Kgori Safaris has taken over the operation of Tsaro Lodge in the Okavango Delta, Botswana. The lodge has not been operational for years.

Jim van Rensburg, Kgori Safaris MD, told Tourism Update the company won the tender for the lodge this year after it was advertised by the Botswana Tourism Organisation in 2014.

The lodge abuts the northern boundary of the wildlife-rich Moremi Game Reserve. It was previously owned by Khwai Development Trust under the Community Based Natural Resources management programme, but ownership of the site was transferred to BTO.

Van Rensburg said the operator planned to build a four-star facility with 12 rooms and that construction was expected to begin next year after finalisation of the environmental management plan. “We had hoped to have commenced construction by now but we have been delayed as we are still awaiting response from the Department of Environmental Affairs on our submitted EMP.”

He said the existing structures included 16 rooms and eight chalets, which would be turned into staff quarters.

Van Rensburg said Tsaro Lodge would create employment for the Khwai residents and that the company would also invest in educating Khwai children as part of its community social responsibility for operating in the area.