rhino and elephant poaching in the region and participate in breeding and range expansion programmes for critically endangered species to ensure their protection and survival. This love and nurturing of species not only contributes to conservation, but helps create an environment of love and respect between humans and animals, the perfect conditions for an incredible safari experience, a dream of Africa.

Commenting on the launch of The Royal Thanda Club, Thanda Group’s CEO Pierre Delvaux says, “Thanda is a place where families and friends can experience freedom in a kingdom to call home. These Royal Residences offer one of the most exclusive and private safari offerings in Africa, a home away from home where you can appreciate quality time, create extraordinary memories, connect with nature in one of the world’s most beautiful game reserves and watch your future unfold…imagine.”

Taking Thanda Safari’s accommodation options to the next level, The Royal Residences add a fourth, ultra high-end safari offering, joining Thanda Safari’s other three other unique accommodation options: Thanda Safari Lodge, Villa iZulu and Thanda Tented Camp, each one an absolute dream to experience.

The Royal Thanda Club by Thanda Safari currently has four Royal Residences available for rental this year. Prices for a four suite Royal Residence starts from £6,500 a night and includes a dedicated hospitality team, field rangers and trackers, all meals and selected beverages, game drives and bush walks.

For more information, please visit www.thanda.com or contact reservations team at [email protected]

For media inquiries please contact: [email protected]

Fox Communications

Luxury Travel & Lifestyle PR

About The Thanda Group

The adventure that is Thanda started with the grand vision of Thanda’s founders and owners, Christin and Dan Olofsson from Sweden, who had a compelling desire to become part of Africa and make a longstanding commitment to it. In Africa they found the people, environment and wildlife so special and captivating that in 2002 they founded the Thanda Group, which today includes three extraordinary hospitality experiences, Thanda Safari, Thanda Island and Thanda Classic Cruise, an unparalleled real estate offering, and many long-term conservation initiatives, educational and skills advancement programmes, and community partnerships.

About Thanda Safari

Thanda Safari is a Big Five game reserve situated on 14 000 hectares in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, owned by Swedish philanthropists Christin and Dan Olofsson. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda Safari offers an authentic South African wildlife experience with excellent game viewing all year round. With a sincere commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation, it is actively involved in conservation, wildlife research and works to uplift the local communities through its ‘Star for Life’ and other projects. A proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Thanda Safari, ranked as one of the 20 Top Resorts in South Africa in the 2020 Condé Nast Traveler Awards, a multiple award winner of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge Awards and has consistently won at the World Travel Awards.

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A KINGDOM TO CALL HOME

The Royal Residences offer an unprecedented opportunity to own a piece of history, nestled deep in the Zululand bushveld, a land where Zulu Kings and warriors once hunted and roamed; a wilderness haven that became the first proclaimed wildlife reserve in South Africa in 1895, along with the now-famous Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve. It was in this area that Zulu kaNtombhela, founder and chief of the Zulu clan and son of Ntombhela kaMalandela, established KwaZulu or “Place of Heaven” in 1709. It is only at the express invitation of Thanda’s founder, Dan Olofsson, that the ability to purchase a Royal Residence will be conferred on a prospective purchaser.

BY SPECIAL INVITATION ONLY

The Royal Thanda Club is intended for likeminded global leaders, entrepreneurs, social investors and adventurers who wish to participate in an incomparable network in Africa, an unsurpassed lifestyle in a celebrated, private Big Five game reserve, and an opportunity to do good in this unique part of the world.

As a member, you will be creating a royal network like none other and a lifetime of unique friendships and memories that few experience. It is a most distinctive legacy that can be bequeathed to future generations. You and your family will, at the same time, have the opportunity to restore your senses and rejuvenate your spirit in a place of extraordinary wildlife, history and mystique. You will be creating a home and network within the ancient Royal Zulu Hunting Grounds of one of Africa’s most beautiful and richly blessed kingdoms.

THE ROYAL THANDA CLUB

This Royal Thanda Club membership is limited to only 44 select members, including Dan Olofsson - the Chairman and owner of Sigma/Danir Sweden and the Thanda Group - and the CEO of the Thanda Group, Pierre Delvaux. This is undoubtedly Africa’s most exclusive club.

As a member of The Royal Thanda Club, you automatically become a full title owner of one of 44 Royal Villas situated in the high-security Thanda Royal Residence Estate – a 380-hectare pristine wildlife haven within the boundaries of the 14,000-hectare Thanda Safari Big Five game reserve. The Estate is for the exclusive access of The Thanda Royal Club members.

The Thanda Royal Residence Estate has been created in collaboration with a leading international team of architects, planners, developers, and project managers. Perfectly suited to the surrounding bush and mountain landscape, with no internal fences or walls, each member has a choice of distinctive Royal Villa stands. The land size of the stands ranges from 1 to 38 hectares, each offering unique and dramatic views of the bush, mountains, valleys, and rivers.

The Royal Residences will be fenced with electrified barriers to provide first-class security and protection from the wild animals in the surrounding Big Five Thanda Safari reserve.

A MESSAGE OF WELCOME FROM CHRISTIN AND DAN OLOFSSON

For our family, Thanda is a place of seclusion ~ where we restore our senses and rejuvenate our spirit. For us, Thanda is both silent and alive with the sounds of the Zululand bush. Located deep in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, Thanda is about belonging to, rather than simply viewing one of Africa’s most extraordinary places.

It is about conserving this wildlife wonder and sharing in the traditions, experiences and heritage of the people of this vast ancestral domain. Thanda means Love in the language of the Zulu people, and we welcome you to participate in the spiritual, cultural and natural abundance of Thanda, by owning an exclusive Thanda Royal Residence. Join us in keeping Thanda true to its Zulu name, Place of Love, and make a home for your family here.

MAKE THIS KINGDOM YOUR HOME Enquire

Dan Olofsson Biography

Dan Olof Olofsson (born 24 September 1950 in Ekenäs, Finland) is a Swedish entrepreneur, business leader and philanthropist.

Dan Olofsson was born as the second oldest of five siblings in Ekenäs, Finland, where his father was employed as pastor of Karis from 1948 to 1951. His parents and family are rooted in Kaxås, in Jämtland in northern Sweden. When Olofsson was one year old his family moved to Malmö in southern Sweden, where he was brought up and still lives.

Olofsson attended upper secondary technical school at Pauliskolan in Malmö and graduated as Master of Science in Engineering at Lunds Tekniska Högskola in 1974. After his education, Olofsson began a career in the technology consulting industry. He started at VBB (what is now Sweco) where he during 1979 became group manager for a new venture in energy technology. Later, Dan Olofsson proceeded to become region manager for Scandiaconsult's southern division.

The Danir Group

The family business Danir was founded in 1986. Dan Olofsson has gradually, together with his son Johan Glennmo and with a long-term focus, built this group of companies which in 2022 is expected to have a turnover of almost SEK 13 billion. The Group has grown primarily through new hires and the start-up of new companies, and now has 11,600 employees in 26 countries.

The main business is consulting companies that focus on supporting customers in their digitalization. This is run within the framework of Sigma, Nexer, A Society, and PION Group. The Danir Group also has financial investments.

Thanda and Star for Life

In 2002, Dan Olofsson decided to build the safari facility Thanda Safari with more than 14,000 hectares of land in South Africa. The safari facility is a conservation project to protect endangered species and has also for several years received the World Travel Award as “The World's Leading Luxury Lodge”. In 2016, the luxury marine reserve Thanda Island opened just off the coast of Tanzania and was awarded “The World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island” by World Travel Awards.

Olofsson’s philanthropic commitment is best seen through the organization Star for Life, which he and his wife Christin launched in 2005. So far, 500,000 young people has participated in a four-year preventive programme against HIV/AIDS, promoting a healthy way of life, in South Africa, Namibia, and Sri Lanka. Since 2013, Star for Life is also established in Sweden under the name ‘Motivationslyftet’, aiming to strengthen young people's self-esteem and belief in the future. In 2021, Star for Life was started in Jerusalem with a focus on improving the living conditions of the inhabitants of East Jerusalem through investments in education and jobs.

Uppstart Malmö and Project Kaxås

In 2011, Olofsson initiated the founding of "Uppstart Malmö", a trust aimed at creating more job opportunities in the under-privileged areas of his hometown Malmö. The concept behind the trust is to offer advice, support and financial help to local entrepreneurs who create more jobs, and to help young people and immigrants enter the labor market. Altogether, more than 3,500 people have found work through this initiative.

To break the depopulation in sparsely populated areas of Norrland's interior and ensure the survival of Kaxås village school, Project Kaxås was started in 2019. The idea was to invest in young families who want to live a safe life close to nature and still have access to a functioning labour market including teleworking. By moving in young families from different places in Sweden, the number of inhabitants in Kaxås increases from 100 to about 260, of which the number of children increases by over 60. The eco-village Ladriket is an important part of Project Kaxås.

Miscellaneous

In the autumn of 2012, Olofsson’s autobiography Mina tre liv (“My three lives”) was published by the publishing house Ekerlids Förlag. The book has received particular attention for its claim that the Swedish government should have committed a financial miscarriage of justice at financier Maths O Sundqvist.

In recent years, Olofsson has actively participated in the public debate on issues relating to business conditions and entrepreneurship, about the defense of freedom of choice in welfare, and about the need for a policy that combines a positive climate for companies with social responsibility.

Dan Olofsson is the uncle of the artist Jonathan Johansson and the father of Andreas Olofsson, who played guitar in The Animal Five.

Bibliography

My three lives: about enterprise, engagement and violation of justice . Stockholm: Ekerlid. Libris. ISBN:9789187391187

• 2001 – South Swedish county of Skåne's Greatest Entrepreneur
• 2004 – City of Malmö Amb*ador of the Year
• 2008 – The Pegasus Prize
• 2008 – The Community Philanthropy Award at Global Business Coalition in New York
• 2011 – Entrepreneurial Role model of the Year by Founders Alliance
• 2011 – H.M. The King's Medal 12th size for important contributions to Swedish business and philanthropic commitment
• 2012 – The Royal Patriotic Society Business Medal for outstanding entrepreneurship
• 2012 – The magazine Veckans Affärer ’s Social Capitalist Award, given to role models who through business try to solve problems in society
• 2015 – Olofsson was honored with the Swedish Region Skåne's award for exceptional efforts for the development of Skåne
• 2015 – Awarded an honorary doctorate by the Faculty of Technology and Society at Malmö University in Malmö, Sweden, for contributing to resolve societal problems through the use of information and communication technology
• 2015 – Awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of FASTA in Argentine, for his citizenship and philanthropic efforts in Africa and Sweden
• 2015 – Awarded The Confederation of Swedish Enterprise' (Swedish: Svenskt Näringsliv) Nicolin Prize for his contributions to the public debate for a better understanding of the importance of enterprises
• 2018 – Dan Olofsson is chosen to become a member of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Leadership Council
• 2019 – Appointed 2019's Growth Entrepreneur in Malmö, Sweden
• 2021 – Jerusalem Mayor's Medal of Honor for long-term support of the Jewish nation and work to improve the living conditions of the residents of East Jerusalem.

External links

• Sigma Group
• Nexer Group
• Star for Life
• Thanda Private Game Reserve
• Uppstart Malmö

Description above from the Wikipedia article Dan Olofsson , licensed under CC-BY-SA, full list of contributors on Wikipedia.

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