Lwakahle concession (kruger national park) – PPP to operate lodge, food & beverage, retail and wildlife activities and manage roads and environmental infrastructure

This is a PPP opportunity for the Lwakahle Concession in Kruger National Park. SANParks is tendering the right to operate the existing lodge (Lukimbi Safari Lodge), including accommodation, food and beverage, retail, and wildlife activities (drives and walks), and to manage roads and environmental infrastructure. The Private Party will have exclusive traversing rights in the concession area. The concession is for a fixed term; assets revert to SANParks at the end. Incumbent concessionaires cannot renew but may bid again. The concession is located off the S25, near Malelane Gate, covering 15,000 ha with 100 km of roads. The lodge has 32 beds (14 Classic, 2 Premium suites) with a maximum overnight capacity of 40 people. The Private Party bears all costs for upgrading existing facilities within the current footprint.

Closing date: 5 October 2026 at 12:00.

Bids are evaluated using a dedicated B-BBEE scorecard provided in the RFP. The scorecard covers: ownership targets for Black People, Black Women, and Land Claimants; management control targets for Black People, Black Women, and people from Land Claimants and Local Communities; employment equity at all levels; skills development expenditure and participation in learnerships, apprenticeships, and internships; preferential procurement from B-BBEE recognised, Land Claimant, and Local Community enterprises; and contributions to enterprise and supplier development and socio-economic development. Scores are allocated according to the methodology and weightings in the scorecard.

This is a PPP concession to operate the Lwakahle Concession in the Kruger National Park. The concession comprises one lodge (currently Lukimbi Safari Lodge) located off the S25, approximately 15 km from Malelane Gate. The lodge has 14 Classic Suites and 2 Premium Suites (32 beds total), with a maximum of 40 people (guests and staff) allowed to sleep on site. The concession area is 15,000 hectares with 100 km of road development. The Private Party will have exclusive traversing rights in the concession area, which is off-limits to normal park visitors. The Private Party bears all costs for upgrading existing facilities (roads, buildings, infrastructure) within the current footprint. Detailed technical specifications are in Annexure A. All commercial activities must support biodiversity protection, minimise environmental impact, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the protected area system. The Private Party must comply with the National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162) and SANParks' Responsible Tourism Strategy.

B-BBEE proposals are evaluated using a dedicated scorecard with specific methodology and weightings provided in the RFP. The Responsible Tourism Strategy implementation is guided by principles based on national guidelines, aligned with SANParks' corporate plans, and designed to be easy to implement, adaptive, and monitored.

SANParks' Commercialisation Strategy has demonstrated value through increased market segmentation and product differentiation, adding over 500 guest beds in the five-star segment, and improved efficiencies in restaurant and retail facilities.

Financial management is governed by the PFMA. Treasury Regulation 16 requires that state property be let at market-related tariffs, reviewed annually. SANParks must manage and lease state assets in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective manner.

The Private Party operates the concession at its own financial risk and must pay a PPP fee to SANParks. The concession involves financing, refurbishment, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the tourism facility. State assets are leased on market-related terms as per Treasury Regulation 16, which requires annual review of tariffs. SANParks is bound by the PFMA to manage and lease state assets in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective manner.

Bidders must meet the following compliance obligations:

• B-BBEE: Adherence to SANParks' dedicated B-BBEE scorecard with targets for ownership, management control, employment, skills development, preferential procurement, and enterprise development.
• Environmental: Compliance with NEMPAA, SANS 1162, and approved Environmental Management Plans.
• Permits and licences: Obtain and maintain firearm permits, SANParks vehicle/driver permits, game guide permits (DFFE registered, CATHSETA accredited; FGASA not accepted), liquor licences (if applicable), environmental authorisation (EIA), water use licences, and heritage permits (if applicable). Existing EIAs and water licences may be transferable.
• Land claims: Refer to the RFP for obligations related to Settlement Agreements with Dispossessed Land Owner Communities.
• Legal framework: Operations must align with SANParks' Park Management Plans, the PFMA, and the Tourism PPP Toolkit.
• Responsible tourism: Must subscribe to SANS 1162 and SANParks' Responsible Tourism Strategy.
• No development, construction, or farming is permitted without prior written approval from SANParks.

SANParks' Commercialisation Strategy uses PPPs to advance B-BBEE and socio-economic transformation. Targets are set for the Private Party to promote direct ownership by black people, black women, and black enterprises; management control; subcontracting and procurement; and positive local socio-economic impact benefiting SMMEs, the disabled, youth, and NGOs. SANParks has a dedicated B-BBEE scorecard for the six KNP concessions, covering ownership, management control, employment, skills development, preferential procurement, enterprise development, and socio-economic development. Bidders' B-BBEE proposals will be scored according to this scorecard provided in the RFP. SANParks also promotes equity participation for indigenous landowner communities, though no equity set-aside is specified for this concession.

The Private Party must operate in full compliance with environmental regulations and SANParks' regenerative tourism objectives. Key frameworks include NEMPAA, SANS 1162, and SANParks' Responsible Tourism Strategy. Operations must actively contribute to ecosystem restoration, strengthen biodiversity conservation, support climate resilience, and promote inclusive economic participation. All developments require an EIA and environmental permit from DFFE; existing EIAs may be transferable. The Private Party must comply with environmental management standards that often exceed baseline requirements. Refer to Annexure B for Environmental Guidelines and Annexure C for SANS 1162 requirements.

SANParks disclaims liability for the accuracy of the Information Memorandum. Bidders must conduct their own due diligence. SANParks may amend the information without prior notice. The Private Party's operations are subject to monitoring for compliance with agreements and norms set by SANParks under NEMPAA Section 50. No development, construction, or farming is permitted without prior written approval from SANParks. SANParks is not liable for the Private Party's failure to obtain required environmental permits, though it will provide reasonable assistance.

The Private Party must obtain and maintain numerous permits and licences: firearm permits and SANParks permits for carrying within KNP; permits for game guides (DFFE registration and CATHSETA accreditation required; FGASA not accepted); SANParks permits for all vehicles and drivers; liquor licences (if applicable); EIA and environmental permit from DFFE (existing EIAs may be transferable); compliance with the Competition Act; Heritage Impact Assessment if a site is a national monument; and water use licences from DWS (existing licences may be transferable). SANParks will provide reasonable assistance but bears no liability for failure to obtain permits.

SANParks uses a dedicated B-BBEE scorecard to evaluate bids for the six KNP concessions. Evaluation focuses on: ownership targets for Black People, Black Women, and Land Claimants; management control targets for Black People, Black Women, and people from Land Claimants and Local Communities; employment equity targets at all levels; skills development expenditure and participation in learnerships, apprenticeships, and internships; preferential procurement from B-BBEE recognised, Land Claimant, and Local Community enterprises; and contributions to enterprise and supplier development and socio-economic development. Scores are allocated based on the methodology in the 'Recommended SANParks Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Scorecard' provided in the RFP.

The Lwakahle Concession is located in the KNP off the S25, about 15km from Malelane Gate. Size is 15,000 hectares with 100km of road development. The concession currently comprises one lodge, Lukimbi Lodge, with thatched roof and brick construction. Public areas include lobby, lounge, boutique shop, wine cellar, dining room, deck, spa, TV lounge, library, children's playroom and gym. It has 12 suites (32 beds) with showers, stone baths, outside decks, lounges, and some private pools. Staff housing has 40 beds but only 8 are allowed. Staff accommodation must comply with national building regulations. SANParks allows only single or couple units. The private party is responsible for upgrading and maintaining the lodge and support infrastructure.

Bid submission closing: 5 October 2026 at 12h00.

Site visit: 5 August 2026, 09h00 to 13h00. Registration required with Jabulile Galane. Not compulsory but encouraged; this is the only official site visit.

Bidder's conference: 20 August 2026. Registration required with Jabulile Galane.

Site visit on 5 August 2026 from 09h00 to 13h00. Registration required by sending names, company and contact details to Jabulile Galane. This is the only official site visit. Bidders' conference on 20 August 2026, registration required. Contact for due diligence: Jabulile Galane, Project Administrator, Tel (012) 426 5036, Email [email protected].

Jabulile Galane, Project Administrator, SANParks Six KNP Concessions Tender.

Telephone: (012) 426 5036.

Email: [email protected].

Submission address: South African National Parks, 643 Leyds Street, Muckleneuk, Pretoria.

Only written communications (including email) from the duly authorised Project Officer count for clarifications or changes.

Bids must be submitted 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.

Use a two-envelope system:

• Envelope 1 (Technical Proposal): marked "Technical Proposal - Original", containing one original physical document and one electronic copy.
• Envelope 2 (Financial Proposal and B-BBEE Proposal): marked "Financial Proposal and B-BBEE Proposal", containing one original physical document and one physical copy.

Including the pricing or B-BBEE proposal in Envelope 1 causes disqualification. The electronic copy must be identical to the physical submission, with the same sequence and labelling. Bids and all correspondence must be in English. All mandatory returnable documents must be included or the bid may be disqualified. Bids must remain valid for 180 business days from the bid date. Bidders bear all costs of preparation.

Mandatory returnable documents include: bid bond (Annexure 7), residual value undertaking (Annexure 8), resolutions of the project company and each member, SARS tax clearance certificate (issued within six months), audited financial statements for the past three years, written statement of net asset value of at least R10 million, written confirmation of cashflow covering three months of operational expenditure, and proof of CSD registration.

Mandatory returnable documents: 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, SARS tax clearance certificate issued within six months, audited annual financial statements for the past three years, written statement of net asset value of at least R10 million, written confirmation of sufficient cashflow for three months of operational expenditure, and proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database.

Evaluation proceeds in three stages:

• Stage 1 (Compliance): administrative responsiveness and validity of returnable documents. Failure leads to disqualification.
• Stage 2 (Functionality): evaluated against Annexure 2 criteria; must score at least 80% to proceed.
• Stage 3 (Price and B-BBEE): 90/10 preference point system — 90 points for the PPP fee offer and 10 points for specific goals.

Specific goals scoring: 2 points for a B-BBEE contributor status of at least Level 4, and 8 points for commitment to meet or exceed all targets in Annexure 3. SANParks may appoint a bidder with the highest B-BBEE points even if not the highest price. The PPP fee offer is evaluated using the prescribed price formula; the lowest qualified price receives maximum points, others pro rata. SANParks may not award if only one bid is received and the fee offer does not meet minimum requirements.

Scope: 25-year public private partnership for financing, refurbishment, operation and maintenance of the Lwakahle Concession in the Kruger National Park. Rights include operating the lodge, food and beverage, retail, wildlife activities (drives and walks), and managing roads and environmental infrastructure.

Location and size: off the S25, approximately 15km from Malelane Gate; 15,000 hectares with 100km of road development.

Existing facilities:

• One lodge (Lukimbi Lodge): thatched roof, brick construction. Public areas include lobby, lounge, boutique shop, wine cellar, dining room, deck, spa, TV lounge, library, children's playroom and gym.
• 12 suites (32 beds) with inside and outside showers, stone baths, outside decks, lounges; some have private pools.
• Staff housing: 40 beds on site, but only 8 allowed per concession allowance. Must comply with national building regulations; only single or couple units permitted, no dormitories.

Development and maintenance:

• The private party bears all costs of upgrading existing facilities, including roads, buildings and infrastructure within the specified footprint.
• Any design changes require detailed design aligned with EIA findings, best industry practice, SANParks standards and the National Building Code.
• The private party is solely responsible for upgrading and maintaining the lodge and all support infrastructure, including access roads, which must be operated per the SANParks Roads Manual.

Environmental compliance: strict adherence to SANParks environmental standards, Protected Areas conservation guidelines, and existing environmental authorisations. A Basic Assessment or EIA may be required for certain activities and will be undertaken by the successful bidder. A detailed environmental plan is required.

Financial capacity: bidder must have a minimum asset value of R10 million; consortia must demonstrate proportional strength. Tourism experience: minimum 5 years in upmarket or luxury lodge operations, previous experience in protected areas, experience operating tourism activities such as game drives and walks, strong marketing and branding with international market channels, and acceptable hospitality operating and booking systems. Environmental plan: bidder must undertake to adhere to all relevant environmental regulations and provide a detailed plan.

The residual value for the Lwakahle Concession is R12,250,003 based on audited financial statements as at August 2025. This value must be paid by the new private party and forms part of capital expenditure. A letter in the format of Annexure 8 must be submitted with the bid.

Bid and performance bond: a single bond of R500,000 payable to SANParks, in the format of Annexure 7, valid from bid submission until expiry of the PPP Agreement.

Residual value: the current residual value of the concession asset is R12,250,003 (excluding VAT, likely to increase), based on audited financial statements as at August 2025. The new private party must pay this amount; a residual value undertaking in the format of Annexure 8 must be submitted with the bid.

PPP fee offer structure: SANParks' income is the higher of a minimum PPP fee (specified in Annexure 4, increased annually by CPIX from year 3) or a variable fee as a flat percentage of gross revenue. SANParks will not consider a minimum fixed rental fee below R230,000 per month in the first full year of operations and R320,000 per month in the second full year.

Financial capacity: bidder's asset value must be at least R10 million; consortia must demonstrate strength proportional to shareholders' asset value. Provide audited financial statements for the past three years, demonstrate ability to raise debt and equity, provide security to SANParks' satisfaction, and show sufficient cashflow to cover at least three months of operational expenditure.

Mandatory administrative compliance: all returnable documents must be submitted by the deadline; failure leads to disqualification.

CSD registration: proof of registration on the Central Supplier Database required.

Tax clearance: original SARS tax clearance certificate issued within six months of the bid date, for each South African member of the bidder.

B-BBEE: minimum contributor status of at least Level 4 on a consolidated scorecard for shareholders. Submit a B-BBEE proposal per Annexure 3 committing to meet or exceed all eight compliance targets, with particular focus on empowering local communities and Dispossessed Land Owner Communities.

Beneficiation scheme: the private party must set aside a 10% equity interest on a "free carry" basis for an entity representing Dispossessed Land Owner Communities and appoint one director to the board.

Entity structure: bidder may be a single company, unincorporated joint venture, consortium or trust. A minimum of 30% equity must be held by the technical/operational partner with hospitality experience. Organs of state are excluded except as funders or with prior approval.

Disqualification: bids involving persons blacklisted by National Treasury, on the CIPC Disqualified Directors Register, involved in litigation over the six concessions, or convicted of fraud or corruption will be rejected.

The government and Dispossessed Land Owner Communities have settlement agreements under section 42(D) of the Restitution of Land Rights Act. The settlement has two phases: financial compensation for loss of improvements and a beneficiation scheme to ensure these communities benefit from commercial, job and other economic opportunities from the KNP. Principal terms include tender participation, partnership terms, a 10% equity interest on a free carry basis with one director appointment, and enterprise development through procurement, training, supplier development or contributions to a centralised fund.

The private party must develop and operate in strict compliance with SANParks environmental standards and conservation guidelines. A Basic Assessment or EIA may be required for certain activities and will be undertaken by the successful bidder. All upgrades and new designs must align with EIA findings, best industry practice, and SANParks and National Building Code requirements. The private party is solely responsible for environmental compliance and must provide a detailed environmental plan.

Each bidder must submit a single bond payable to SANParks in the format of Annexure 7, for the amount of R500,000, to ensure valid and serious bids.

The RFP supersedes all other SANParks communication. No verbal discussion changes terms; only written changes from the Project Officer count. SANParks may modify the timetable or cancel the bid at any time without liability. The bid is governed by South African law. Bids must be in English. Submission implies acceptance of all terms. Bidders bear all costs. SANParks may amend the PPP Agreements. Each bidder must appoint authorised representatives. Non-eligible persons include those blacklisted by National Treasury, on the Disqualified Directors Register, initiating litigation on any of the six concessions, or found guilty of fraud or corruption. Bidders must act with integrity and honesty. Bidders may submit bids for a maximum of four concessions, and SANParks may award a maximum of two to the same preferred bidder. A reserve bidder may be appointed if the preferred bidder is disqualified. No person may be involved with more than one bidder without consent, except lenders and B-BBEE suppliers with information barriers.

Qualification criteria: financial capacity — asset value of at least R10 million, audited financial statements for three years, solvency, ability to raise debt and equity, sufficient cashflows. Tourism experience — minimum 5 years' upmarket lodge operation, experience in protected areas, operating tourism activities, strong marketing and branding, acceptable hospitality systems. Environmental undertakings — must adhere to environmental regulations and provide a detailed environmental plan.

90/10 preference point system: maximum 90 points for price, calculated as Ps = 90(1 - (Pt - Pmax)/Pmax). Maximum 10 points for specific goals: 2 points for B-BBEE contributor status of at least Level 4, 8 points for commitment to meet or exceed all targets in Annexure 3. SANParks may appoint a bidder with the highest B-BBEE points exceeding minimum targets even if not the highest price.