Le Mirage and Divava join O&L Leisure stable
O&L Leisure has officially added two top Namibian tourism gems to its portfolio – Le Mirage in the Sossusvlei area and Divava on the Okavango River – with the assurance that all eligible employees have been offered positions as part of a smooth transition.The acquisition is a boost for Namibia’s tourism sector, one of the country’s fastest-growing industries and a vital source of jobs in rural areas. O&L Leisure’s commitment to retaining staff supports this goal, especially in remote areas where alternative jobs are scarce. The move also reinforces the company’s dedication to empowering rural communities, small businesses, communal conservancies, and women-led tourism ventures.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome our new team members to the O&L family,” said Sven Thieme, managing director of O&L Leisure and executive chairman of the O&L Group. “These acquisitions strengthen our ability to showcase Namibia’s beauty, from the iconic dunes of Sossusvlei to the breathtaking Okavango Popa Falls. The handover was seamless, and every new colleague was personally welcomed. We look forward to the exceptional experiences we can create for our guests from around the world.”
Thieme highlighted the human impact of the acquisition: “In places like Sossusvlei and along the Okavango River, jobs are not easy to come by. Retaining our team members is not just good business, it’s about continuity, growth and delivering hospitality that is authentic, caring and passionate.”
Both lodges will retain their current leadership. Karel Urjon remains general manager at Divava, while William Danster continues to lead operations at Le Mirage. Employees have been matched to roles that fit their skills and experience, with the aim of zero job losses. Additional positions may be created as new strategic plans take shape.
Staff have welcomed the news with enthusiasm, expressing pride in joining a proudly Namibian-owned company and optimism about future growth opportunities.