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The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), one of India’s leading hospitality groups, has signed agreements to open three luxury wildlife lodges under the Taj brand in the Balule Game Reserve, within Kruger National Park, South Africa. This marks IHCL’s first move into high-end wildlife accommodation in South Africa.
Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL’s Managing Director and CEO, commented, “As the demand for purpose-led travel continues to grow, Taj, with its differentiated offerings, brings exceptional safari experiences where expert-led jungle drives, community engagement, and conservation-led design come together to create unforgettable journeys. Our foray into Kruger National Park builds on this legacy, offering travellers an authentic connection with nature through a responsible tourism approach. We are delighted to partner with OM USA LLC to bring this vision to life.”
The three lodges, comprising the 30-room Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp, and the six-room Taj Lion Kings Bush and River Lodges, will be situated in the heart of the wilderness and provide a refined safari experience. Each property will include an all-day dining area, spa, swimming pool, and recreational spaces, combining comfort with the rugged natural environment.
Manish Patel, OM USA LLC, stated, “The tightly controlled environment of the Balule Game Reserve ensures exclusivity and privacy, making it an ideal destination for discerning global explorers. Taj has been a favourite with wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers for over two decades. We are happy to partner with India’s largest hospitality ecosystem to bring the legendary Taj brand to Kruger National Park.”
Kruger National Park covers nearly 20,000 sq kilometres and is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Situated within the Greater Kruger zone, the Balule Game Reserve offers expansive wildlife viewing, with unrestricted animal movement, off-road game drives, and night safaris providing rare opportunities for close encounters with nature.
