Thorn Tree travel forum

1

oh my... Botswana was already not a cheap destination... now the region is going to be quite expensive... (camping in some places in NAmibia is like 50USD!)

2

This is just my humble opinion and not a judgment on what’s right or wrong or who should do what but I think this is the Government’s reaction to pressure from local tour operators and businesses who feel, rightly, like they’re getting a tiny slice of a pretty big pie. Many commercial SA operators book the public sites as part of a bigger swing through southern Africa, and just pick up a required local guide for the National Parks – which is always the centerpiece of the trips. And let’s face it, self drives originating in another country (SA or Namibia) do little for the Botswana economy. South Africans on vacation buy much of their supplies in SA and American and European self-drives are, in the big picture, a tiny percentage of the tourist revenue stream. This missing out on the pie actually applies to all Botswana safaris, who among you when you paid for your last safari to Botswana sent a check to Botswana or was it to SA? Hey, I’m guilty, I book trips in the US and conduct them in Botswana with a local operator who’s a close friend. Some of the money is spent in the US, but I do my best to maximize the amount spent in Botswana and as close to the “hand that will spend it on food and clothes” as I can.

There are few self-drive vehicle suppliers in Botswana when compared to the other two countries. In 2004 and 2005 when I lived full time in Botswana there were few self drives outside of SA school holidays. Last summer when back conducting a safari, the place was mobbed with self-drives and lots of commercial safaris. Granted it was August but there was definitely a more “crowded” feeling. I do think it would be a shame to take away the do-it-yourself feeling of self-driving.

“Low volume – high cost” has its ecological benefits, just sucks not to be able to afford it. I can’t.

3

yup, I agree that it's a continuation of the present policy... and I know in the long term it will be better, just hope it's in the best interest of the environment/animals/commuties... and not for just a few privilegied (most of the touristy business in Botswana are not localy owned...)

4

Be also carefull when looking for a good 4x4 rental company. Don't book with AJC Car Hire, they charge you with absurd fees at the end and you cannot do anything against it.

5

A good company in Maun to book 4x4s with at reasonable prices is Maun Self Drive 4x4.

So far the only companies that have been effected are the foreign operators, like overland trucks, self drive guided tours and groups with non Botswanan guides. Seems they need to have local guides to get off the main roads, and also get a license.

The Parks campsites haven't been privatised except for some in CKGR and Khutse.

www.luangwablondes.com