TTT NEWS NETWORK
MUMBAI | 29 MAY 2025
The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, announced the signing of three luxury wildlife lodges under its iconic Taj brand in the Balule Game Reserve, Kruger National Park in South Africa. This signing marks IHCL’s entry into luxury wildlife hospitality in South Africa.
Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “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 luxury lodges, the 30-key Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp, the 6-key Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge, and the 6-key Taj Lion Kings River Lodge will be set amidst the wilderness and offer elevated safari experiences. Each lodge will feature an all-day dining restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and recreation areas, blending comfort with the authenticity of the African wilderness.
Mr. Manish Patel, OM USA LLC, said, “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.”
Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometres, Kruger National Park is one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife reserves and is home to the legendary Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Located within the Greater Kruger zone, the Balule Game Reserve offers the same rich wildlife experience with its unfenced borders allowing free movement of animals, while off-road game drives and night safaris enable rare and intimate wildlife encounters.
About the owner
OM USA LLC, founded by Ms. Adity Patel and Mr. Manish Patel, is a New York-based company specializing in the trading of diamonds, coloured gemstones, and fine jewellery. The company sources and crafts high-quality diamonds and jewellery, utilizing state-of-the-art processing facilities in India and the US to create unique designs for luxury retailers. In addition to its core business in the jewellery sector, OM USA LLC has diversified interests in real estate holdings and leasing across the US and India. The founders Adity and Manish Patel are also deeply passionate about wildlife conservation.
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