Ohlthaver & List (O&L) says its Mokuti Etosha Lodge will be closed for up to a year to allow refurbishments to be completed.
The renovations, according to the company, will include completely new public areas on the lodge, reception, conferencing facilities, swimming pool area, a new boma as well as upgraded rooms.
“We are heading into exciting times not only for our brands, but also the tourism industry, as travel begins to pick up again both in Namibia and internationally. Having recently unveiled our revamped Midgard, we are excited for another one of our establishments to be transformed into a contemporary destination, whilst preserving its 32-year character and heritage,” said Norbert Wurm, O&L Leisure Managing Director.
“This grand dame is ready for a facelift and keeping in line with our Purpose at O&L, ‘Creating a future, enhancing life’. We want to ensure the lodge will still be at the forefront of the hospitality industry in Namibia going forward. It is with faith in our future and the future of Namibian tourism, despite the unprecedented challenges we have faced, that O&L is investing in Mokuti once again to create new realities and setting new world-class standards for our industry and country.”
Quizzed on the cost of the renovations, Wurm said, “As the final scope of renovations has not been finalised yet, we are not able to provide an accurate figure in terms of budget at present.”
The lodge’s employees, according to Etienne Fourie, Mokuti Etosha Lodge General Manager, will be placed at O&L Leisure’s Strand Hotel Swakopmund and Midgard during the construction period, except for key staff who will remain on site.
“The staff of Mokuti will also receive skills training closer to the completion of construction; in preparation for the grand reopening to comply with the new world-class experience it will offer. “The temporary relocation of Mokuti employees provides the opportunity for them to share their skills, but most importantly, their friendliness and passion for guest satisfaction with the employees from Strand Hotel and Midgard, whilst in turn gaining skills, insight and inspiration from them, enabling everyone to grow.”
O&L Leisure operates The Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Mokuti Etosha Lodge, Midgard Country Estate and Chobe Water Villas.
