The Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group this week confirmed that Mokuti Etosha Lodge, a property of its subsidiary O&L Leisure, will undergo full renovations. As a result, the lodge will be closed from 22 March 2022 for a period of 12 to 15 months for the envisioned refurbishments to be completed.
The renovations will include completely new public areas on the lodge, reception, conferencing facilities, swimming pool area, a new boma as well as upgraded rooms for guests to enjoy.
According to Norbert Wurm, O&L Leisure Managing Director (MD), “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”.
“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.”
Etienne Fourie, Mokuti Etosha Lodge General Manager, said: “We have a duty to preserve the legacy of this extraordinary lodge, and the time was right for a major refurbishment as it has been over three decades since it was built. We are now ready to embark on a new chapter for Mokuti Etosha Lodge, build on our reputation as a major player in hospitality, and set new benchmarks for our industry”.
Meanwhile, Mokuti employees 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.
Said Fourie: “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”.