OL Leisure completes $16 million transformation of Mokuti Etosha resort

OL Leisure, Namibia’s leading hospitality operator and a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, has completed a N$260 million ($15.9 million) upgrade of Mokuti Etosha, unveiling a refreshed safari resort designed to strengthen Namibia’s position as a premium tourism destination. 

The newly transformed property was officially unveiled during the Mokuti Etosha Showcase on July 3, 2026, with Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare representing President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at an evening ceremony held at the resort’s SkyBoma dining venue. 

The redevelopment, built around OL Leisure’s “Africa Re-imagined” vision, focused on blending Namibia’s landscapes, cultural heritage and wildlife experiences with modern hospitality standards.

A new era for safari hospitality 

The transformation has introduced upgraded accommodation, redesigned public areas, enhanced Junior Suites, the new Ombala Presidential Suite, improved conference facilities, the Leisure Chapter retail experience and the SkyBoma, an open-air dining destination overlooking the Etosha landscape. 

Sven Thieme, executive chairman of Ohlthaver & List Group, said the investment reflected confidence in Namibia’s tourism potential and the need for world-class hospitality products that can compete internationally. 

“We believe Namibia is a premier global destination, and premier destinations deserve world-class products. Mokuti is that product,” Thieme said. 

The project also created significant economic opportunities during construction, employing 115 people, including 111 Namibians, while involving about 15 local suppliers. 

Following the upgrade, Mokuti Etosha will increase its permanent workforce from 120 to 136 employees, with an additional 13 fixed-term positions created during the current financial year.

Tourism investment and economic impact 

Speaking on behalf of the president, Prime Minister Ngurare praised OL Leisure’s continued investment in Namibia’s tourism sector, saying long-term competitiveness depends on consistent investment, quality service and effective promotion. 

“Tourism cannot be taken for granted. It requires continuous investment, effective marketing, quality service and supportive policy to remain competitive,” Ngurare said. 

He said Mokuti Etosha represents the potential of local investment in building globally recognised tourism products. 

Tourism contributes about 6.9% directly to Namibia’s gross domestic product, generating approximately N$14.3 billion ($877.5 million) in economic activity and supporting more than 57,000 direct jobs. 

“These are livelihoods, businesses and communities that depend on a thriving tourism sector,” Ngurare said. 

Namibia experienced a strong recovery in international visitor arrivals in 2024, although the sector faced slower growth in 2025, highlighting the need for continued investment and improved tourism offerings. 

The prime minister also recognised Mokuti Etosha’s efforts to preserve and showcase the heritage of the Hai//om community, noting that indigenous cultures remain an important part of Namibia’s tourism identity.

Expanding Namibia’s luxury tourism offering 

Located about 40 metres from the Etosha Von Lindequist Gate, Mokuti Etosha provides direct access to one of Africa’s most renowned wildlife destinations.

The resort, part of OL Leisure’s growing hospitality portfolio, blends contemporary hospitality with Namibian traditions, offering visitors a base to explore Etosha National Park while experiencing locally inspired accommodation, dining and cultural experiences.

OL Leisure, owned by Ohlthaver & List Group, has built a portfolio of hospitality properties across Namibia, including Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Midgard Otjihavera, Chobe Water Villas, Le Mirage Resort & Spa Sossusvlei and Divava Okavango Resort & Spa.

Founded in Namibia in 1919, Ohlthaver & List Group is one of the country’s largest privately owned companies. Under Thieme’s leadership, the group operates across several sectors and generates annual revenue of nearly N$5 billion ($306.8 million), with its headquarters in Windhoek.

Through the Mokuti Etosha redevelopment, OL Leisure aims to position the resort as a flagship destination that reflects Namibia’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and growing appeal among international travellers.