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Tanzania Government Increases Hunting Fees

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[maddenwh]

I assume that these rate increases take place after 2007. I was wandering if any of you guys new what the new fees for cape, hippo, leopard, Kudu, etc. are. Thanks to those that can help out.

I'm hoping this won't be a permanent rate hike, but I doubt that Tanzania's federal income from hunting will drop enough to force a reversal of the legislation. In fact, I imagine that there income will go up somewhat substantially. African hunting and safaris are, especially for Americans, white collar activities. Essentially, in most cases, those that can afford the old permit prices along with all the other extreme expenses of an African trip will be able to afford the new hikes.... Looks like we'll have to get a 40 foot yacht instead of a 50 footer.

The best hope is that the PH and tourism constituencies can mount a sufficient defience to turn some heads at the Tanzanian capitol. It doesn't look to good as it is though.

These prices really screw those of us that have been saving for or have planned a future trip within certain budget restraints. Maybe, PH's will be forced to lower fees in order to increase demand, thus mitigating the new higher expenses. But again, if people continue to pay, Tanzania, PH's, outfitters, etc. will hold on or raise prices in the future. Sux all around.

[kevin davis]

these fee increases will make botswana and zambia more attractive to those of us without huge budgets. namibia still remains the best bet for plains game in quantity, and south africa.

[JackHamr']

maddenwh unfortunately they were imposed mid season this year , there have already been some cancellations with a friend who is a PH ..
The PH's and land owners are havin' a baby to put it lightly ..
Havent seen any updates lately , Tz. has always been more expensive than other countries as it is ..

[Single Malt]

I hunted Tz this past August amid proposed lawsuits by the safari operators against the TZ Gov't. One must bear in mind we're discussing Africa here not the USA or Canada. The Tz Govt. basically thumbed their noses at the law suit and have stuck to their increases. The increases are not proposed they were reset/ increased in July 2007, after many deposits had been paid, trips booked ,concessions awarded and paid for,etc..
I hunted within the Selous Reserve an my safari company had an entire gamit of situationsto deal with. Some hunters just canceled (he had 3 of the next 5 21 day safaris cancel). Others threatened suit under breach of contract when they heard trophy fees were going up. Some shrugged it off (like I) and came anyway. The companies had already spent their own $ to set up camps and paid the concession fees,etc.
I was fortunate in the fact that I had booked with an honest man an he absorbed the additional trophy fees for my buffalo and plains game. As I type this I am waiting to hear my trophies have been shipped. They will not be shipped until the TFs are paid by the safari company....I'm in a sit and wait mode now and need to trust the companies good word that the increase will be paid.
The largest increases per animal were for the cats and elephants. Though buffalo went up as well.
IMHO the safari industry in several countries is a darn mess! Zimbabwe is beyond that. While many good honest companies exist in Zim it has become a crap shoot as to what a safari booked months even years out will turn into. NO ONE is able to predict the future there regardless of what they tell you. Now TZ has become even more of an "eliteist" destination with increase such as a $2500 lion TF becoming $12500, elephants now $15000, etc., RSA is becoming more of a put and take fenced hunt than ever before. Where will it stop? Whom knows...... Namibia is a beacon of light in this darkness if PG is on your slate. I may sell the 458WM and content myself with PG from here on out....but i'll miss those Selous buff! SM

[CVC]

This hurts all Africa hunting. My in-laws were asking about my proposed safari and I told them I wasn't sure if I would go. We are saving for it, but with the uncertainty of African governments, I am not sure if I want to risk my hard earned dollars.

A hunt in North America looks more promising.

[Single Malt]

Yes it does sting everyone headed to TZ. Everyone but the wealthy whom can still go on safari out of boredom for DG in TZ. Few head there just for PG these days.
A good trip to Namibia with flights from NYC for 5 PG can still be had for around $6500-$7000. A tad more if eland, waterbuck, or giraffe are included. Not much of subsitute for a DG/PG hunt but still more bang for the buck than pulling the trigger once on a like priced elk hunt, IMHO