Banyan Group expands in Africa with Newmark acquisition

International

Majority stake adds 26 hotels, lodges and reserves across seven countries, taking Banyan Group’s global portfolio to nearly 130 properties

Banyan Group is significantly expanding its presence in Africa through a strategic partnership with Newmark Hotels & Reserves. The Singapore-based hospitality group is acquiring a majority stake in the Cape Town-based company under a phased structure that is intended to lead to full ownership over time.

Newmark will join Banyan Group as a collection brand, bringing 26 managed hotels, lodges and reserves in Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The company will retain its brand, management team and local operating structure.

Following the transaction, Banyan Group’s portfolio will comprise nearly 130 hotels, resorts and reserves, more than 30 branded residences and over 140 spas and galleries across 28 countries.

Stronger platform for African growth

Founded in 2007 by Neil Markovitz, Newmark operates a diverse portfolio ranging from urban and heritage hotels to island retreats, safari lodges and private game reserves.

Properties include QWABI Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s Waterberg region, the 50-year-old Motswari Private Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger ecosystem and Gorilla Heights Lodge near Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. Newmark also operates properties in Cape Town, Zanzibar, Mauritius and around Victoria Falls.

“We welcome Newmark to Banyan Group with confidence in the strength of the business it has built in Africa and the entrepreneurial spirit that has shaped it,” said Banyan Group founder and Executive Chairman Ho Kwon Ping.

For Newmark, the partnership provides access to Banyan Group’s international sales, distribution and development network.

“Joining Banyan Group gives us greater international reach and access to a wider network of expertise while retaining what has made Newmark successful,” said founder and CEO Neil Markovitz.

New markets for Banyan Group

Banyan Group already operates hotels and spas in Morocco, Mauritius, South Africa and Tanzania and is preparing to enter Benin with Dhawa Ouidah. The Newmark transaction adds Namibia, Nigeria, Uganda and Zimbabwe to its regional footprint while strengthening its position in wildlife and nature-based hospitality.

The expansion comes amid growing international demand for African destinations. According to UN Tourism figures cited by Banyan Group, Africa received 81 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, an increase of 8 percent year on year.

“Africa is a long-term growth market for Banyan Group,” said President and CEO Eddy See. He said Newmark’s local market knowledge and owner relationships, combined with Banyan Group’s international network, would provide a stronger platform for further expansion.

Newmark brand and management to remain

Newmark will continue to be led by Markovitz and its existing management team. Property branding, owner relationships and current commercial arrangements are expected to remain unchanged.

Existing booking channels will also continue to operate. Over time, Newmark properties are expected to become bookable through Banyan Group’s platforms and participate in its withBanyan guest recognition programme.

The approach allows Banyan Group to expand rapidly across Africa while retaining the individual identity and local management of Newmark’s hotels, lodges and reserves.