Jakkalsbessie concession in kruger national park – rights to operate lodges, food & beverage, retail and wildlife activities, and manage roads and environmental infrastructure (RFP)

This is a Request for Proposals for a 25-year Public Private Partnership concession in the Kruger National Park. SANParks aims to generate revenue through PPP fees while focusing on conservation. The Private Party will finance, refurbish, operate and maintain the Jakkalsbessie Concession Area. Key objectives include revenue generation, B-BBEE, job creation, tourism promotion, optimal asset utilisation, biodiversity protection, and cultural heritage conservation. SANParks has a Beneficiation Scheme for Dispossessed Land Owner Communities, including tender participation, partnership terms, a mandatory 10% free-carry equity stake, and enterprise development programmes. Only written communications from SANParks are binding; SANParks reserves rights to amend, cancel or disqualify; bidders bear all costs; bids are governed by South African law.

Bid submission deadline: 5 October 2026 at 12h00.

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

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

For site visit registration, bidder's conference, and due diligence matters: Jabulile Galane, Project Administrator. Telephone: (012) 426 5036. Email: [email protected].

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

Only written communications from the duly authorised Project Officer are binding; email counts as written communication.

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.

Submission format: two sealed envelopes. Envelope 1 (marked "Technical Proposal - Original") must contain one original physical document and one electronic copy. Envelope 2 (marked "Financial Proposal and B-BBEE Proposal") must contain one original and one physical copy. Attach the Bid Cover Sheet (Annexure 6) to the front of each envelope.

Mandatory returnable documents (Section 7 checklist) must be included or the bid may be disqualified. These include: Bid Bond, Residual Value Undertaking, resolutions of the project company and each member, tax clearance certificates (issued within six months of the bid date for each South African member), audited financial statements for the past three years, a written statement of net asset value of at least R10 million, written confirmation of sufficient cashflow for at least three months' operational expenditure, and proof of CSD registration.

All documents and correspondence must be in English. 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 them.

Including the Pricing Proposal or B-BBEE Proposal in Envelope 1 will result in disqualification. The PPP fee offer and B-BBEE proposal must not be disclosed on the electronic link.

Bids are valid for 180 business days from the bid date. Bidders bear all costs of preparation; SANParks will not compensate bidders regardless of outcome.

Evaluation proceeds in three stages.

Stage 1 – Compliance: administrative responsiveness is tested, including submission of returnable documents by the deadline and validity of all returnable documents. Failure leads to disqualification.

Stage 2 – Functionality: bids are evaluated against the criteria, weighting and scoring schedule in Annexure 2. A bid must achieve an overall minimum threshold of 80% to proceed. Bids scoring below 80% are disqualified from further evaluation.

Stage 3 – Price and B-BBEE: the 90/10 preference point system applies, with 90 points for the highest acceptable price and 10 points for specific goals. Points are awarded for achieving the specific goals set out in Annexure 3.

Bidders must meet the qualification criteria: minimum 30% equity held by the technical/operational partner, minimum net asset value of R10 million (proportional for consortia), and demonstrated tourism experience including at least five years' upmarket/luxury lodge operations, protected area operations, game drives and walks, strong international marketing channels, and acceptable hospitality systems.

The concession is a 25-year Public Private Partnership for the Jakkalsbessie Concession in the Kruger National Park, approximately 5km from Skukuza camp, covering 5500 hectares with 120km of roads.

The Private Party will finance, refurbish, operate and maintain the concession, including accommodation, food and beverage, retail, wildlife activities (drives and walks), and roads and environmental infrastructure.

Existing facilities comprise two lodges:

• Tinga Lodge (main lodge): thatch and brick, reception lobby with shop, lounge, dining area, bar, indoor courtyard, spa sala, pool, library; 9 suites (18 beds) with king beds, separate seating, bathrooms with bath and indoor/outdoor showers, private pools; plus an annex with a standalone residence (2 bedrooms, 4 beds) with private pool.
• Narina Lodge: thatch and brick in modern safari style, main deck on stilts, reception with shop, photographic studio/lab, bar, outdoor dining, raised wooden walkways, spa sala; 9 suites on stilts with king beds, separate seating, bathrooms with bath and indoor/outdoor showers, private pools.

Staff housing: 40 single rooms with private bathrooms, recently upgraded, separate and fenced off, with new electric fence. Only single/couple accommodation units are allowed, not dormitories. The Private Party must propose improvements to staff housing quantity, structure and quality.

Development requirements: the Private Party bears all costs of upgrading existing facilities within the specified footprint. Any changes require Detailed Design prepared by the Private Party, compliant with EIA findings, Best Industry Practice, SANParks standards and the National Building Code.

Roads must be operated and maintained per the SANParks Roads Manual. The Private Party is solely responsible for upgrading and maintaining the lodges and support infrastructure, including access roads.

Environmental compliance: operations must adhere to SANParks environmental standards, Protected Areas conservation guidelines, and existing environmental authorisations, permits and operating licences. A detailed environmental plan is required. Necessary environmental approvals (Basic Assessment or EIA) will be undertaken by the successful bidder.

Financial capacity: minimum net asset value of R10 million, with audited financials for three years and proof of solvency. Tourism experience required: minimum five years' experience in upmarket/luxury lodge operations, experience operating lodges in protected areas, experience in tourism activities such as game drives and walks, strong marketing and branding with international tourism market channels, and acceptable hospitality operating and booking systems. Environmental commitment: must undertake to adhere to all relevant environmental regulations and provide a detailed environmental plan.

The Pricing Proposal (PPP Fee Offer) must be submitted separately in Envelope 2, using the format in Annexure 4. Including the Pricing Proposal in Envelope 1 (Technical Proposal) will result in disqualification.

Bid and Performance Bond: an original Bid Bond from a reputable bank, in a form substantially similar to Annexure 7, is required at submission. A single bond of R500,000 is required, valid until the PPP Agreement expires. After commencement, the Preferred Bidder may replace it with a Performance Bond of R500,000 (VAT excl., CPI-adjusted annually).

Financial capacity: bidders must demonstrate a minimum net asset value of R10 million. For consortia or joint ventures, this is calculated proportionally to shareholding. Provide audited financial statements for the past three years, a letter confirming asset value and solvency, and written confirmation of sufficient cashflow to fund at least three months' operational expenditure of the lodge.

PPP Fee Offer: must be submitted in Envelope 2 using the format in Annexure 4. SANParks will not consider a minimum fixed rental below R390,000 per month in Year 1 and R530,000 per month in Year 2. The fee structure is the higher of a Minimum PPP Fee (increased annually by CPIX from Year 3) or a Variable PPP Fee (a percentage of gross revenue).

Including the Pricing Proposal in Envelope 1 will result in disqualification.

Mandatory returnable documents (Section 7 checklist) must all be included or the bid may be disqualified: Bid Bond, Residual Value Undertaking (Annexure 8), resolutions of the project company and each member, tax clearance certificates from SARS issued within six months of the bid date for each South African member, audited 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' operational expenditure, and proof of CSD registration.

B-BBEE: a minimum B-BBEE Contributor Status of Level 4 is required on a consolidated scorecard. Bidders must submit a B-BBEE Proposal per Annexure 3, committing to meet or exceed all compliance targets, including the 10% free-carry equity interest for Dispossessed Land Owner Communities, appointment of one director to the board, and enterprise development through procurement, training and supplier development.

Entity structure: bidders may be a single company, unincorporated joint venture, consortium or trust. A minimum of 30% of equity must be held by the technical/operational partner with hospitality operations experience. The Preferred Bidder must incorporate a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) before signing the PPP Agreement.

Public institutions are excluded unless participating as a funder or under specific approved conditions.

Non-eligible persons: bids involving persons blacklisted by National Treasury, on the Disqualified Directors Register, litigating against any of the six concessions, or convicted of fraud or corruption will be rejected.

Change in membership is not permitted after bid submission without SANParks' prior approval.

The Private Party must operate in strict compliance with SANParks environmental standards, Protected Areas guidelines, and existing authorisations. A detailed environmental plan for the Concession is required. Upgrades and new works must align with EIA findings, Best Industry Practice, SANParks standards, and the National Building Code. The concession area is within a national park; necessary environmental approvals (Basic Assessment or EIA) are required and will be undertaken by the successful bidder.

The PPP Agreement is for 25 years. Draft agreements are included in tender documents; SANParks reserves the right to modify them. The PPP Fee is the higher of a Minimum Fee or a Variable Fee based on revenue. Handover principles: a 5-month handover process from the existing concessionaire upon award. At contract end, handover to a new operator per Schedule 26 of the PPP Agreement. A Bid and Performance Bond of R500,000 is required; grounds for forfeiture include misrepresentation, bid withdrawal, default, or causing losses to SANParks.

Evaluation is a three-stage process: Compliance, Functionality, then Price and B-BBEE. Functionality threshold is 80% overall, with sub-category minimums of 50%. The 90/10 preference point system applies in the final stage. Specific goals for B-BBEE are detailed in Annexure 3.

This is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) Agreement between South African National Parks (SANParks) and a Private Party for the finance, refurbishment, operation, and maintenance of the Jakkalsbessie Concession Area in the Kruger National Park. The project aims to expand income generation and reduce SANParks' dependence on state funding. The Private Party is appointed for a 25-year term but does not acquire ownership of the Concession Area or SANParks Intellectual Property.

Returnable documents — the bid submission must include all schedules and documents required by the PPP Agreement, including the Private Party's Bid Submission and constitutional documents (memorandum of incorporation, shareholders' agreement, equity subscription agreements) attached as Schedule 9, all to SANParks' satisfaction. The agreement is for review only and subject to negotiation with the preferred bidder.

Eligibility and evaluation considerations include: bidders must not be a Restricted Enterprise (listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters, Disqualified Directors' Register, or other relevant listings); the Technical Partner must hold at least 30% equity and have hospitality operations experience; conditions precedent include payment of the Residual Value; constitutional documents must be satisfactory to SANParks; compliance with PFMA and Treasury Regulations is required; no corrupt acts in relation to this or other government contracts; and the bidder must meet all operational requirements per Schedule 3, including hygiene audits, staffing, guest services, and environmental management. The project is evaluated against objectives of sustainable conservation, quality tourism, and socio-economic transformation.

The Private Party is appointed to finance, refurbish, operate and maintain the Jakkalsbessie Concession Area in the Kruger National Park for a 25-year term. Scope includes: operating a lodge and recreational business as a going concern; providing tourism accommodation and ancillary services; conducting day and night game drives with vehicles meeting SANParks standards; undertaking refurbishment and infrastructural development per the Capital Investment Plan in Schedule 12; managing and maintaining the Concession Area, including roads and environmental infrastructure; complying with SANParks' Operation Manual, Park Rules, and Park Management Plan; adhering to Environmental Specifications in Schedule 7; and conducting all activities with Good Industry Practice. The Private Party does not acquire ownership of the Concession Area or SANParks Intellectual Property.

The Private Party must operate in accordance with:

• The SANParks Operation Manual, as updated.
• Good Industry Practice, requiring skill, diligence, and compliance with all contractual and regulatory obligations.
• The Capital Expenditure Plan in Schedule 12 for refurbishment and development.

Pricing and financial obligations include:

• PPP Fee: Comprising a Minimum PPP Fee and a Variable PPP Fee.
• Residual Value: Payable on termination, calculated on depreciated value of Immovable Concession Assets.
• KNP Tariffs: Payable for services from SANParks, available on request.
• Utility Charges: For consumption of water, electricity, etc.
• VAT: Applicable as per the VAT Act.

Financial obligations include: all Capital Expenditure treated under IFRS; procuring Capital Investment Assets (equipment, furnishings, fixtures) as per Schedule 23; paying a PPP Fee to SANParks comprising a Minimum PPP Fee and a Variable PPP Fee, excluding the Conservation Levy; paying Residual Value for Immovable Concession Assets upon termination, calculated using depreciation for income tax purposes; paying KNP Tariffs, Utility Charges, Assessment Rates, and VAT; providing a Performance Bond (cash or guarantee) as per Schedule 11; and maintaining Project Insurances as per Schedule 10.

The Private Party must comply with: B-BBEE Obligations as set out in Schedule 5; all relevant Laws, including the B-BBEE Act, Companies Act, PFMA, POPIA, CPA, and Environmental Laws; prohibition against Corrupt Acts, including bribery, fraud, and undisclosed commissions; restrictions on contracting if listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters, Disqualified Directors' Register, or other relevant listings; obtaining all necessary Consents, permits, and approvals from Responsible Authorities; submitting constitutional documents satisfactory to SANParks; and adhering to Treasury Regulations for PPPs.

B-BBEE requirements include:

• Compliance with the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act.
• Fulfilling B-BBEE Obligations as detailed in Schedule 5.
• Skills Development Spend as defined in Schedule 5.
• Promoting socio-economic transformation as a project objective.

Specific health and safety requirements are not detailed in the provided text. The Private Party must comply with all applicable Laws and operate with Good Industry Practice.

The Private Party must comply with:

• Environmental Laws, including the National Environmental Management Act, Protected Areas Act, and others.
• Environmental Specifications detailed in Schedule 7.
• Park Rules and the Park Management Plan.
• Conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) where required.
• Adhering to SANParks' environmental guidelines for operators within the Protected Area.

Key contractual terms include:

• Project Term: 25 years from the Signature Date.
• PPP Rights: Exclusive right granted to the Private Party to operate the Business in the Concession Area.
• Conditions Precedent: Include payment of Residual Value prior to the Long Stop Date.
• Performance Bond: Required as per Schedule 11.
• Change in Control/Ownership: Restrictions apply, including maintaining the Technical Partner's minimum 30% equity.
• Default and Termination: Procedures for Private Party Default and SANParks Default, including Remedial Programmes and Termination Amounts.
• Dispute Resolution: Governed by the agreement's dispute clause.
• Governing Law: South African law.
• Confidentiality: Both parties must protect Confidential Information.
• Handover: A 12-month Handover Period prior to termination, with principles in Schedule 25.

General requirements include:

• SANParks has obtained necessary Treasury Regulations approvals.
• The Private Party must pay all Assessment Rates to Responsible Authorities.
• The Private Party is restricted from contracting if listed as a Restricted Enterprise.
• All Consents, permits, and approvals must be obtained from Responsible Authorities.

The project evaluation is based on objectives of sustainable conservation, quality tourism, and socio-economic transformation.