Prices increase by 10x

The worst offenders in the current money-grab is the Mapula Lodge operators who are now charging $50 US Dollars per person per night for international travelers at the Savuti, Linyanti, and Khwai (Moremi North Gate) campsites, a ten-fold price increase from the BWP 30 (around $5) the Department of Wildlife had previously charged.  Citizens and residents are not spared the increase either.  Citizens now pay BWP 100 (up from BWP 5) and residents BWP 150 (up from BWP 20).

Currently, Mapula only operates the 3 campsites listed, with a patchwork of private companies buying up the others.  By 2010, the Dept of Wildlife plans to be out of the camping business entirely and all campsites will be run by these private companies.  Complicating matters is that there is no rhyme or reason to who owns which campsite.  In the Moremi Game Reserve, there are currently 2 different organizations running the campsites along with the Dept of Wildlife, which still operates South Gate and Xakanaxa.  By next year, it is possible you will need to call 4 different companies to find a campsite in Moremi!  This is progress?

Current Campsite Operators and Prices

As of October 23rd, 2009, this is the latest state of affairs with Botswana’s campsites.  This will likely change quickly and I’ll try to update it with whatever I hear.  Also included is a calculation in pula (and US dollars) of the old and new prices to spend a night camping in the park (including park entry fees of BWP 120 per person and foreign registered vehicle fee of BWP 50).

Mapula Lodge

mapulalodge@info.bw, +267 686 3369

Operates:

• Chobe: Savuti , Linyanti
• Moremi: Khwai (North Gate)

Prices:

• International Traveler:  $50 USD (BWP 336)
• SADC: 250 Rand
• Botswana Resident: BWP 150
• Botswana Citizen: BWP 100

Cost for 2 international campers per night:

• Before = BWP 350 ($52 USD)
• Currently = BWP 962 ($143 USD)

Xomae Group

+267 686 2221, +267 738 62221

Operates:

• Moremi: Third Bridge
• Nxai Pan: Baines Baobabs, Nxai South Campsites
• Also operates Wilderness camping sites (unlikely to be booked directly by the tourist, therefore prices are not quoted here).

Prices:

• Non-Residents:  BWP 150 ($22 USD)
• Botswana Resident: BWP 100
• Botswana Citizen: BWP 50

Cost for 2 non-resident campers per night:

• Before = BWP 350 ($52 USD)
• Currently = BWP 590 ($87 USD)

Bigfoot Safaris

bigfoot@botsnet.bw (currently does not work), +267 392 7704

Operates:

• Khutse Game Reserve: Khutse campground, Mahurushele, Khankhe, Molosw, Moreswe
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Lakhubu, Letiahau, Piper Pan, Sunday Pan, Motopi Pan

Prices:

• Non-Residents:  BWP 150 ($22 USD)
• Botswana Resident: unknown
• Botswana Citizen: unknown

Cost for 2 non-resident campers per night:

• Before = BWP 350 ($52 USD)
• Currently = BWP 590 ($87 USD)

I am told, but cannot confirm, that Parro (dwnp.parrogabs@gov.bw, +267 318 0774) will be taking over South Gate and Xakanaxa in Moremi, Ihaha in Chobe, and Khumaga and Njuca Hills in Makgadikgadi.  If you wish to visit these campsites in the next year, I’d advise booking now as the Department of Wildlife still operates them and all bookings at the old price will be honored.

Further Information

• Botswana Guide for Self Drive Campers is keeping abreast of the situation and has a lot of good information and advice on self-driving in Botswana.
• The 4×4 community in South Africa is quite disappointed by these events and the price increase.
• The Maun Self-Drive 4×4 website always has timely information and they are at the front of this issue as well.

My experience is my  e-mails to Bigfoot Safaris being bounced back undeliverable and nobody was home on a Wednesday afternoon when I attempted to call.  Not a good start.  I hope the service from the other operators proves better – it should be for these prices.  Please leave comments with your experiences!