SANParks unveils strategic partnership for Skukuza Safari Lodge upgrade

In alignment with the South African National Parks' (SANParks) Commercialisation Strategy, Skukuza Safari Lodge, nestled in the renowned Kruger National Park (KNP), will undergo temporary closure from 1 January 2023. This closure aims to facilitate change management and refurbishments, enhancing the lodge's offerings and overall visitor experience.

As part of the strategy to elevate national parks into premier nature tourism destinations, SANParks initiated a public tender process for a private operator to manage Skukuza Safari Lodge for a decade. The successful operator, a collaboration between Tourvest Holdings (Pty) Ltd and Karibu Leisure Resort, will oversee the lodge's operations.

Tourvest Holdings will be represented by AHA Hotels and Lodges, Tourvest Accommodation Activities' tourism property management company. Karibu Leisure Resort, owned by founder and CEO Nyeleti Mushwana, boasts world-class conference facilities.

Anticipated to reopen its doors in February 2024, the 256-bed lodge will operate under a Management Agreement between SANParks and the joint venture. In collaboration with SANParks, the joint venture will manage, operate, and maintain both Skukuza Safari Lodge and the adjacent Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre.

This strategic intervention not only aims at facility enhancement but also deliberately contributes to Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) opportunities, furthering the transformation of the tourism industry. Over the past two decades, SANParks' Commercialisation Strategy has yielded a notable income of R1.512 billion through successful public-private partnerships, significantly supporting conservation efforts and the overall sustainability of SANParks.

SANParks' Tourism Public-Private Partnership (PPP) portfolio continues to expand, encompassing 60 diverse projects, spanning accommodation, restaurants, retail, and activities.