I have no references to provide but I seem to recall being told (by a camp manager or guide somewhere in Southern Africa, don't even recall country let alone camp) that, in some concessions the number of vehicles permitted is actually limited.

Obviously, they have sufficient for maximum capacity and then one or more extra that are available for hire privately.

It may be that, in recent years, they have found themselves selling that private vehicle capacity at 100% and have therefore decided to put prices up.

If you're in business it's normal practice, whether we customers like it or not, to increase prices to what you think the market will bear.

I also have a very vague memory of being at one camp where one of the vehicles was broken and they were therefore unable to honour a booking for a private vehicle. Although they did, of course, ensure that the price of that was refunded, I remember the customer, quite understandably, being very upset as they would simply not have booked that camp had they known in advance that no private vehicle was available.

Of course, one has to accept that breakdowns happen even when good maintenance is carried out.

But, what this is leading to is my question / thought:-

Is it possible to find out vehicle limits for various camps and, for those wanting to book private vehicles, use that information to ensure that the camp one chooses is not likely to have to withdraw the service should a single vehicle be out of commission?

Hi Thomas,

First of all, absolutely no problems with your English. You have a good point of vehicle numbers - but, i think good guides ensure that the sighting is limited to 3 vehicles.

RE the social element thing - we love interacting with guide and tracker. First of all, let's hope the evening drive is thrilling - that will automatically cancel out the sundowner break ....... i have stopped on quite a few occassions at the Twin Pools Sundowner spot for example., to share the break with any vehicle in the area. Yes, i agree - a good stop!

Cheers
Hari

I was out of the country when this thread was running it's course but properties marketed by Footsteps in Africa had a private vehicle charge of $175 per day total in 2008.

2009 rates should released in the next week or so at the Indaba trade show but it looks like they were considerably cheaper in 2008 and hopefully might be in 2009 as well.

You could do selfdrive South-africa/Botswana
We did it more than once and it's great. You even do not need a 4x4.
If you would like to read about our traveling south-africa you could take a look at my website
www.africaaddicted.com
If you want a 4x4 you could look at www.Come-along.nl
The rates are very good!

Mara
Holland

Thanks Predator. I did contact Island Safaris (Footsteps in Africa sister company) and the 2009 price I got was $252. This still looks great compared to Wilderness, Kwando and Sanctuary.
cj

CJ: thanks for that update, unfortunately rising costs but luckily still well below most.