Wilderness Safaris Namibia plans to construct and operate a high-end lodge in the Hobatere Roadside Concession in Kunene Region, according to documents seen by The Brief.
The project is designed to enhance conservation efforts and create jobs within the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy, and the development will include a 10-room lodge, a staff village and a wildlife hide.
Construction was scheduled to begin in September 2024, with the lodge expected to open next year. Wilderness Safaris, in partnership with the Conservancy, aims to use tourism to create jobs, uplift the community and promote the conservation of valuable natural resources in the area.
Under the Concession Operator Contract (COC), Wilderness Safaris will upgrade the Hobatere Roadside Campsite and hand over the developed campsite and its assets to the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy for operation.
The lodge will feature 10 rooms (seven twins and three family rooms), a swimming pool, a wildlife viewing hide, a separate research centre and accommodation for approximately 38 staff members.
“Activities at the lodge will include game drives, nature walks, wellness activities and visits to a wildlife hide inside the roadside concession. We will also conduct activities inside Etosha National Park, with permission granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to build a hide at Miernes. This variety of activities aims to enhance guest experiences while ensuring minimal impact on the environment,” documents reveal.
A private access route will be developed for this facility, designed to meet MEFT standards and include safety and toilet facilities.
The government has granted the head concession of the Hobatere Roadside Concession (HRC) to the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy.
Namib Wilderness Safaris (Pty) Ltd entered into a Concession Operator Contract with the Conservancy, approved by MEFT. The concession agreement is valid for 25 years.
“Wilderness Group has been established for 40 years and has a strong Namibian presence for 35 years, operating seven upmarket lodges and engaging in joint ventures with five conservancies. Our long-standing commitment to responsible tourism reflects in our approach to community engagement and environmental conservation,” the report noted.
Wilderness Safaris is recognised as a well-established local and regional tourist operator with access to a vast database of clients eager to visit Namibia.
“Key source markets are from the USA, Canada, Western Europe and to a lesser extent Asia, Eastern Europe and South America with a preference for the high end of the tourism market which includes upmarket amenities and treatment and a unique holiday experience,” the document added.
The new lodge is expected to attract new visitors to the area and enhance its visibility without competing with existing high-end lodges.
The western side of Etosha is popular among tourists due to its less crowded nature compared to areas like Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni.
“The establishment of this lodge will attract new visitors to the area and enhance its visibility. By offering luxurious accommodations and unique experiences with hope to draw more tourists to the region, ultimately benefiting both the local economy and conservation initiatives,” the report noted.
To meet the electricity demands of the lodge and its supporting infrastructure, Wilderness Safaris plans to install a photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant with storage facilities.
“The onsite PV plant will have a minimum capacity of 500 kV, with all cabling buried underground to minimise visual impact. In case of power failure, there will be a battery backup and a silent generator. A private contractor will manage the PV plant, ensuring that we maintain our commitment to sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint,” the company explained.
