Kruger in ten years nothing like we know it now?

[Lisbeth]

Kruger Park opens bids on new R270 million Skukuza lodge – and announces plans for 3 new developments

20 August 2018

South African National Parks (SANParks) has announced plans to form a public-private partnership under which it will grant a selected private operator the right to operate and manage the Skukuza Safari Lodge in the Kruger National Park (KNP).

In a statement released on Friday, SANParks invited prospective operators to submit detailed bids for the management of the lodge.

It added that a due diligence site visit will be arranged for the 29 August 2018 to provide interested parties the opportunity to ascertain all information required to present informed bids. In addition it noted that the operator must be a level one contributor according to the provisions of the Amended Tourism B-BBEE Code.

First announced in early 2017, the Skukuza Safari Lodge is aimed at to upscaling and increasing visitor accommodation and opportunity within the iconic Kruger National Park.

Upon completion in the final quarter of 2018, the 3-star hotel and conference facility will be able to accommodate about 250 tourists per night, running at full capacity.

The full development cost of the conference lodge (lodge, bulk services and staff housing) is expected to amount to R269.5 million, and will be funded from the Infrastructure Development Grant.

Other developments

As part of the announcement, SANParks also announced three other ‘investment opportunities’ at Letaba, Phalaborwa and Phabeni.

Letaba concession

SANParks intends to award a new concession of approximately 15,000 hectares south of the Letaba River on the western boundary of the KNP.

The Private Party will be permitted to develop a lodge of 50 guest beds and 30 staff beds.

Certain activities will be allowed on the concession area and could include equestrian activities. The term will be 25 years and will require equity participation by successful land claimants.

Phalaborwa lodge

SANParks intends to award a new concession that consists of a 100-room (200-bed) safari lodge just north of Phalaborwa Gate within the boundaries of the KNP.

The term will be 25 years and will require equity participation by successful land claimants.

Phabeni education centre

SANParks intends to award a concession to manage and operate the education centre located at Phabeni Gate within the boundaries of the KNP.

The term will be 10 years and will require equity participation by successful land claimants.

[okie]

Ah well ,in ten years time , I will probably not be around any more , so .........

[Richprins]

There are more developments than these...

[Lisbeth]

I am sure that you will be around, but maybe not fit enough to go to Kruger

[Richprins]

The Skukuza Hotel was budgeted as costing R165,000,000 in 2012:

https://www.sanparks.org/assets/docs/ab ... 6-2017.pdf


Then R240 million two years later...

https://www.africawild-forum.com/viewto ... &start=170

[Richprins]

A 2015 quote from Mr Phillips:


Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive: Tourism and Marketing at SANParks

Phillips said the debate for a hotel or lodge started in 2009, when the conference centre was built.

It has proven to be a success and many events are taking place there, and according to Phillips it is the only way forward for SANParks.

He agreed that the two planned hotels would change the mission and vision, it is the only new way for developing the parks and to embark on new ways to make money.
He confirmed that only five of the 22 official national parks were making money and Kruger was one of them.

"Skukuza Rest Camp has been identified as one of the zones that can be developed more and this would mean that we can keep pristine areas free of any commercialisation. We do not want to create another Skukuza."


https://www.africawild-forum.com/viewto ... &start=270

[Lisbeth]

When Sanparks are doing their five years Plan, they often forget that a lot of things may change during such a period. We are living in times where costs and outlooks can change over a weekend. The world is getting smaller and happenings in a far off corner can change everything and so can interference from the outside.

[Lisbeth]

Why does the Park have to be developed further? Aren't they earning enough money as it is? They manage to keep Sanparks' going with a surplus on the income from Kruger. Why do they have to earn even more at the cost of conservation and against the wish of most of the "shareholders" (in this case the frequent visitors) of the Kruger park

[Lisbeth]

A 2015 quote from Mr Phillips:


Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive: Tourism and Marketing at SANParks

"Skukuza Rest Camp has been identified as one of the zones that can be developed more and this would mean that we can keep pristine areas free of any commercialisation. We do not want to create another Skukuza."

He should listen to his own words

[Lisbeth]

A 2015 quote from Mr Phillips:


Glenn Phillips, Managing Executive: Tourism and Marketing at SANParks

Phillips said the debate for a hotel or lodge started in 2009, when the conference centre was built.

It has proven to be a success and many events are taking place there, and according to Phillips it is the only way forward for SANParks.

Did we ever receive the information on the occupation figures of the conference center, that we asked for?