New Letaba Concession

[Klipspringer]

I have checked the gov. gazette mentioned in the Lowvelder posted by Richprins

Skukuza Safari Lodge soon to be opened

[...]

At the time SANParks also announced other accommodation developments at Letaba and Phalaborwa. A new Letaba concession on the western boundary of the KNP would permit the development of a smaller lodge as well as certain activities on the concession area.

A concession for a larger Phalaborwa Lodge just north of Phalaborwa Gate that requires equity participation by successful land claimants, will also be awarded.

https://lowvelder.co.za/470601/skukuza- ... on-opened/

Another investment opportunity (or two) announced there: two lodge concessions in KNP
https://archive.opengazettes.org.za/arc ... -08-17.pdf

page 143:

KRUGER NATIONAL PARK INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES AT LETABA,PHALABORWA AND PHABENI

LETABA CONCESSION - SANParks intends to award a new concession of approximately 15000 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.

Detailed information for these opportunities can be obtained by contacting the following SANParks representative: James
Daniels, Cell Phone: 083 679 0472, Telephone: (012) 426 5280 and E-mail: james.daniels@sanparks.org

[Flutterby]

[Richprins]

Thanks, Klippies!

Also note how Land Claims are being dragged into it. This is WRONG and not SANParks' problem!!!!!

[Klipspringer]

SANParks ideas for the Letaba Concession (from a document "TOURISM INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES")

This is what was called the "Letaba Riverside Lodge" and it's not about Letaba Ranch, but an area in the park.

Letaba Area Concession Lodge
Running through central Kruger, the Letaba River is a prime setting for an exclusive lodge. The opportunity exists for a concession
similar to the existing lodge concessions in the park, where the operator will be allowed to develop a road network and have
exclusive traversing rights. The Letaba concession area is located on the western boundary of the KNP, where the Letaba River
enters the park. The area follows the Letaba River for about 20 km and includes the northern bank of the river. Access to the site
will be via Phalaborwa Gate. Shimuwini Rest Camp is about 7 km outside the concession area on the Letaba River.
The total area available for exclusive traversing is approximately 15 000 ha. SANParks has established a number of management
tracks in the area. The private party may develop additional roads and tracks within the concession area subject to environmental
considerations. Mopane woodland scrub dominates the area, except along the Letaba River where a strip of riparian vegetation
occurs. The area is generally flat with undulating small hills and a number of seasonal pans scattered in the bush. Black Heron Dam
is generally perennial. Elephant and buffalo are fairly abundant and rhino, several species of antelope, lion and leopard also occur.
The perennial Letaba River provides excellent game viewing, especially in the dry season.
SANParks has identified several potential development sites along the Letaba River. Bidders may, however, select a site anywhere
within the concession area, provided it does not impact other park users. SANParks believes the concession is suited to
development of either one lodge or a number of smaller camps or lodges, preferably along the Letaba River. The area may
accommodate a total of up to 50 beds with the exact number determined by the location and type of concession product
envisioned. The only perennial water source is the Letaba River. Although there are no existing boreholes, it may be possible to
access underground water sources. Electricity is not presently available but may be accessed outside the concession area. The use
of solar power or generators may be a more feasible option.
OPPORTUNITY: To develop a riverside lodge.

[Klipspringer]

SANParks commercialization strategy is clearly towards PPP programmes and concessionaire programmes to build new accomodation and create more tourist entertainment or events and even outsourcing of excisting lodges to private operators (so far planned for Gardenroute NP) and outsourcing of activities such as wilderness trails.

The 2040 vision is to increase visitor numbers (of all parks) to 16.9 millions and concession fees to 1258 millions R.

And this is acknowledged as an engine for job creation and a driver of sustainable socio-economic development of all sorts. Parks will end up as places where there are all sorts of culutural events, shopping centres, education facilities, spas, sports facilities and anything else you can immagine to attract business and consumers. A really new era for the parks. Interested in a cooking course? go and book in in the Kruger park .

[Lisbeth]

Unfortunately, you are right, Klipspringer

It will take a few years, but that's how it will end up

[Richprins]

Thanks, Klippies.

How many hundreds of new vehicles will now have to be allowed in every day in an already overcrowded park? This includes contractors and construction, and deliveries. A security nightmare as well.

[Lisbeth]

A nightmare in all senses

[Klipspringer]

https://www.sanparks.org/groups/tenders ... -lodge.php

Tender for the Letaba Concession up!

PPP Opportunity – For the rights to build a new Concession Lodge on the Letaba Concession in the Kruger National Park
The Private Party will be permitted to develop a lodge of 50 guest beds and 30 staff beds. Certain activities including exclusive traversing on approximately 15000 hectares will be allowed. Activities might also include equestrian activities. The term will be for 25-years and will require equity participation by successful land claimants.

In line with its Strategic Plan for Commercialization, SANParks intends to form a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in terms of which a selected private party will be given the rights to develop/build, operate and maintain a concession lodge on an area of approximately 15000 hectares south of the Letaba river on the western boundary of the Kruger National Park.

SANParks invites prospective investors and operators to submit detailed bids in line with its mandate and objectives for this PPP opportunity. Interested parties will be expected to meet certain minimum criteria in order to qualify.

The PPP opportunity Advert, Information Memorandum, Request for Proposal (RFP) and PPP agreement documents, setting out further details of the minimum criteria and prescribed process to be followed, is available below.

https://www.sanparks.org/docs/groups_te ... oposal.pdf

Letaba Concession.jpg (59.75 KiB) Viewed 983 times

Lodge Opportunities

The Letaba concession allows for a unique opportunity to erect a lodge (and
possible fly camps) on the southern banks of the Letaba river and/or in other
areas of the concession and allows for exclusive traversing in the concession
area. Occupancies at upmarket lodges has risen to high levels (above 60%)
over the past 10 years due to demand outperforming supply. Whilst the Letaba
lodge concession seems to be similar to the other concessions in the park and
specifically Singita, Shishangeni, Rhino Walking Safaris, Lukimbi, Lion Sands,
Imbali and Jock Safari Lodge, and whilst accessibility seems good due to the
proximity to the Phalaborwa airport, the lack of game in the area requires
consideration of alternative attractions to optimise on the opportunity. In light of
that SANParks would allow horse riding as an activity in the concession.
Alternative products such as medical tourism could also be considered for this
concession in order to increase viability. Activities that will be allowed and
which is allowed at the other lodge concessions as well include the following:
 Game drives (morning and night);
 Guided walks
 Bush braais

[Lisbeth]

PPP Opportunity – For the rights to build a new Safari Lodge just north of Phalaborwa within the boundaries of the Kruger National Park
The safari lodge will consist of a 100 room (200 bed) lodge. The term of the contract will be for 25 years and will require equity participation by successful land claimants.

In line with its Strategic Plan for Commercialization, SANParks intends to form a Public Private Partnership (PPP) in terms of which a selected private party will be given the rights to develop/build, operate and maintain a safari lodge of not more than 200 beds within the Kruger National Park just north of the Phalaborwa Gate.

SANParks invites prospective investors and operators to submit detailed bids in line with its mandate and objectives for this PPP opportunity. Interested parties will be expected to meet certain minimum criteria in order to qualify.

The PPP opportunity Advert, Information Memorandum, Request for Proposal (RFP) and PPP agreement documents, setting out further details of the minimum criteria and prescribed process to be followed, is available below.