25-Year PPP for lwakahle concession lodge & tourism operations in kruger national park

Closing date: 3 July 2026.

Eligible entities must be legally constituted companies able to form an SPV; demonstrate financial capacity for CAPEX/OPEX; meet B-BBEE requirements per the dedicated scorecard; have or obtain all required permits and licenses; comply with all applicable legislation (NEMPAA, NEM:BA, PFMA, Competition Act, etc.); have tourism/hospitality operational experience; commit to regenerative tourism principles; accept that land/asset title remains with SANParks/State; accept no renewal option at term end; agree to market-related fee structure; and satisfy any additional criteria specified in the forthcoming RFP.

This is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) concession for the Lwakahle Concession in Kruger National Park.

• The Private Party (bidder) will be granted rights to finance, refurbish, design, build, maintain, and operate a tourism facility on state conservation land.
• The concession includes exclusive traversing rights of the Concession Area, which is off-limits to normal park visitors. Access is subject to normal park operating rules and hours.
• The facility comprises one lodge (currently Lukimbi Safari Lodge) located off the S25, approximately 15km from Malelane Gate.
• The Environmental Record of Decision stipulates: 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 100km of road development.
• The Private Party bears the cost of upgrading existing facilities (roads, buildings, infrastructure) within the current footprint. Refer to Annexure A for detailed technical specifications.
• 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.
• Key permits and licences required include: firearm permits, SANParks permits for vehicles and drivers, game guide permits (with DFFE registration/CATHSETA accreditation), liquor licences, environmental permits (EIA), and water licences. Existing permits may be transferable.

SANParks evaluates B-BBEE proposals using a dedicated scorecard with specific methodology and weightings.

• 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.
• Improved efficiencies in restaurant and retail facilities, enhancing the visitor experience.

Financial management is governed by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).

• Treasury Regulation 16 requires that state property be let at market-related tariffs, reviewed annually to ensure sound financial planning.
• SANParks must manage and lease state assets in a fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective manner.

The Private Party will operate the concession at its own financial risk.

• The Private Party must pay a PPP fee to SANParks.
• The concession involves financing, refurbishment, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of the tourism facility.
• All state assets are leased on market-related terms as per Treasury Regulation 16.
• SANParks, as a Schedule 3A public entity, is bound by the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) which mandates fair, equitable, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective procurement and provisioning systems.

The Private Party must meet the following compliance obligations:

• Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (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: Must comply with the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA), National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism (SANS 1162), and approved Environmental Management Plans.
• Permits and Licences: Obtain and maintain all necessary permits including firearm permits, SANParks vehicle/driver permits, game guide permits (DFFE registered/CATHSETA accredited), liquor licences, environmental authorisation (EIA), water use licences, and heritage permits if applicable.
• Land Claims: Bidders must 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 Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and the Tourism PPP Toolkit.
• Responsible Tourism: Must subscribe to and comply with SANS 1162 and SANParks' Responsible Tourism Strategy.

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.
• Targets also cover management control, subcontracting, 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 the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (NEMPAA), the National Minimum Standard for Responsible Tourism (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 Environmental Impact Assessment (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, setting a benchmark for SANParks' operations.
• Refer to Annexure B for Environmental Guidelines and Annexure C for SANS 1162 requirements.

SANParks disclaims liability for the accuracy of this 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, requiring DFFE registration and CATHSETA (or previous THETA) accreditation. FGASA is not accepted.
• SANParks permits for all vehicles and drivers.
• Liquor licences (if applicable).
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and environmental permit from DFFE. Existing EIAs may be transferable.
• Compliance with the Competition Act.
• Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) if a site is a national monument.
• Water use licences from DWS.

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.
• 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.

Returnable Documents: The bidder must submit a 'Bid Submission' as accepted by SANParks for the right to carry out the PPP opportunity. The 'Private Party Constitutional Documents' (memorandum of incorporation, certificate to commence business, shareholders’ agreement, equity subscription agreements and/or equity guarantees) are required as per Schedule 9. The 'Private Party Prequalification Resolution' is required as per Schedule 8. The 'Private Party Bid Submission' details are in Schedule 4.

1. Registered South African for-profit private company. 2) Technical Partner with proven hospitality operations experience holding minimum 30% equity. 3) Financial capacity to fund capital expenditure and operations. 4) Ability to meet B-BBEE obligations per Schedule 5. 5) Compliance with environmental legislation (NEMA, Protected Areas Act, etc.). 6) Not a Restricted Enterprise (not on tender defaulters/disqualified directors registers). 7) Ability to provide Performance Bond per Schedule 11. 8) Commitment to 25-year term with handover obligations. 9) Payment of Residual Value as condition precedent. 10) Acceptance of SANParks step-in rights and audit/access provisions.

The Private Party is appointed to finance, refurbish, operate and maintain the Lwakahle Concession Area in the Kruger National Park for a 25-year 'Project Term'. The 'Business' is operating a lodge and recreational concession area. The 'Concession Area' is the portion of the park described in Schedule 1, including camps and associated facilities. The 'Project Deliverables' include: refurbishment and financing of the facilities; provision of tourism accommodation and all ancillary services; financing operations including achieving B-BBEE Obligations; and exercising all other rights and obligations under the PPP Agreement. The 'Facility' includes land, buildings, Concession Area Assets, supporting infrastructure, plant, equipment, and any new immovable structures constructed by the Private Party. The 'Operation Commencement Date' is the first Business Day after the Effective Date. The Private Party must comply with the 'Park Management Plan', 'Park Rules', and 'Environmental Specifications' detailed in Schedule 7. The Private Party has exclusive 'PPP Rights' to undertake the Business in the Concession Area, generate revenue, use the area, access the Protected Area subject to SANParks rules, provide day/night drives with compliant vehicles, undertake refurbishment per its Bid Submission (Schedule 12), and undertake operations, management and maintenance per its Bid Submission (Schedule 26).

The 'Operation Manual' dated [insert] as updated by SANParks from time to time must be followed.

The 'PPP Fee' payable by the Private Party comprises a 'Minimum PPP Fee' and a 'Variable PPP Fee' as per Clause 17.3. 'Capital Expenditure' is treated under IFRS. 'KNP Tariffs' for SANParks goods/services are available on request. 'Utility Charges' for consumption apply. The 'Residual Value' of Immovable Concession Assets is calculated based on depreciation for income tax purposes, using minimum rates not less than normal custom and practice.

The Private Party must pay a 'PPP Fee' to SANParks, comprising a 'Minimum PPP Fee' and a 'Variable PPP Fee' as per Clause 17.3. The PPP Fee excludes the 'Conservation Levy'. 'Capital Expenditure' is any expenditure treated as capital under IFRS. 'KNP Tariffs' for goods/services provided by SANParks are available on request. The 'Residual Value' of Immovable Concession Assets must be paid by the Private Party to SANParks within 3 business days prior to the expiry of the 'Long Stop Date' (10 Business Days from the Signature Date). Depreciation for Residual Value is calculated per income tax purposes, using minimum rates not less than normal custom and practice. A 'Performance Bond' is required, issued by a financial institution or cash deposit, substantially in the format in Schedule 11. 'Utility Charges' for consumption apply.

The Private Party must comply with 'B-BBEE Obligations' as set out in Schedule 5. The 'B-BBEE Act' and definitions for 'Black Economic Empowerment' and 'Black People' apply. 'Local' is defined as within a 100km radius of the Concession Area. The Private Party must not be a 'Restricted Enterprise' listed on the Register for Tender Defaulters, Disqualified Directors’ Register, or other relevant listings. 'Corrupt Acts' including bribery, corruption, extortion, or fraudulent acts in relation to the agreement are prohibited. Compliance with the 'Consumer Protection Act (CPA)', 'Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)', 'Public Finance Management Act (PFMA)', and 'Treasury Regulations' is required. All necessary 'Consents' (permits, licences, approvals) from Responsible Authorities must be obtained for Project Deliverables. The 'Private Party Constitutional Documents' must be to SANParks' satisfaction.

The Private Party must comply with 'B-BBEE Obligations' detailed in Schedule 5. The 'B-BBEE Act' and definitions for 'Black Economic Empowerment' and 'Black People' apply. 'Local' is defined as within a 100km radius of the Concession Area.

The Private Party must comply with 'Environmental Provisions' which include: 'Environmental Specifications' for operators within the Protected Area detailed in Schedule 7; all applicable 'Environmental Laws' (National Water Act, Water Services Act, National Environmental Management Act, Protected Areas Act, Air Quality Act, Hazardous Substances Act, National Heritage Resources Act); and standards of the State and Relevant Authorities. An 'Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)' process may be required. The 'Environment' includes air, water, and land. The 'Park Management Plan' and 'Park Rules' set by SANParks must be followed.

The PPP Agreement includes clauses on: Definitions and Interpretation; Conditions Precedent; Appointment; Project Term (25 years); PPP Rights (exclusive grant); Residual Value; Private Party Undertakings; Warranties; Private Party Indemnities; Limitations on Liability; Handover Principles; Site; Operation, Management and Maintenance; Prohibition of Employment of SANParks Employees; Black Economic Empowerment; Financial Provisions and Payment; Performance Bond; Project Insurances; Reinstatement; Economic Test; SANParks Step-in; Permits; Reporting Requirements; Information and Audit Access; Force Majeure; Private Party Default; SANParks Default; Corrupt Gifts and Fraud; Effects of Termination; Dispute Resolution; Change in Control and Change in Ownership; Cession, Transfer and Substituted Entity; Intellectual Property of SANParks; Intellectual Property of the Private Party; Amendments; Entire Agreement; Variation, Cancellation and Waiver; Severability; Governing Law and Jurisdiction; Confidentiality; Consents; Notices; Stipulation for the Benefit of the Lenders; Counterparts; and numerous Schedules detailing specific obligations. Key definitions include: 'Business Day', 'Change in Control', 'Change in Ownership', 'Companies Act', 'Corrupt Act', 'Effective Date', 'Expiry Date', 'Good Industry Practice', 'Long Stop Date', 'Performance Bond', 'Private Party Default', 'Project Term', 'Restricted Enterprise', 'Signature Date', 'Termination Date', 'Treasury Regulations', 'VAT'.

The 'Bid Submission' submitted by the Private Party and accepted by SANParks is required. SANParks has obtained relevant approvals under the Treasury Regulations to implement the Project.

SANParks' objectives include ensuring sustainable conservation, diverse, responsible and quality tourism and socio-economic transformation.