Tanzania: Tycoon Targets Grumeti Reserves


The Citizen (Dar es Salaam)

22 November 2007
Posted to the web 22 November 2007


US philanthropist Paul Tudor Jones II has partnered with South Africa's Singita Private Game Reserves to promote the Grumeti Reserves safari destination bordering the Serengeti National Park.

Mr Jones has leased an area in western Serengeti.


The National Assembly recently praised him for barring hunting in his reserve.

"Under the agreement, tourism and affiliated operations of Grumeti Reserves will be managed and globally promoted by Singita to accelerate the growth of the hospitality industry and eco-tourism efforts in Serengeti," a statement noted.

It said three lodges had been constructed in Grumeti Reserves. They include Sasakwa Hill Lodge, a hilltop lodge in the style of an English manor home with awe-inspiring views over the Serengeti plains.

Others are Sabora Plains Tented Camp, a lavish tented camp on the Serengeti plains decorated in 1920's grand campaign style; and the Faru Faru River Lodge, with a classic East African safari feel on the Grumeti River.

Each of these three spectacular locations is positioned ideally on the renowned migratory route traversed annually by more than a million wildebeest.

"Grumeti Reserves has also done a great deal of work for its neighbouring community, establishing the Grumeti Community and Wildlife Conservation Fund, which has invested heavily in the region. Among the projects undertaken by the fund is the planned reintroduction of 25 Black Rhino to the Serengeti eco-system," the statement noted.

Grumeti Reserves, one of the world's most luxury eco-tourism resorts, was established in 2003.

Backed by financier and environmental philanthropist Jones, the 340,000-acre resort is located on the western boundary of the Serengeti National Park.

The concession consists of Ikorongo Game Reserve, Grumeti Game Reserve and Fort Ikoma Open Area.


The mission of Grumeti Reserves is to rehabilitate and improve the indigenous biodiversity of the western Serengeti-Mara system to the benefit of local communities and districts, as well as national, and international stakeholders, through practices that are financially sustainable, environmentally and culturally responsible, and politically acceptable.

Formed 13 years ago by financier Luke Bailes, Singita is a world-class eco-tourism and leisure operation offering award-winning safari adventures coupled with specialized and sophisticated hotel experiences. It currently operates five distinctive lodges of varying sizes in and around the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

The American billionaire has also purchased a minority interest in Singita to help foster eco-tourism.

Mr. Jones is a serious hunter. This piece characterizes him as and anti. I was told he has multiple buffalo with archery gear. Was also told he has a hunting property in Zim.

from the sound of this article. he may have been( and perhaps still is) a hunter but he is sinking a lot of money in an anti=hunting venture. not hard to figure this one out if the article is accurate.

Paul is a very keen hunter, and owns a spectacular game reserve here in Zim. Hunting on it is limited - often "bow hunters only". He does have several other wildlife concessions arround, not all of which are hunting.

I believe Mr.Jones is also the backer of Luawata Conservation in Zambia. Luawata only hunts about half of their allotted quota and our PH Athol told us that Mr.Jones does go to hunt in Luawata.

Through some of my friends in Tanzania who have dealt with Mr. Jones there, I didn't get the impression that he has barred hunting in the sense that absolutely no hunting will ever be done on his concession. He pays the government concession fees but chooses to limit hunting (perhaps just for himself and/or those he chooses to permit to hunt) which is his right. He may in fact have not allowed any hunting this last year. I understand he is committed to increasing game in the concession, committed to fighting poaching, etc. I suppose the Tanzanian government doesn't really care as long he pays the concession fees.

when someone promises the gov to build an international airport in the bush out of his own pocket, then yes they don´t care whether he hunts or not, especially if he pays the entire quota fee anyways....

Yes Mr. Jones is an avid hunter who donates both money and time to many hunting organizations in the United States and abroad.

One of his farms located on the Eastern shore of maryland is often cited as a prime example of how farming, hunting, and land management can all be tied together.

I'm confused. From what I read the area is "non-hunting". Did I miss the "anti-hunting" part?