O&L Leisure has announced the acquisition of two exceptional hospitality properties: Le Mirage in the renowned Sossusvlei area and Divava on the scenic Kavango River. The transaction is subject to, amongst others, merger approval from the Namibian Competition Commission.
Sven Thieme, O&L Leisure Managing Director and Executive Chairman of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group advised: “This expansion marks a key moment in realising our “Namibia Through Our Eyes” vision, growing our presence across the country’s most coveted and storied destinations. These iconic desert and river locations perfectly embody this promise, bringing our unique hospitality approach to some of Namibia’s most treasured landscapes.”
“We don’t take our guests to just any place where there is a tree,” explained Sven while elaborating on the vision behind O&L Leisure’s selection process. “We take our guests to where there is a story, history and natural wonder.”
O&L Leisure now offers guests a handpicked, seamless and luxurious journey through six unique Namibian destinations, featuring mountain retreats, the vibrant Atlantic coastline and extraordinary desert and wildlife experiences. These destinations showcase Namibia’s unparalleled natural wonders, including Sossusvlei with the world’s biggest dunes in the ancient Namib Desert – considered the world’s oldest desert and the only coastal desert where huge dunes dramatically meet the Atlantic Ocean – alongside wildlife experiences where guests can encounter the Big Five across our exceptional properties.
Ad Bouman, speaking on behalf of the sellers, expressed his confidence in the transition: “We are proud to share that our lodges, Le Mirage in the iconic Sossusvlei area and Divava on the banks of the Kavango River, will be joining the O&L Leisure portfolio. O&L is a well-established and respected player in Namibia’s tourism sector. We have full confidence that both lodges will retain their unique identity while gaining new opportunities for growth. We are especially reassured by their strong commitment to employee development and well-being – values that resonate with us.” Bouman concluded by sharing his optimism about how Le Mirage and Divava will flourish further within the framework of O&L Leisure’s vision: “Namibia Through Our Eyes.”
The expansion directly supports the O&L Group Vision 2029, reinforcing O&L Leisure’s role in positioning Namibia as a premier global travel destination. By establishing presence in these key areas, O&L Leisure is expanding their footprint while at the same time creating a seamless luxury circuit that showcases the full spectrum of Namibian experiences through the trusted brand lens of O&L Leisure. The addition of Sossusvlei and the Kavango areas to the portfolio enables O&L Leisure to offer guests a holistic journey through Namibia’s natural environments, rich wildlife encounters and deep-rooted cultural traditions. “We are committed to integrating Le Mirage and Divava into the brand’s portfolio of authentic, caring and passionate world-class experiences, while honouring each region’s unique heritage,” Sven noted.
Enhancements will initially focus on aligning guest experiences with the exceptional standards found across all O&L Leisure properties. Both properties will continue operating seamlessly while thoughtful integration ensures they embody the same level of excellence that defines the O&L Leisure brand. “We are extremely excited about these acquisitions which add to our commitment of showcasing Namibia’s beauty, diversity and soul through our eyes,” Sven remarked. “Every guest can now experience our Namibian story, with each property serving as a gateway to this incredible country.”