Sven Thieme Expands Ol's Footprint In Namibia's Luxury Tourism With Desert And River Lodge Acquisitions

Sven Thiemes O L Leisure acquires Le Mirage and Divava lodges to deepen its luxury tourism portfolio in Namibia.

The expansion strengthens O Ls six-property circuit, showcasing iconic desert, river, coastal, and wildlife-rich destinations.

O L targets N2.5 billion 140 million EBIT by 2029, aligning hospitality growth with its Vision 2029 strategy.

Namibias largest privately held company, the Ohlthaver List O L Group, led by prominent businessman Sven Thieme, is expanding its hospitality footprint with the acquisition of two standout properties in some of the countrys most iconic destinations.

In a recent statement , the group confirmed the acquisitions were made through its hospitality arm, O L Leisure, which has taken ownership of Le Mirage in the Sossusvlei area and Divava on the banks of the Kavango River. The deal is currently subject to approval by the Namibian Competition Commission.

Speaking about the expansion, Thieme, who also serves as Managing Director of O L Leisure, said: This is an important step in bringing our Namibia Through Our Eyes vision to life. These desert and river settings arent just beautiful, they carry deep stories and a sense of wonder that reflect everything we want our guests to experience. He added, We dont take our guests to just any place with a tree. We take them to places with a soul, places that hold history, beauty, and meaning.

With this move, O L Leisure now offers travelers access to a curated journey across six unique Namibian destinations. From remote mountain retreats and the windswept Atlantic coast to awe-inspiring desert landscapes and wildlife-rich terrains, each location is chosen to showcase Namibias natural treasures. This includes Sossusvlei, home to some of the tallest sand dunes in the world, and the ancient Namib Desertwhere rolling dunes meet the Atlantic Ocean in one of the planets rarest environments.

This expansion aligns with the groups broader Vision 2029 strategy, which aims to position Namibia as a world-class travel destination. By building a connected portfolio of properties, O L Leisure is creating a seamless luxury circuit that highlights the countrys diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and cultural heritage.