Tanzania Clarifies Billionaire Tim Draper Doesn’t Own Lupita Island He’s Selling for $7.9M

The Tanzanian government has issued a clarification regarding American billionaire investor Tim Draper’s ownership claims over Lupita Island, located in Lake Tanganyika. 

This follows Draper’s recent announcement that he was putting up the island for sale.

Draper, a prominent venture capitalist known for his early investments in Tesla and SpaceX, took to social media on August 28, 2026, to announce the sale. “I am selling my island in Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania. Gorgeous place, but we don’t use it enough,” he posted on X. He set the asking price at $7.9 million and invited interested buyers to reach out directly. He later told Forbes that he had already received multiple offers and anticipated a quick sale.

However, Tanzania’s Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development has since moved to correct the narrative. In a statement released on August 31, 2026, the ministry identified the property in question as Lupita Island, situated in Nkasi District within the Rukwa Region. According to the ministry, the island falls under areas designated for investment purposes under the Tanzania Investment and Special Economic Zones Authority (TISEZA).

The ministry explained that TISEZA, as the legal owner of the land, had leased the area to Firelight Safaris Ltd and granted the company a derivative right to use the land for the development of a tourist hotel. Draper is said to be among the shareholders of Firelight Safaris Ltd.

The government clarified that Firelight Safaris Ltd is the lawful investor in the property and can transfer its investment to another party, provided the transaction adheres to Tanzanian laws and procedures. The ministry emphasised that any potential transaction involving Draper’s investment would not constitute a private sale of the island’s land. “The Land Act, Cap 113, provides procedures through which foreign investors can obtain land for investment under TISEZA, which retains legal ownership of the land,” the statement read.

According to Forbes, Draper first became involved with Lupita Island in 2004 and spent years developing the property into a luxury tourism resort. The 110-acre retreat features 10 cottages, a swimming pool, spa, gym, game room, and several bars. Guests have enjoyed activities such as kayaking, snorkelling, fishing, and boat trips on Lake Tanganyika.