The Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) listed property company, RDC Properties Group is advancing the repositioning of its hospitality platform, with the redevelopment of Chobe Marina Lodge in Kasane emerging as a key milestone in its strategy. This is development is meant to strengthen its regional tourism offering, enhance asset performance and deliver sustainable long-term growth. The Group’s hospitality priorities come amid a challenging operating environment in Botswana, although its financial performance has improved.
Speaking at the Group’s recent financial results presentation, Chief Executive Officer Jacopo Pari said focusing on its strategic priorities had delivered tangible results for the six months ended 30 June 2026, with profit before tax increasing by 46 percent to P72.4 million. The diversification across RDC’s markets has helped cushion the Group against challenging macroeconomic conditions. Its core regions of Cape Town, Croatia and Botswana accounted for 79 percent of revenue, while currency hedging measures were implemented to mitigate foreign exchange risks.
“The partial opening of Chobe Marina Lodge marks the successful return of the property to the tourism market, delivering quality accommodation, dining, leisure facilities, and signature Chobe experiences while laying the foundation for future growth.”
Situated along the Chobe River, Chobe Marina Lodge is strategically positioned within one of Botswana’s leading tourism destinations. Its redevelopment follows a fire in November 2024 that severely damaged the main building. The lodge, valued at approximately P60 million, has partially reopened, with 33 chalets welcoming guests since 1 September 2026. The October–November period is expected to be promising, according to management.
The reopening includes river-facing accommodation, a temporary deck combining dining and lounge facilities, and a newly completed swimming pool and surrounding deck. Game drives and boat cruises continue to offer guests access to Chobe’s wildlife and river experiences. Chobe Marina Lodge General Manager Bernard Magano said, “The partial opening of Chobe Marina Lodge marks the successful return of the property to the tourism market, delivering quality accommodation, dining, leisure facilities, and signature Chobe experiences while laying the foundation for future growth.” The wider redevelopment aims to modernise the property and strengthen its competitiveness. The lodge is also pursuing RDC’s first green building certification outside South Africa.
The proposed acquisition would involve refurbishment and repositioning, alongside engagement in a precinct regeneration initiative aimed at improving safety, vibrancy and investment appeal.
RDC’s regional portfolio has also delivered encouraging results, with Zambia’s David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa recording post-refurbishment revenue approximately 50 percent above the prior comparative period, and average daily rates exceeding expectations. Management anticipates an exceptional financial year 2027. In Johannesburg, Radisson RED Rosebank is benefiting from growth in the surrounding precinct, with buffet and rooftop bar upgrades at the design stage. Meanwhile, Protea Hotel Masa Square in Gaborone is scheduled for refurbishment from October 2026 under a Marriott-approved improvement plan.
Its revenue per available room is already 16.5 percent above its competitive set. RDC is also conducting advanced due diligence on a hotel with more than 150 rooms in Cape Town’s historic city centre. The proposed acquisition would involve refurbishment and repositioning, alongside engagement in a precinct regeneration initiative aimed at improving safety, vibrancy and investment appeal. RDC’s priorities include completing Chobe Marina Lodge, securing bookings for the 2027 tourism season and delivering planned hospitality upgrades. The Group also aims to restore Botswana occupancy through Masa Centre’s recovery, priority lease renewals and tighter collections.
“We will continue to enhance our portfolio and returns to stakeholders by ‘thinking globally and acting locally’,” added Pari.
