Touch Down Africa
Touch Down Africa

crafted by africa.defined by discovery.

Our story is shaped by wild landscapes, rare encounters, and journeys that move the soul.

a new way to experience africa

Touch Down Africa reveals the continent’s most remarkable places – it’s beauty, culture, and unforgettable moments. We are more than a hospitality group; we create experiences shaped by authenticity, warmth, and a deep sense of place. It’s not our size that defines us, but our commitment to crafting journeys that feel real and memorable. From wild coastlines to quiet savannas, city energy to remote escapes, we guide travellers into the true spirit of every destination.

We exists to celebrate Africa as it is – vibrant, diverse, soulful and unforgettable.

our manifesto

Inside each of us is a desire to explore.
To be moved by a place.
To feel something real.
To discover a world  beyond the expected. 

A world where golden savannans stretch into the horizon.
Where waves crash against wild coastlines.
And where gorillas are found in the mist.

We offer more than just places to stay.
we create experiences that transform, reveal, and awaken something within.
Experiences that shift perspectives, that connect us to nature, culture, and each other.

Becase Africa is not one story-it is many.
It is contrast and colour, stillness and movement, warmth and wildness,
And we exist to celebrate all of it.

Transform travel into something meaningful.
To honour every journey as an opportunity to feel, to grow, to remember.
To give each guest chance to truly discover what it means to be here, in this moment in this place.

This is why we server with heart.
Why we greet with warmth, listen with care, and guide with pride.
Because hospitality, at its best, is about making people feel seen, safe, and inspired.

It’s about moments that matter.
It’s about stories worth telling.
It’s about experiences that last-long after the journey ends.

This is who we are.
This is Touch Down Africa.

It all started
in 1993...

Since 1993, Touch Down Africa has grown from a single vision into multi-dimensional hospitality collective across South Africa and Rwanda. Each milestone from Dullstroom farms to iconic lodges, coastal escapes, and our first international property reflects our commitment to elevate African travel. Decades of expansion, innovation, and bold acquisitions have shaped who we are today a dynamic hospitality group creating unforgettable, authentic African experiences.

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OUR HISTORY. THREE DECADES. ONE VISION.

1993

Founding as a Leisure Sales Company

TDA was established as a leisure sales company, focusing primarily on the sale of leisure products, with a strong emphasis on timeshare - an immensely popular offering at the time.

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1994

Head Office Purchased in Johannesburg

The Johannesburg head office was acquired, marking the formal establishment of TDA’s physical operations.

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1990s - 2000s

Expansion into Africa

The company experienced consistent year-on-year growth, expanding its operations and sales footprint into various African markets, offering similar leisure products across the continent.

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Early 2000s

First Resort Acquisition: Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate

TDA made its first move into property ownership with the acquisition and development of Dunkeld Country Estate in Dullstroom, South Africa, marking a strategic shift from leisure sales to hospitality operations. Today, the estate is home to a thriving array of plains game, including 65 zebras, 14 wildebeest, 85 blesboks, and 10 springboks, enriching the guest experience with an authentic wildlife setting.

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2008

Acquisition of Seasons Golf, Leisure & Spa

TDA acquired Seasons, a luxury golf and leisure resort located in Hartbeespoort spanning 300 hectares. The resort can accommodate up to 528 guests.

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2010

International Expansion to the United States

TDA established its first regional office in the United States under the name Go Touch Down Travel & Tours, aimed at bringing international tourists - primarily from North America—to its owned properties in South Africa.

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2010s

Transformation into a Hotel Group

During this decade, TDA expanded its property portfolio across South Africa, gradually shifting its identity from a leisure sales company to a fully-fledged hotel group.

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2012

Development of Dunkeld Equestrian Estate

TDA expanded its Dullstroom footprint by developing Dunkeld Equestrian Estate on 100 hectares of scenic countryside. This addition complemented the existing Dunkeld Country Estate, and together, the combined estate can now accommodate up to 386 guests. The equestrian estate features 40 warmblood horses, housed in well-maintained stables and grazing across beautifully manicured white-fenced paddocks, offering guests a refined countryside experience.

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2014

Acquisition of Dunkeld 3

TDA acquired Dunkeld Three which spans 700 hectares used for farming. The farm boasts 100 cows, 500 sheep and 100 angora bokke.
Building of Dunkeld Trout Hatcheries TDA built a top-class trout hatchery facility on Dunkeld Three and started supplying certified disease-free trout eggs sourced from selectively bred and naturally spawning stock.

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2020

Diversification During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Amid the global pandemic, TDA launched several new initiatives, including Go Touch Down Travel Tech, and expanded its property offerings despite the tourism slowdown.
Rebranding to Touch Down Africa
ECB Leisure was officially renamed Touch Down Africa.
Acquisition of Belle Maroc Boutique Hotel
Located in Blouberg, Cape Town, Belle Maroc features 11 rooms for up to 22 guests.
Launch of Go Touch Down Travel Tech
 Diversification during COVID-19 included the establishment of a tech-driven travel platform.

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2021

Acquisition of Shark Bay Boutique Hotel & Spa

Situated in Langebaan, Shark Bay features 15 rooms and stunning views over turquoise waters.
Acquisition of Tshukudu Game Lodge
Located on the border of the Greater Kruger National Park in Hoedspruit, TDA acquired the game lodge which can accommodate 54 guests on Tshukudu Reserve which spans 38000 hectares.

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2022

Royal Morubisi Founders Lodge brought under Touch Down Africa management

A total of 14 villas, some with 2 bedrooms and others with 3 bedrooms, are being developed to expand the Shark Bay offering.
Acquisition of Royal Morubisi Founders Lodge
Located in Kaingo Private Game Reserve, Waterberg which can accommodate 26 guests. The reserve spans 16,400 hectares, home to the Big 5 and over 300 bird species.

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2023

Completion of Royal Morubisi River Lodge

Also located in Kaingo Private Game Reserve, this riverside lodge has 10 suites and accommodates up to 20 guests.
Acquisition of Dunkeld East
Situated in Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, Dunkeld East offers 10 rooms and can accommodate 20 guests. The estate spans 100 hectares.
Acquisition of Ladybird Lodge
Found in Stellenbosch’s winelands, Ladybird offers 9 rooms and can accommodate a total of 18 guests.
First International Expansion: Amarembo by Touch Down (Rwanda)
TDA acquired its first property outside of South Africa - Amarembo by Touch Down, located near the gorillas in Kinigi, Rwanda. This strategic move positioned TDA as one of the few hotel groups capable of offering the Big Six: the Big Five safari animals plus gorilla trekking. The hotel offers 8 rooms and can accommodate a total of 16 guests.

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2024

Seasons Golf Leisure & Spa Hotel Launch:

First hotel block set to launch in December 2024, with plans for 9 blocks of 12 rooms each.
Seasons Golf Course & Club House
TDA acquired a 99-year lease on the Seasons Golf Club Restaurant and outsourced management of the golf course.
The Farm Yard at Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate
The Farm Yard was introduced as a way for guests to interact with animals firsthand to give an authentic farm experience. The Farm Yard boasts 25 sable 6 alpacas, 3 miniature goats, a collection of turkeys, chickens, and ducks, whose presence contributes to the dynamic and engaging atmosphere of the property

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2025

Shark Bay Boutique Accommodation & Spa (Langebaan):

A 10-bedroom hotel extension is currently under development, offering elevated coastal luxury. Construction is also underway on a 120-seater wedding and events venue, ideal for intimate seaside celebrations.
Dunkeld Country & Equestrian Estate (Dullstroom): A new 220-seater venue is being built to host countryside weddings, corporate retreats, and seasonal events, designed to complement Dunkeld’s equestrian and rustic charm.
Seasons Golf, Leisure & Spa (Brits): The Clubhouse is being reimagined as a multifunctional event space with a 220-seater main venue, multiple breakaway rooms, and intimate spaces for wellness and executive gatherings.
Ladybird Vineyards Lodge (Stellenbosch): A full refurbishment has been completed, enhancing interiors, amenities, and the storytelling around vineyard life and local winemaking.
Tshukudu Game Lodge (Kruger National Park): A complete architectural and interior rebuild began in September 2025, transforming the lodge into an immersive, bush-luxury escape designed in harmony with its ecosystem.

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