(4 Minutes Read)
Wilderness Safaris Namibia has officially received environmental clearance for the development of a premium eco-tourism lodge within the Hobatere Roadside Concession in the Kunene Region—a major milestone for the company’s ambitious conservation-driven tourism project.
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has issued an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC), which is a critical regulatory approval required before the construction and operation of the new lodge can proceed.
This lodge development is part of a larger initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and environmental conservation within the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy. The proposed lodge will feature ten luxury accommodation units, consisting of seven twin rooms and three family suites. Complementing the lodge facilities will be a swimming pool, a dedicated wildlife viewing hide, a research centre, and residential quarters for an estimated 38 staff members. A full staff village will be constructed to support long-term operational needs.
The development is being implemented under a 25-year Concession Operator Agreement with the Ehi-Rovipuka Conservancy. As part of this partnership, Wilderness Safaris has committed to refurbishing and upgrading the current Hobatere Roadside Campsite, with plans to hand over the enhanced infrastructure to the Conservancy for independent operation and management.
Tourism activities at the new lodge are expected to include professionally guided game drives, nature walks, wellness treatments, and wildlife observation experiences at dedicated hides. Additionally, MEFT has approved the construction of a second wildlife hide at Miernes, situated within the boundaries of Etosha National Park, to enhance the overall visitor experience.
To meet safety and accessibility standards, a private access road featuring sanitation and safety facilities will also be built in compliance with MEFT guidelines.
While initial projections had anticipated breaking ground by September 2024 and opening the lodge in 2025, Wilderness Safaris has since clarified that the final construction timeline remains under internal evaluation. “We’re still in discussions and haven’t finalised all the construction details,” said Joryn Barnard, Head of Sales, Namibia for Wilderness Safaris. “We look forward to sharing more as plans evolve.”
Sustainability is central to the project. To ensure environmentally responsible energy use, the lodge will be powered by a photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant with an installed minimum capacity of 500 kV. The system will include underground cabling to reduce visual impact, battery storage for backup, and a silent generator for emergencies. A private contractor will oversee the PV plant’s operation, in line with the company’s sustainability goals.
Wilderness Safaris has been active in Namibia for over 35 years, operating seven high-end lodges in collaboration with five local conservancies. The company is widely recognised for its commitment to eco-tourism and community engagement. “Our enduring dedication to sustainable tourism is reflected not only in our environmental strategies but also in our partnerships with local communities,” stated a project report.
The lodge is designed to attract affluent international travellers, primarily from the United States, Canada, and Western Europe, with smaller segments from Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America. These visitors typically seek exclusive experiences with premium accommodations and personalised services.
Read Also;
https://trendsnafrica.com/president-boko-launches-bold-reform-to-corporatise-botswanas-government/
Positioned on the quieter western fringe of Etosha National Park, the Hobatere site offers a more secluded and intimate wildlife experience. This strategic location is expected to draw new tourism traffic while complementing rather than competing with other high-end lodges already operating in the region. Wilderness Safaris emphasised that its model of conservation-focused tourism remains core to its identity and operational ethos in Namibia.
