Luxury safari operator Elewana Afrika has entered into a US$12m (7.7m euro, £6m) agreement with Thailand-based resort and spa operator Minor International (MINT).

Based in Tanzania, Elewana owns and operates a collection of luxury lodges – many with wellness facilities – in the African bush.

Under the agreement, MINT will acquire a 50 per cent stake in Elewana during an expansion phase that will see the addition of six new properties to Elewana’s portfolio by 2011. It is MINT’s first entry to the east African market.