By Staff Reporter
OL Leisure has unveiled the re-imagined Mokuti Etosha following a N$260 million transformation aimed at strengthening Namibia’s tourism offering and positioning the lodge as a world-class destination.
Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare officially marked the completion of the project by unveiling a commemorative plaque during an event held at the lodge’s SkyBoma on Friday.
He attended the ceremony on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
The redevelopment, which started in 2022, expanded from a planned renovation into a complete reconstruction of the property’s main facilities.
The project included new restaurants, a redesigned reception area, upgraded guest rooms, enhanced junior suites, refreshed swimming pools and the newly completed Ombala Presidential Suite.
OL Group executive chairman Sven Thieme said the investment demonstrated the company’s confidence in the future of Namibian tourism.
“The total investment in Mokuti is one of OL Leisure’s most direct statements of our belief in the future of Namibian tourism. We believe Namibia is a premier global destination and that premier destinations deserve world-class products,” Thieme said.
The transformation also contributed to local economic opportunities, with 115 people employed during construction, including 111 Namibians.
About 15 local suppliers supported the project through the provision of materials and equipment. Mokuti is also expanding its operational workforce from 120 to 136 permanent employees, with an additional 13 fixed-term positions planned for the current financial year.
Ngurare thanked OL Group for investing in Namibia, saying the project reflected the importance of private sector confidence in the country’s tourism industry.
“Thank you for choosing to build here, invest here and stay here. We see your work and we are grateful for it,” he said.
He noted that tourism contributes approximately 6.9% directly to Namibia’s gross domestic product, generating about N$14.3 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 57,000 direct jobs.
Ngurare said the recovery of tourist arrivals in 2024, followed by a decline in 2025, highlighted the need for continued investment, effective marketing, quality service and supportive policies to keep Namibia competitive.
He described Mokuti Etosha as an example of what Namibian investment in tourism can achieve.
The lodge’s upgraded facilities include the SkyBoma, an eight-metre elevated dining structure inspired by Etosha’s termite mounds, as well as improved accommodation and hospitality spaces.
Mokuti Etosha forms part of OL Leisure’s six-property portfolio, which operates under the philosophy “Namibia Through Our Eyes”, showcasing the country’s landscapes, communities and conservation efforts.
