Jock of the bushveld concession, kruger national park: PPP to operate lodges, food and beverage, retail and wildlife activities and manage roads and environmental infrastructure

SANParks appoints a Private Party to finance, refurbish, operate, and maintain the Jock Concession in the Kruger National Park for 25 years.

Scope includes operating accommodation lodges, food and beverage, retail, wildlife activities (drives and walks), and managing roads and environmental infrastructure.

The Private Party does not acquire ownership of the concession area or SANParks' intellectual property.

The Business is defined as operating a lodge and recreational concession area.

Bidders must be a registered South African proprietary limited company with hospitality operations experience, with the Technical Partner holding at least 30% equity.

Compliance with the B-BBEE Act and Schedule 5 obligations is required.

Bidders must demonstrate financial capacity to fund capital expenditure and operations.

Ability to obtain all required consents, permits, and environmental authorisations.

Bidders must not be a Restricted Enterprise (not listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters, Disqualified Directors' Register, or other relevant listings).

Acceptance of all PPP Agreement terms, including the 25-year term, exclusive rights, handover provisions, and SANParks step-in rights.

Payment of the Residual Value to the outgoing concessionaire is a condition precedent.

SANParks' objectives of diverse, responsible, quality tourism and socio-economic transformation are key evaluation considerations.

The Private Party is appointed to finance, refurbish, operate, and maintain the Jock Concession Area in the Kruger National Park.

Scope includes operating accommodation lodges, food and beverage, retail, and wildlife activities (drives and walks), and managing roads and environmental infrastructure.

The business is defined as operating a lodge and recreational concession area.

The Private Party must provide tourism accommodation and all ancillary services.

The Private Party must achieve B-BBEE obligations as part of project deliverables.

Refurbishment and infrastructural development must follow the Capital Investment proposed in the bidder's Bid Submission (Schedule 4).

Day and night game drives must be provided using vehicles complying with SANParks' standards.

The Private Party has exclusive rights to undertake the business in the concession area, subject to SANParks' approval.

Access to the Protected Area is subject to SANParks' operating rules and gate hours.

The project term is 25 years.

The Private Party does not acquire ownership of the concession area or SANParks' intellectual property.

The bidder's proposed methodology must align with the SANParks Operation Manual (to be provided/updated).

The Capital Investment plan for refurbishment and infrastructural development must follow the Bid Submission (Schedule 4).

Execution of Project Deliverables includes refurbishment, provision of accommodation services, and achieving B-BBEE obligations.

PPP Fee structure comprises a Minimum PPP Fee and a Variable PPP Fee (Clause 17.3).

Capital Investment Assets are detailed in Schedule 23.

KNP Tariffs for goods/services provided by SANParks are available on request.

Residual Value is calculated based on depreciation for income tax purposes.

Prime Rate is defined for financial calculations.

The bidder must pay a PPP Fee to SANParks, comprising a Minimum PPP Fee and a Variable PPP Fee (Clause 17.3).

The PPP Fee excludes the Conservation Levy.

Capital Expenditure is defined as any expenditure treated as capital under IFRS.

Capital Investment Assets include equipment, furnishings, fixtures, and improvements (detailed in Schedule 23).

The Private Party must finance the refurbishment and operations of the facilities.

A Performance Bond is required, issued by a financial institution or deposited as cash (format in Schedule 11).

Payment of Residual Value is a condition precedent, due within 3 business days prior to the expiry of the Long Stop Date.

The Private Party is responsible for all Utility Charges and Assessment Rates levied by Responsible Authorities.

Financial reporting must follow International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

KNP Tariffs for goods/services provided by SANParks are available on request.

Residual Value is calculated based on depreciation for income tax purposes.

Prime Rate is defined for financial calculations.

Bidders must comply with B-BBEE obligations as detailed in Schedule 5.

Compliance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE Act) is required.

Bidders must not be a Restricted Enterprise (listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters, Disqualified Directors' Register, or other relevant listings).

Bidders must adhere to laws against corrupt acts, including the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.

Constitutional Documents (memorandum of incorporation, shareholders' agreement, etc.) must be provided as per Schedule 9.

All necessary consents, permits, and authorisations from Responsible Authorities must be obtained.

Compliance with the Consumer Protection Act (CPA) and Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) is required.

Environmental Laws and Specifications (detailed in Schedule 7) must be adhered to.

The Technical Partner (an equity holder with hospitality experience) must maintain at least a 30% equity interest in the Private Party.

The bidder must be a for-profit private company registered in South Africa.

The bidder must submit a Bid Submission accepted by SANParks.

Compliance with Treasury Regulations and relevant approvals is required.

The 'Local' area is defined as within a 100km radius of the concession area.

The Private Party must fulfil B-BBEE Obligations as set out in Schedule 5.

Compliance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act (B-BBEE Act) and its definitions (Black People, Black Economic Empowerment) is required.

Skills Development Spend obligations are detailed in Schedule 5.

Bidders must adhere to Environmental Laws, including the National Environmental Management Act, National Water Act, and others.

Environmental Specifications detailed in Schedule 7 must be followed.

Compliance with the Park Management Plan and Park Rules set by SANParks is required.

Operations must align with the Environmental Provisions and guidelines for operators within the Protected Area.

The project is subject to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes.

Project Term: 25 years from the Signature Date.

PPP Rights: Exclusive right granted to the Private Party to finance, refurbish, operate, and maintain the concession area.

SANParks will not establish other accommodation facilities or grant similar rights to third parties in the concession area.

Conditions Precedent include payment of the Residual Value within 3 business days prior to the Long Stop Date expiry.

The Private Party must adhere to Good Industry Practice.

A Handover Period of 12 months prior to termination for transferring the concession area to a new operator.

Provisions for Force Majeure, Private Party Default, SANParks Default, and Dispute Resolution.

Strict prohibitions against Corrupt Acts and fraud.

Change in Control and Change in Ownership restrictions, requiring the Technical Partner to maintain at least 30% equity.

Governing law is South African law.

The agreement includes numerous Schedules detailing specific obligations.

The bidder must be a for-profit private company registered in South Africa.

A Bid Submission accepted by SANParks is required.

All necessary consents, permits, and authorisations must be obtained.

Compliance with Treasury Regulations and relevant approvals is required.

The bidder must not be listed as a Restricted Enterprise.

The 'Local' area is defined as within a 100km radius of the concession area.

SANParks' objectives of ensuring diverse, responsible and quality tourism and socio-economic transformation are key considerations for evaluating bids.

This is a tourism public private partnership opportunity for the Jock of the Bushveld Concession in the Kruger National Park. The selected private party will have rights to commercial use for 25 years through a PPP agreement. The private party will develop (upgrade and refurbish), operate and finance the concession area, with SANParks generating revenue through PPP fees while focusing on conservation.

Value-for-money objectives: revenue generation through concession fee optimisation and increased entry and conservation fees; B-BBEE, job creation and development of local communities within 100km of KNP and Dispossessed Land Owner Communities; tourism promotion with product and market diversification; optimal utilisation of prime assets; biodiversity protection; and cultural and heritage resources conservation.

Location: Approximately 30km from Malelane Gate, covering 5,846.855 ha with 35km of game drive roads and 3km access road. Existing facilities include Jock Safari Lodge (12 units, 24 beds) and Fitzpatrick's Lodge (3 rooms, 6 beds), plus 14 staff beds.

Site visit: 6 August 2026, 09h00 to 13h00. Not compulsory but encouraged. This is the only official site visit; no individual visits will be arranged. Registration required by contacting Jabulile Galane.

Bidder's conference: 20 August 2026. Registration required.

Bid closing: 12h00 on 5 October 2026.

Travel and accommodation costs for the site visit are for the bidder's own account.

Site visit: 6 August 2026, 09h00 to 13h00. Not compulsory but encouraged. This is the only official site visit; no individual visits will be arranged. Registration required by sending names, company, contact telephone and email to Jabulile Galane.

Bidder's conference: 20 August 2026. Registration required.

Travel and accommodation costs for the site visit are for the bidder's own account.

Bidders are responsible for their own due diligence investigation. No verbal agreements or clarifications are binding; only written amendments from the authorised Project Officer count.

Due diligence and site visit contact: Jabulile Galane, Project Administrator, Tel: (012) 426 5036, E-mail: [email protected].

Bid submission address: Jabulile Galane, Project Administrator: SANParks Six KNP Concessions Tender, South African National Parks, 643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria.

Submission channel: Bids must be delivered by hand to Jabulile Galane, Project Administrator: SANParks Six KNP Concessions Tender, South African National Parks, 643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria, before 12h00 on 5 October 2026. Late submissions are invalid and returned unopened.

Format: Two sealed envelopes. Envelope 1 marked "Technical Proposal - Original" contains one original physical document and one electronic copy. Envelope 2 marked "Financial Proposal and B-BBEE Proposal" contains one original physical document and one physical copy. The electronic copy must be identical to the physical submission, with subfolders following the same sequence and labelling. Bidders must not regenerate or amend RFP forms; only populate required bidder information.

Disqualification risks:

• Including the pricing or B-BBEE proposal in Envelope 1.
• Omitting any mandatory returnable document.
• Submitting after the closing time.
• Non-compliance with administrative requirements in Stage 1 evaluation.

Mandatory returnable documents (all must be completed and signed):

• Bid Bond in the form of Annexure 7.
• Residual Value Undertaking in the form of Annexure 8.
• Resolution of the Project Company or Lead Member.
• Resolution of Each Member (other than the Lead Member).
• Original tax clearance certificate from SARS, issued within six months of the bid date, for each South African member.
• Audited annual financial statements for the past 3 years.
• Written statement of Net Asset Value of at least R10 million for any shareholder in the Private Party.
• Written confirmation of sufficient cashflow to fund at least three months' operational expenditure of the lodge.
• Proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database.

All information in the bid must remain valid for 180 business days from the bid date.

Checklist of mandatory returnable documents: Bid Bond in form of Annexure 7; Residual Value Undertaking in form of Annexure 8; Resolution of the Project Company or Lead Member; Resolution of Each Member; Tax Clearance Certificate from SARS within six months; Audited Annual Financial Statements for past 3 years; written statement of Net Asset Value of at least R10 million; written confirmation of sufficient cashflow for three months operational expenditure; proof of registration on Central Supplier Database.

Evaluation stages:

• Stage 1 (Compliance): Administrative responsiveness and validity of all mandatory returnable documents. Failure leads to disqualification.
• Stage 2 (Functionality): Scored out of 100 points. Minimum overall threshold of 80% to proceed. Minimum threshold of 50% for each sub-category (Financing and Capital Plan, Business and Operational Plan, Environmental Plan and Due Diligence, Risk Matrix). Weightings: Business and Operational Plan 45, Financing and Capital Plan 25, Environmental Plan and Due Diligence 20, Risk Matrix 10.
• Stage 3 (Price and B-BBEE): 90/10 preference point system under the PPPFA. 90 points for the PPP Fee Offer, 10 points for specific goals.

Specific goals (10 points):

• Bidders' existing B-BBEE Contributor Status of at least Level 4: 2 points.
• Commitment to meet and/or exceed all targets in Annexure 3 (B-BBEE Obligations): 8 points.

SANParks reserves the right to appoint a bidder with the highest B-BBEE proposal points even if not the highest price, to promote empowerment of Black Women, Youth and Communities.

Bids are evaluated through a two-envelope system. Financial envelopes are only opened if the bid passes the 80% functionality threshold.

Concession location and size: Jock of the Bushveld Concession in the Kruger National Park, approximately 30km from Malelane Gate. Covers 5,846.855 ha, with 35km of game drive roads and 3km of access road.

Existing facilities:

• Jock Safari Lodge: Victorian African safari style, thatched, 12 units with 24 beds, each unit with own bathroom, splash pool and deck, communal pool.
• Fitzpatrick's Lodge: thatched villa, 3 rooms with 6 beds, enclosed garden with seating area.
• Staff housing: 14 beds, must comply with national building regulations; only single/couple units allowed, no dormitories. Bidders must propose improvements to quantity, structure and quality.

Scope of work: Operate accommodation, food and beverage, retail and wildlife activities (game drives and walks). Manage roads and environmental infrastructure. Upgrade, refurbish, operate and finance the concession area within the existing footprint.

Development requirements:

• Private party bears all costs of upgrading existing facilities, roads, buildings and infrastructure.
• Any changes require detailed design in accordance with EIA findings, best industry practice, SANParks and National Building Code requirements.
• Access roads must be operated and maintained per the SANParks Roads Manual, with efficient stormwater drainage.
• Environmental approvals (Basic Assessment or EIA) may be required; prepared by an independent consultant and undertaken by the successful bidder.

Concession term: 25 years through a PPP agreement.

Tourism experience requirements:

• Minimum 5 years' experience in upmarket to luxury lodge operations.
• Previous experience with lodge operations in protected areas.
• Experience in operating tourism activities such as game drives and game walks.
• Strong marketing and branding experience with existing channel relationships to international tourism markets to South Africa.
• Acceptable hospitality operating and booking/marketing systems.

Bidders must provide examples of similar projects conducted.

Financial capacity:

• Asset value of at least R10 million.
• For consortia, demonstrate financial strength based on shareholders' asset value in proportion to shareholding.
• Shareholders must be solvent.
• Audited financial statements for at least 3 years.
• Ability to raise debt and equity and provide security.
• Sufficient cashflows for initial months of operations.

PPP Fee Offer: The higher of the Minimum PPP Fee (increased annually by CPIX from year 3) or the Variable PPP Fee (a flat percentage of gross revenue). SANParks will not consider a minimum fixed rental PPP fee of less than R290,000 per month in the first full year of operations and R390,000 per month in the second full year.

Residual Value: R25,674,379 (VAT excl.), based on audited financial statements as at December 2025. Payable by the new Private Party, with date and payment plan specified in the PPP Agreement.

Pricing proposal must be submitted in Envelope 2 only, in the format of Annexure 4. Including pricing in Envelope 1 leads to disqualification.

PPP Fee Offer: The higher of the Minimum PPP Fee (increased annually by CPIX from year 3) or the Variable PPP Fee (a flat percentage of gross revenue). SANParks will not consider a minimum fixed rental PPP fee of less than R290,000 per month in the first full year of operations and R390,000 per month in the second full year.

Bid and Performance Bond: A single bond of R500,000 (VAT excl.) in the form of Annexure 7, valid from bid submission until expiry of the PPP Agreement. Forfeiture grounds include material misrepresentation, withdrawal or modification of bid during validity, default or breach by the Private Party, or events causing losses to SANParks. The bond is callable on first demand. The Bid Bond may be replaced by a Performance Bond of R500,000 (VAT excl.) once operations commence, increased annually on 1 April with CPI.

Residual Value: R25,674,379 (VAT excl.), based on audited financial statements as at December 2025. Payable by the new Private Party, with date and payment plan specified in the PPP Agreement.

Financial capacity requirements:

• Asset value of the bidder must be at least R10 million.
• For consortia, demonstrate financial strength based on shareholders' asset value in proportion to shareholding.
• Shareholders must be solvent.
• Audited financial statements for at least 3 years.
• Demonstrate ability to raise debt and equity and provide security.
• Sufficient cashflow to fund at least three months' operational expenditure.

Bidder eligibility:

• Must be a single company, unincorporated joint venture, consortium or trust.
• Minimum 30% of equity held by the technical/operational partner with hospitality operations experience.
• Organs of state are excluded except as funders or under specific conditions.
• Must not include any person blacklisted by National Treasury, on the Disqualified Director's Register, involved in litigation against any of the six concessions, or found guilty of fraud or corruption.

Mandatory registrations and certificates:

• Central Supplier Database (CSD) registration.
• Original tax clearance certificate from SARS, issued within six months of the bid date, for each South African member.
• B-BBEE Contributor Status of at least Level 4 (for specific goals points).

Beneficiation Scheme obligations:

• 10% equity interest set aside for an entity established by or on behalf of the Dispossessed Land Owner Communities, on a "free carry" basis, for the duration of the concession, with the right to appoint one director.
• Support community development through procurement, training and supplier development programmes, or contribute to a centralised fund managed by the Dispossessed Land Owner Communities.

Other requirements:

• Appoint authorised representatives mandated by executive decision and legal power of attorney.
• No changes to bid or membership after the bid submission date without prior SANParks approval.
• On appointment, incorporate a special purpose vehicle (SPV) before signing the PPP Agreement.

B-BBEE obligations are set out in Annexure 3. Bids must demonstrate how Preferential Procurement Requirements will be met, including timelines and targets.

Specific goals (10 points in evaluation):

• Bidders' existing B-BBEE Contributor Status of at least Level 4: 2 points.
• Commitment to meet and/or exceed all targets in Annexure 3: 8 points.

Beneficiation Scheme:

• 10% equity interest set aside for an entity established by or on behalf of the Dispossessed Land Owner Communities, on a "free carry" basis, for the duration of the concession, with the right to appoint one director.
• Enterprise development through procurement, training and supplier development programmes, or contributions to a centralised fund managed by the Dispossessed Land Owner Communities.
• Dispossessed Land Owner Communities may participate in tenders alone or with partners.

SANParks reserves the right to appoint a bidder with the highest B-BBEE proposal points even if not the highest price, to promote empowerment of Black Women, Youth and Communities.

Environmental compliance: The Private Party must operate with strict compliance with SANParks environmental standards, Protected Areas conservation guidelines, existing environmental authorisations, permits and operating licences.

Environmental approvals: The opportunity may require a Basic Assessment or EIA for prescribed activities or activities affecting designated areas such as a national park. These must be prepared by an independent consultant and will only be undertaken by the successful bidder.

Environmental Plan: Bidders must provide a detailed environmental plan for the concession, adhering to South African, SANParks and KNP environmental regulations and guidelines. This forms part of the functionality evaluation (weighting 20).

Biodiversity and heritage: Value-for-money objectives include biodiversity protection and conservation, and cultural and heritage resources conservation.

PPP Agreement: Draft agreements included in tender documents and published on the SANParks website. SANParks may amend them at any time. The agreement becomes binding only after signature by both parties.

Signature and effectiveness: After award, the Private Party has 2 weeks to clarify outstanding issues, then 3 weeks to sign the final PPP Agreement. Failure to meet timelines may result in cancellation and award to the Reserve Bidder. No PPP fees are payable before the Operations Commencement Date.

Handover: On expiry or termination, the Concession Area must be handed over per Schedule 26 (Form of Handover Principles). Handover must be completed within five months from signing the PPP Agreement: first 3 months for negotiation of the handover process, remaining 2 months for the Concessionaire to vacate.

Bonds: Bid and Performance Bond of R500,000 (VAT excl.) required, valid from bid submission until expiry of the PPP Agreement. Forfeiture for material misrepresentation, withdrawal of bid, default or breach, or events causing losses to SANParks. Callable on first demand. The Bid Bond may be replaced by a Performance Bond once operations commence.

General rules:

• The RFP supersedes all other SANParks communication.
• Only written changes from the authorised Project Officer are binding; verbal discussions do not count.
• SANParks may modify the timetable, amend the RFP, or cancel the bid at any time without liability.
• Bids must be in English.
• Submission implies acceptance of all terms and conditions.
• Bidders bear all costs of preparation and submission.
• Each bidder must appoint authorised representatives with legal power of attorney.

Non-eligible persons: Blacklisted by National Treasury, on the Disqualified Director's Register, involved in litigation against any of the six concessions, or found guilty of fraud or corruption.

Bid limits: A bidder may submit bids for a maximum of four of the six concessions. SANParks may award a maximum of two concessions to the same Preferred Bidder.

Reserve Bidder: May be appointed if the Preferred Bidder is disqualified or cannot conclude the PPP Agreement.

No person may be involved with more than one bidder without prior written consent, except lenders and B-BBEE material/furniture suppliers subject to strict information barriers.

Bidder identity: Must be a single company, unincorporated joint venture, consortium or trust. Minimum 30% equity held by the technical/operational partner. Organs of state excluded except as funders or under specific conditions.

Shareholding: Bidders must detail shareholding structure, roles, responsibilities and directorships in the Business and Operational Plan. On appointment, a special purpose vehicle (SPV) must be incorporated before signing the PPP Agreement.

Financial: Demonstrate ability to raise debt and equity, provide security, and have sufficient cashflows for initial months of operations. Asset value of at least R10 million; shareholders must be solvent.

Tourism experience: Minimum 5 years' upmarket to luxury lodge operations, experience in protected areas, tourism activities, strong marketing and branding, and acceptable hospitality systems.

Environmental: Provide a detailed environmental plan adhering to South African, SANParks and KNP regulations.

Membership changes: No replacement, withdrawal or admission of members after the bid submission date without prior SANParks approval. No changes to the bid after submission.

Evaluation process:

• Stage 1 (Compliance): Administrative requirements and mandatory documents; failure leads to disqualification.
• Stage 2 (Functionality): Scored out of 100 points. Minimum overall threshold of 80% to proceed. Minimum threshold of 50% for each sub-category. Weightings: Business and Operational Plan 45, Financing and Capital Plan 25, Environmental Plan and Due Diligence 20, Risk Matrix 10.
• Stage 3 (Price and B-BBEE): 90/10 preference point system. 90 points for PPP Fee Offer, 10 points for specific goals.

Two-envelope system: Envelope 1 (technical) opened first; Envelope 2 (financial and B-BBEE) only opened if the bid passes the 80% functionality threshold. Financial envelopes of non-qualifying bids are returned unopened.

Bids must score at least 80% for functionality to proceed to price and B-BBEE evaluation.