Africa Wild

I had an interesting conversation the other day at Groenkloof whilst paying deposits for some upcoming trips.
I have booked a trip for myself in February next year. ( Never booking January ever again,but that's another story,hope the rain will be finished by then) and as is my habit, booked a couple of really nice units in addition to cheaper units.
Managed to get unit 14 at Olifants which is a favourite of mine and is really stunning. With my pensioners discount the unit will cost just over R600 this year.....next year R1020. Without discount, new rates are R1700, (this year R1065.)
Thought it was a mistake as this is far more than the average 12% hike.
Since I was there thought I would mention it. Very nice people at Groenkloof, very helpful, she agrees must be a mistake, picks up phone and speaks to several people. Turns out, no mistake, but this is where it gets interesting....apparently the Camp manager decides what the increase should be!!!!! I have been advised to contact him directly, which I will, but don't you think this is totally wrong? I think it is unfair that one person on an adhoc basis can decide...okay this is a very popular unit.. shove it up by about 50%.

I love,love the Kruger and I cut out a lot of things to afford to go as often as I can, but if it goes up much more I'll have to give up eating altogether!

This is utterly unacceptable, whinoceros! Prices are determined according to unit type, standard throughout the various camps, and increases should be around 10-12% across the board!

It must be a mistake!

Can you ask on the SANParks' Forum?

That is crazy!!!

To me it sounds illegal!
Isn't there a kind of Tourist Control Council in South Africa to whom you can report irregularities in prices and treatment?

Absolutely, Lis! For private operators!

The public ones should be even more controlled

Lisbeth wrote: The public ones should be even more controlled

Agreed, but

I can remember reading in one of the TT's that the author, I think it was B.C., mentioned that they felt that the price of accomodation in Kruger is now getting out of reach and that it could be cheaper to stay outside the park and travel in each day.

I have just checked on the price of a BD2U unit at Lower Sabie for 2013 versus 2014.

To me this revealed a shocking increase of 13.4% i.e. R930.00 to R1055.00. I do not think that anyone person in this country received a 13.4% increase in salary.

I really feel that SANParks are targeting the overseas market and us locals who pay the taxes and everything else to keep the SANParks going are being left out in the cold.

I can get a bed and breakfast accomodation at Kenton on Sea overlooking the Bushmans River and the sea for R660.00 per night for Joan and I. A saving of R395.00 per night plus we get a slap up breakfast included.

STF

Overseas guests will also have to consider whether they can afford these rates

As for accommodation, I think that they are aiming at the international visitor. And, they are being very sly about it as well. They don't mention the conservation fees, I see the international fees are now going to be R248 per day I memory serves me correctly.