Chobe Holdings leads Botswana’s hospitality sector with a market cap of $82 million

Chobe Holdings leads Botswana's hospitality sector with a market cap of $82 million.

At a Glance

Chobe Holdings reports a 32.1% revenue surge in 2024, driven by increased tourist spending and occupancy rates across its high-end lodges and camps.
Net profit rose 41.6% to BWP 148.1 million($10.56 million), supported by strategic investments in operations and enhanced financial management, boosting shareholder confidence.
The company prioritizes sustainability and rural development through projects like Chobe Farms and Chobe Bream, fostering local employment and economic growth in Botswana.

Chobe Holdings Limited, a key player in Botswana’s ecotourism sector, continues to solidify its position on the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE), boasting a market capitalization of BWP 1.55 billion ($81.96 million).

Chobe, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, operates fourteen eco-tourism lodges
and camps on leased land in northern Botswana and the Zambezi Region of Namibia.

Ranked as the 15th most valuable stock on the exchange, Chobe Holdings has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in a competitive market environment.

The company’s 2024 financial performance highlights its robust operational strategy. Revenue surged by 32.1 percent, reaching BWP 543.1 million($38.72 million), compared to BWP 410.9 million($29.29 million) in 2023.

This growth was driven by increased tourist arrivals and higher spending per visitor. Net profit climbed to BWP 148.1 million($10.56 million), representing a 41.6 percent increase from the previous year, underpinned by improved operational efficiencies.

With a combined capacity of 333 beds
under the brands Desert & Delta Safaris, Chobe also owns Game Lodge and Ker & Downey Botswana.

Total assets rose to BWP 676.3 million($48.2 million), a 22.8 percent year-on-year increase, reflecting strategic investments in infrastructure and operational capabilities.

Retained earnings also grew by 36.3 percent, reaching BWP 352.8 million($25.15 million), showcasing the company’s disciplined financial management.

Leadership in ecotourism

Chobe Holdings operates as a trailblazer in Botswana’s ecotourism industry. Its two flagship brands, Desert & Delta Safaris and Ker & Downey Botswana, manage 12 high-end lodges and camps across Northern Botswana and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip.

Sedia Riverside Hotel, a 39 room hotel owned by the group operates in close proximity to Central Maun.

These premium destinations cater to the global demand for sustainable tourism, enhancing Botswana’s appeal to international tourists.

To ensure exceptional guest experiences, Chobe Holdings provides auxiliary services that strengthen its operational ecosystem.

Safari Air, the company’s air charter division, offers seamless transportation for guests, while North West Air Proprietary delivers maintenance services that minimize dependence on external providers.

Safari Air, a wholly owned air charter operator
provides air transport services mainly to the group’s camps and lodges.

Commitment to rural development

Beyond tourism, Chobe Holdings actively supports Botswana’s rural communities through initiatives such as Chobe Farms and Chobe Bream, which promote agricultural diversification.

These projects generate employment and sustainable income for local populations, aligning with the company’s broader mission of community upliftment.

Strategic outlook

With a focus on sustainability and community-driven growth, Chobe Holdings is well-positioned for continued success. The company’s investments in ecotourism infrastructure, coupled with its commitment to environmental conservation and rural development, underscore its vision for long-term growth.

“Our goal is to balance profitability with sustainability, ensuring that we contribute meaningfully to Botswana’s economic progress while maintaining our global standing in ecotourism,” said the CEO of Chobe Holdings.

As Botswana seeks to leverage its unique natural heritage for economic development, Chobe Holdings remains at the forefront, setting benchmarks for responsible tourism and strengthening its legacy as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic and tourism sectors.

Feyisayo Ajayi

Feyisayo Ajayi is the Publisher and Co-founder of Shore Africa, the flagship media brand under the Travel Shore umbrella. He brings over a decade of multidisciplinary experience across media, finance, and technology. Feyisayo holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.