O&L Leisure completes the acquisition of Le Mirage and Divava

O&L Leisure has successfully completed the acquisition of two premier Namibian tourism properties, Le Mirage in the Sossusvlei area and Divava on the scenic Okavango River, with all eligible employees receiving offers of employment as part of the transition.



The acquisition marks a pivotal development in Namibia’s tourism sector, which serves as a major source of job creation, particularly in rural areas.



O&L Leisure’s commitment to job retention directly supports this national strategy, addressing employment challenges in remote regions where alternative opportunities remain limited.



At the same time the company is contributing to the transformational economic and social

empowerment goals which emphasise support for small and medium-sized businesses, communal

conservancies and rural tourism enterprises that provide crucial opportunities for women and local communities.



“We are incredibly excited about welcoming our new team members to the O&L family,” said Sven Thieme, the MD of O&L Leisure.



“This acquisition complements our offering of showcasing Namibia through our eyes with the addition of the Okavango Popa Falls as well as the Sossusvlei environment. The handover was extremely smooth with the on-boarding of the people and each one was welcomed individually to our family. We look forward to an exciting future and the exceptional experiences we can offer our guests from around the world as they discover Namibia’s unique beauty.”



According to Thieme, the human element of this story should not be understated. "In remote locations like



Sossusvlei and the Okavango River, where alternative employment opportunities are scarce, O&L Leisure’s commitment to job retention transforms what could have been an uncertain transition into a celebration of continuity and growth, while strengthening our commitment to Authentic, Caring and Passionate hospitality.



“Both properties will maintain their current leadership structures, with Karel Urjon continuing as General Manager at Divava and William Danster remaining at Le Mirage, where he has successfully managed operations for several years. All employees were assessed based on their current roles and offered positions aligned with their knowledge and experience.



Employees at both properties have responded positively to the acquisition news, expressing excitement about growth opportunities and pride in joining a proudly Namibian-owned company.