River Safari Lodge for Sale, Mababe Okavango Delta

This safari lodge sits on a transit safari route within Botswana’s tourism corridor. It is located 7 km from Mababe Gate and 30 km from the Moremi Game Reserve gate, making it a gateway between the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park.

This safari lodge boasts of a 36 bed count, 9 campsites, a curio shop and approval to develop 40 additional rooms.

The lodge captures the rhythm of the surrounding wilderness, where wildlife moves freely along natural migratory corridors. During the peak dry season from May to October, water levels reduce and large herds of elephants, buffalo, and tracking predators concentrate around the remaining water sources and riverfront views. From November to April, the summer green rainy season transforms the Mababe Depression into a lush wetland, attracting migratory birdlife and calving herds.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The lodge operates with a commitment to the preservation of the local ecosystem and the empowerment of the Mababe community. By prioritizing local employment, supporting community development initiatives, and utilizing eco-friendly waste and energy systems, the property ensures that tourism revenue directly benefits neighbouring residents and contributes to long-term regional stability.

Property Specifications & Infrastructure

Built to support continuous, self-sustained wilderness operations, the turnkey asset includes a comprehensive asset register, industrial machinery, operational equipment, and all lodge furniture.

Diverse Tiered Accommodations & Multi-Package Revenue Streams

The property features flexible room types and a pricing structure tailored for standard, deluxe, and multi-guest family markets across two distinct package options:

1. Bed & Breakfast Packages:
   • Standard Rooms: P1,930 per person per night
   • Deluxe Rooms: P2,690 per person per night
   • Family Rooms: P6,490 per person per night
2. All-Inclusive Safari Experience Packages (Includes Bed & Breakfast, Dinner, Local Drinks, and 2 Game Drives or a Day Trip):
   • Standard Package: P4,200 per person per night
   • Deluxe Package: P5,000 per person per night
   • Family Package: P8,800 per person per night

In addition to the lodge rooms, the property includes a campsite to capture the growing self-drive and adventure travel market.

• Campsites 8 slots: P490 per person per night (optimized for up to 6 pax per site, featuring top-tier private amenities).
• Overland Group Campsite: P1,600 per night (designed to host up to 12 pax).

Operations, Logistics & Utilities:

• The Safari Fleet: 4 fully equipped game-viewing vehicles.
• Power & Water: Main grid BPC connection supported by an industrial backup generator.
• Kitchen & Storage: High-capacity commercial kitchen equipped with a dedicated cold room.
• Waste Management: An on-site, eco-friendly sewage processing plant.
• Staff Village: On-site housing estate featuring a manager’s residence and 20 individual homes for junior staff.

Licensing & Market Scarcity

Acquiring this property provides immediate access to scarce commercial permissions within a strictly regulated conservation zone

• Pre-Approved Room Expansion License: A compliant hotel license granting active permission to construct 40 additional guest rooms.
• Commercial Boat Licenses: Commercial authorization to operate water-based wilderness safaris and mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions directly from the property.
• Market Reputation: The property maintains a 4.8/5 rating on TripAdvisor and a 91% positive rating on Google (86 out of 95 reviews).

“We spent three nights at the Mababe River Lodge and felt very comfortable. The rooms are new, nice and modern and super clean. The food and Service were impeccable. The first impression is actually a bit sobering at first (driveway, reception), but the rooms and the whole complex are really nice and recommended. We will definitely come back.” (Tripadvisor,2025)

“What a fabulous place with amazing helpful staff. Nothing was too much trouble. So much effort was made for one picky eater and one gluten free diner. Pool was lovely, rooms clean and well appointed with zebras for neighbours. A must stay place.” (Tripadvisor, 2025)

“Mababe river lodge was excellent. After one of the hardest drives of our 3 week drive across Southern Africa, we really enjoyed our stay here. The rooms are and staff are wonderful. The staff cleaned our car without even asking (and it was badly needed). The rooms are lovely and have a private varendah that look out over the planes and river with lots of animal sightings. And Dinner was excellent, and lots of veggies, which I appreciated. We also did a day long safari to Moremi park and saw two pairs of mating lions.” (Google reviews,2025)

Executive Summary & Financial Highlights

This transaction is structured as a complete turnkey sale of a fully integrated safari hospitality asset. The property operates on an optimized financial model designed to deliver stable yields while leaving significant operational upside for the incoming owner.

• Return on Investment (ROI): An estimated 13% per annum.
• Occupancy Modeling: The 13% annual return is calculated based on a conservative estimated accommodation occupancy rate of 20%.
• There is potential for more revenue with the expansion of the approved 40-guest room hotel license.

Confidential Investor Inquiry

Detailed financial asset registers, historic cash-flow analysis, and a comprehensive breakdown of the 13% ROI projections are available exclusively to qualified buyers upon the signing of a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).