Sabi Sand Wildtuin Increases entrance fees

Dear Hospitality Trade and supporters of the Sabi Sand Wildtuin,

 Re: GATE FEE CHANGES 2010/2011 

We have recently been required to implement material changes to not only the management structures within the Wildtuin but also the operating procedures. 

These changes have been as a result of the Sabi Sand Executive Committee identifying previously unforeseen threats and challenges which now require an urgent response to ensure the continued protection of this rare conservation area.    

In providing justification we list some of the core projects where these increased funds will be allocated.   

1. The threat of rhino poaching is currently at unprecedented levels and is still escalating. This has resulted in a substantial investment by the Sabi Sand Wildtuin into improving our security operations in the immediate term. This investment will also inherently enhance security in general on the reserve; 

2.The Sabi Sand Wildtuin budget has previously been subsidized by game sales, predominantly sales of white rhino. The Executive Committee is concerned that game sales should only be motivated on the basis of sound ecological reasons and hence wishes to move away from any financial dependency in this regard;

 The perimeter fence is to be improved and maintained at a higher standard to minimize potential for human-wildlife conflict;

 The Sabi Sand Wildtuin is initiating steps to diminish the impacts associated with human activity on the reserve. To this end, options to reduce vehicle traffic on the reserve are being investigated and the Executive Committee wishes to adopt a more stringent “pay-per-use” policy.  Hence, in an effort to raise the funds required to pay for enhanced security and to address the dependency on game sales, it was felt that the introduction of a per person fee would be the most appropriate mechanism.

 Our apologies for the short notice of the implementation of these changes to the Gate Fee system and can assure you that consideration was given to delaying this however as the threats were clear and present we could not delay the decision further.  

 In future we will ensure the Trade is presented with the forecasted Gate Fee changes well in advance, in line with the normal pricing strategies of all our Member Lodges.

 Yours Faithfully

 Robert More

Vice-Chairman, Sabi Sand Wildtuin

Category	Description	Where payable	Old fee	New fee	Included in fee
Light vehicles	Applies to vehicles under 3.5 tons	At gate on entry	R80	R110	VAT and the driver’s per person fee
Heavy vehicles	Applies to vehicles over 3.5 tons (weight verified on vehicle license disc)	At gate on entry	R80	R230	VAT and driver’s per person fee
Vehicle passengers	Additional fee payable per passenger  entering the reserve via motor vehicle	At gate on entry	Not applicable	R20	VAT
Aircraft passengers	Fee payable per passenger  entering the reserve via aircraft	Fee to be recovered from air charter company	Not applicable	R20	VAT

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