The Botswana High Commissioner to the UK, Roy Blackbeard has agreed to my interview request, and I'll be spending some time with him tomorrow afternoon. Therefore I urgently need members to submit their questions tonight. (Will be leaving home at 9.00am tomorrow.) I apologise for the short time frame for this. The interview will be in the same video format as that with Greg Carr, so with your question, please provide name and location if you want this included.
Thanks in advance, Matt
How does Botswana balance the need to protect habitat and wildlife with the pressure from commercial interests looking to exploit these in the short term?
I hesitate to ask this, as I'm very uninformed about it...
I remember reading about San peoples displaced from their traditional lands in order to allow diamond mining to take place. Can the commissioner comment on how this has impacted these communities and whether current policy rules out such occurences happening elsewhere within the country?
That last I just don't know much about, so it's more of a DRAFT question for you/ someone to work on than a polished one... I'm just thinking off top of my head here and I haven't read much on Bots for a long while, not since our last trip there several years ago, apart from the occasional links from this forum.
I hesitate to ask this, as I'm very uninformed about it...
I remember reading about San peoples displaced from their traditional lands in order to allow diamond mining to take place. Can the commissioner comment on how this has impacted these communities and whether current policy rules out such occurences happening elsewhere within the country?
That last I just don't know much about, so it's more of a DRAFT question for you/ someone to work on than a polished one... I'm just thinking off top of my head here and I haven't read much on Bots for a long while, not since our last trip there several years ago, apart from the occasional links from this forum.
Will Botswana allow more airlines to fly to Gabarone and Maun than they now do?
Although I don't have any personal experience about Botswana, (as some of you do), I will put forward a couple of questions.
- What percentage of safari operators are wholly owned by foreign companies / corporations? How much of their revenue filters down to local communities, and what employment opportunities are provided by such companies?
- How can more solely Botswanan companies / majority owned Botswanan companies be encouraged to compete when many of the most popular concessions/areas are under control of foreign companies?
- With such extravagant prices being charged by some camps and operators, what steps are being taken to provide for the more budget orientated tourist, or even for local Batswanan people, who it appears are priced out of experiencing the wildlife and wilderness of their own country?
- What is the Botswanan government's position on trophy / sport hunting and how will it continue to play a part in the country's tourism sector?
Although I can't offer any questions never having travelled to Botswana, I am interested in the answers to all the proposed questions. Well done GW.
Game Warden,
You just about took the words right out of my mouth, I was just trying to formulate similar questions as you wrote.
But to elaborate on one of your points, the following article was in the Ngami Times a while ago (sorry I don't have exact date) and I wonder if the Commissioner could give his opinion on the comments that:
"Maun businesses fear a proposed clampdown on self-drive tourists will cripple the town economically" ...
"Thousands of self-drive tourists from South Africa and Namibia pass through Maun each year enroute to game reserves, paying for the use of campsites and lodges, and buying from supermarkets, filling stations and restaurants. Many also take scenic flights." ...
"In a snap survey of business in the town, Shuffle found that supermarkets and other shops would probably suffer the most as these tourists purchase large amounts of foodstuffs. Maun has six major supermarkets, restaurants, take-away restaurants and other facilities. The town's filling stations believe they could lose up to 40% of their fuel and spares turnovers, particularly during the popular tourist months between May and September, while camp sites could stand to lose up to 60% of their business. It was pointed out that the luxury establishments in the delta, for instance, would not suffer the same hardships as their well-heeled tourists have usually paid in advance, outside the country and with little or no input into the local economy."
The Maun Shuffle
Maun businesses fear a proposed clampdown on self-drive tourists will cripple the town economically.
During this time of recession, the government has signaled its intention to make it difficult for this sector of the lucrative tourism industry by increasing park fees by as much as 500%.
Participants at a recent Tourism Pitso in Gaborone were astonished when it was disclosed that a rise in park fees was likely and that self-drive tourists would be targeted. Shuffle hears a senior government official spoke about “stopping these people from coming here (to Botswana )”.
For example, from last week all foreign-based safari operators have to obtain a licence to enter Botswana . Operators without such licences will be prevented from entering the country
Overlander tour buses are also starting to give Botswana a wide berth as life is being made very difficult for these operators. Increased costs are being levied and a recent ruling that licences have to be obtained for every manner of transport is riling these operators.
The companies say they would rather route their clients through Namibia , Zambia and even Zimbabwe rather than enter Botswana – after all, as one told Shuffle, the attractions across the border are just as good if not better than those in this country. The upper-end of the market is what is favoured by the government but somehow someone has lost sight of the real situation. The tourism industry, the second biggest earner of foreign currency after diamonds, relies on foreign visitors – many fly in from Europe and North America to luxury camps in the Okavango delta, Central Kalahari and Chobe National Park , while thousands more utilise the mobile safaris sector or are self-drive holidaymakers.
Complaints have been heard from the mobile sector that self-drive tourists allegedly have no respect for the environment in places such as the Moremi Game Reserve but as one of Shuffle's sources said: “Far and away the worst perpetrators in this regard are government vehicles, which travel at breakneck speeds along 4x4 tracks, some making their own tracks, and with no regard for other traffic.”
Thousands of self-drive tourists from South Africa and Namibia pass through Maun each year enroute to game reserves, paying for the use of campsites and lodges, and buying from supermarkets, filling stations and restaurants. Many also take scenic flights.
The knock-on effect of any difficulties being placed in their way could be a wholesale switch in travel plans from Botswana to Namibia and Mozambique, and to Zimbabwe when the political situation settles down in that country.
In a snap survey of business in the town, Shuffle found that supermarkets and other shops would probably suffer the most as these tourists purchase large amounts of foodstuffs. Maun has six major supermarkets, restaurants, take-away restaurants and other facilities.
The town's filling stations believe they could lose up to 40% of their fuel and spares turnovers, particularly during the popular tourist months between May and September, while camp sites could stand to lose up to 60% of their business.
It was pointed out that the luxury establishments in the delta, for instance, would not suffer the same hardships as their well-heeled tourists have usually paid in advance, outside the country and with little or no input into the local economy.
It amounts to a tough call for tourism in this country and one would think an urgent re-look at the proposals would be appropriate.
You just about took the words right out of my mouth, I was just trying to formulate similar questions as you wrote.
But to elaborate on one of your points, the following article was in the Ngami Times a while ago (sorry I don't have exact date) and I wonder if the Commissioner could give his opinion on the comments that:
"Maun businesses fear a proposed clampdown on self-drive tourists will cripple the town economically" ...
"Thousands of self-drive tourists from South Africa and Namibia pass through Maun each year enroute to game reserves, paying for the use of campsites and lodges, and buying from supermarkets, filling stations and restaurants. Many also take scenic flights." ...
"In a snap survey of business in the town, Shuffle found that supermarkets and other shops would probably suffer the most as these tourists purchase large amounts of foodstuffs. Maun has six major supermarkets, restaurants, take-away restaurants and other facilities. The town's filling stations believe they could lose up to 40% of their fuel and spares turnovers, particularly during the popular tourist months between May and September, while camp sites could stand to lose up to 60% of their business. It was pointed out that the luxury establishments in the delta, for instance, would not suffer the same hardships as their well-heeled tourists have usually paid in advance, outside the country and with little or no input into the local economy."
The Maun Shuffle
Maun businesses fear a proposed clampdown on self-drive tourists will cripple the town economically.
During this time of recession, the government has signaled its intention to make it difficult for this sector of the lucrative tourism industry by increasing park fees by as much as 500%.
Participants at a recent Tourism Pitso in Gaborone were astonished when it was disclosed that a rise in park fees was likely and that self-drive tourists would be targeted. Shuffle hears a senior government official spoke about “stopping these people from coming here (to Botswana )”.
For example, from last week all foreign-based safari operators have to obtain a licence to enter Botswana . Operators without such licences will be prevented from entering the country
Overlander tour buses are also starting to give Botswana a wide berth as life is being made very difficult for these operators. Increased costs are being levied and a recent ruling that licences have to be obtained for every manner of transport is riling these operators.
The companies say they would rather route their clients through Namibia , Zambia and even Zimbabwe rather than enter Botswana – after all, as one told Shuffle, the attractions across the border are just as good if not better than those in this country. The upper-end of the market is what is favoured by the government but somehow someone has lost sight of the real situation. The tourism industry, the second biggest earner of foreign currency after diamonds, relies on foreign visitors – many fly in from Europe and North America to luxury camps in the Okavango delta, Central Kalahari and Chobe National Park , while thousands more utilise the mobile safaris sector or are self-drive holidaymakers.
Complaints have been heard from the mobile sector that self-drive tourists allegedly have no respect for the environment in places such as the Moremi Game Reserve but as one of Shuffle's sources said: “Far and away the worst perpetrators in this regard are government vehicles, which travel at breakneck speeds along 4x4 tracks, some making their own tracks, and with no regard for other traffic.”
Thousands of self-drive tourists from South Africa and Namibia pass through Maun each year enroute to game reserves, paying for the use of campsites and lodges, and buying from supermarkets, filling stations and restaurants. Many also take scenic flights.
The knock-on effect of any difficulties being placed in their way could be a wholesale switch in travel plans from Botswana to Namibia and Mozambique, and to Zimbabwe when the political situation settles down in that country.
In a snap survey of business in the town, Shuffle found that supermarkets and other shops would probably suffer the most as these tourists purchase large amounts of foodstuffs. Maun has six major supermarkets, restaurants, take-away restaurants and other facilities.
The town's filling stations believe they could lose up to 40% of their fuel and spares turnovers, particularly during the popular tourist months between May and September, while camp sites could stand to lose up to 60% of their business.
It was pointed out that the luxury establishments in the delta, for instance, would not suffer the same hardships as their well-heeled tourists have usually paid in advance, outside the country and with little or no input into the local economy.
It amounts to a tough call for tourism in this country and one would think an urgent re-look at the proposals would be appropriate.
Is it true mobiles may be banned? This might not be a topic he is versed in.
Along the lines of this question,"With such extravagant prices being charged by some camps and operators, what steps are being taken to provide for the more budget orientated tourist, or even for local Batswanan people, who it appears are priced out of experiencing the wildlife and wilderness of their own country?"....
...With the economic downturn is Botswana still seeking the same market of high end, high luxury accommodations?
Can you discuss fencing in the Kalahari and how it affects the wildebeest migrations?
Has Botswana felt the effects of more tourism due to the World Cup?
The diamond mining is a great question. I'd ask a similar one, substituting cattle ranching for diamond mining. How has cattle ranching affected the Sam bushmen and the water levels on which they are dependent?
What is the current situation with San bushmen's hunting grounds and areas being set aside for national parks?
Are you pleased with the opportnities for the local communities that industry giants such as Wilderness and AndBeyond are making possible?
From a Botswana perspective how is Limpopo Peace Park coming along? What are the challenges and successes you have seen? Any projections regarding this transfrontier park?
The questions already listed in previous posts are very insightful.
Along the lines of this question,"With such extravagant prices being charged by some camps and operators, what steps are being taken to provide for the more budget orientated tourist, or even for local Batswanan people, who it appears are priced out of experiencing the wildlife and wilderness of their own country?"....
...With the economic downturn is Botswana still seeking the same market of high end, high luxury accommodations?
Can you discuss fencing in the Kalahari and how it affects the wildebeest migrations?
Has Botswana felt the effects of more tourism due to the World Cup?
The diamond mining is a great question. I'd ask a similar one, substituting cattle ranching for diamond mining. How has cattle ranching affected the Sam bushmen and the water levels on which they are dependent?
What is the current situation with San bushmen's hunting grounds and areas being set aside for national parks?
Are you pleased with the opportnities for the local communities that industry giants such as Wilderness and AndBeyond are making possible?
From a Botswana perspective how is Limpopo Peace Park coming along? What are the challenges and successes you have seen? Any projections regarding this transfrontier park?
The questions already listed in previous posts are very insightful.
"Is it possible for a Long-term tourist visa for a Botswana tourist"? I'm an Indian citizen who visits regularly, and can't figure out why Indian citizens need a visa while the rest of the common wealth countries, don't need one. The process to get a visa is also tedious and stressful. I have no problems with the rules and regulations, just need information as to the possibility of a long-term visa. Even a one year multiple entry validity could be useful.
Last November I visited Botswana for the second time, staying at Wilderness Lodge properties again, and surprisingly I found myself having dinner with a couple who own and operate a hunting concession in Bots, mainly elephant hunting. This reminded me that Botswana is one of the many (?) who offer both protected and unprotected contiguous sectors. It was interesting to listen to the arguments in favor and frustrating not to have sufficient information to offer counter questions based on something other than emotion . . . Hunting and "photographic" safaris are conflicting practices -- cohabiting now for a variety of reasons, but unsustainable over time or so it would seem to me -- but I wonder what the official position/rationale might be. Monetary and otherwise?
Also, to reiterate questions raised by others, I am personally concerned about the direction in which Botswana's "low volume/high cost" strategy is heading. The pressure to "upgrade" properties' amenities, and attendant costs, is out of control and I don't know which aspect I dislike more. The expense, even at the lower end, is sufficient to rule out all but the very well heeled, not to say rich, but the properties themselves are increasingly divorced or insulated from the environment visitors have traveled to experience. OK, this visitor is increasingly isolated from that environment. The camps I knew and loved in '04 have all been "improved" beyond recognition.
So what is the question? Is this the market at work? Is there any connection to the cost of concessions and the requisite investments in same, or is it entirely a case of maximizing a return on a given company's investment? The long term implications of a tourist population made up of uber-privileged Europeans/Americans is frankly, not any prettier than it is healthy.
Congrats on your interview and we all look forward to the dialog.
Also, to reiterate questions raised by others, I am personally concerned about the direction in which Botswana's "low volume/high cost" strategy is heading. The pressure to "upgrade" properties' amenities, and attendant costs, is out of control and I don't know which aspect I dislike more. The expense, even at the lower end, is sufficient to rule out all but the very well heeled, not to say rich, but the properties themselves are increasingly divorced or insulated from the environment visitors have traveled to experience. OK, this visitor is increasingly isolated from that environment. The camps I knew and loved in '04 have all been "improved" beyond recognition.
So what is the question? Is this the market at work? Is there any connection to the cost of concessions and the requisite investments in same, or is it entirely a case of maximizing a return on a given company's investment? The long term implications of a tourist population made up of uber-privileged Europeans/Americans is frankly, not any prettier than it is healthy.
Congrats on your interview and we all look forward to the dialog.
KrugerWest,
You've joined with a bang. I like how you have expressed your thoughts and I agree. Welcome to safaritalk.
You've joined with a bang. I like how you have expressed your thoughts and I agree. Welcome to safaritalk.
Krugerwest, welcome and your thoughts and questions are mirrored by many members here.
Indeed welcome Krugerwest for joining and your contribution. Just about to format these questions into a word document for Roy Blackbeard now, thanks everyone for responding!
Take care, Matt
Take care, Matt
Morning all
Not sure really if this is the sort of question that can be asked on here but I will post it anyway ...
I will be traveling to Botswana later this year to look at a few small plots of ground near Maun with a view to purchase something . I am looking at building a very small lodge and campsite to be used as a holiday home/base for safaris . This i can assure people will not be aimed at the high end markey , but at friends who want to really get to know te real bush and the secrets it has .
What I am trying to find out is
a how are forign buyers considered in Botswana
b could a mortage be raised in Botswana
If anyone was considering a similar venture I would love to hear from you , I have no set plans
Thanks
Paul
Not sure really if this is the sort of question that can be asked on here but I will post it anyway ...
I will be traveling to Botswana later this year to look at a few small plots of ground near Maun with a view to purchase something . I am looking at building a very small lodge and campsite to be used as a holiday home/base for safaris . This i can assure people will not be aimed at the high end markey , but at friends who want to really get to know te real bush and the secrets it has .
What I am trying to find out is
a how are forign buyers considered in Botswana
b could a mortage be raised in Botswana
If anyone was considering a similar venture I would love to hear from you , I have no set plans
Thanks
Paul
No, just in time Snik, thanks, printing it off right now... but sorry, reading that first one I don't think it is a reasonable question I can put to him.
One more question, GW.
What business opportunities in Botswana outside of the big 3 industries (diamond, beef and Tourism) has long-term future potential?
What business opportunities in Botswana outside of the big 3 industries (diamond, beef and Tourism) has long-term future potential?
Thanks MAC - Okay, I'm going to lock the topic up for now so no members waste their time submitting questions which I won't get chance to ask. Thanks again all.
I was emailed on the go by Will Travers CEO of the Born Free Foundation, www.bornfree.org.uk who sent three questions which I managed to squeeze in at the end of the interview:
Q1. What is Bostwana's reaction to the decision by Free State Province in South Africa to issue export permits (for sales to Gauteng in South Africa) to a lion breeder for lions products (including lion bone)
Q2. Does the Botswana Gov recognize the threat to elephants in many parts of Africa posed by the current high levels of illegal ivory trade and high levels of poaching and will this situation not be made worse should the proposals from Tanzania and Zambia which are seeking to downlist their elephant populations from Appendix I to Appendix II of CITES with trade in over 110 tonnes of ivory be approved by the Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention in March this year?
Q3. Will the Government of Botswana provide financial assistance to the economically challenged countries of West and Central Africa to help them protect their elephants from poaching pressure?
Q1. What is Bostwana's reaction to the decision by Free State Province in South Africa to issue export permits (for sales to Gauteng in South Africa) to a lion breeder for lions products (including lion bone)
Q2. Does the Botswana Gov recognize the threat to elephants in many parts of Africa posed by the current high levels of illegal ivory trade and high levels of poaching and will this situation not be made worse should the proposals from Tanzania and Zambia which are seeking to downlist their elephant populations from Appendix I to Appendix II of CITES with trade in over 110 tonnes of ivory be approved by the Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention in March this year?
Q3. Will the Government of Botswana provide financial assistance to the economically challenged countries of West and Central Africa to help them protect their elephants from poaching pressure?
Here I am with Roy Blackbeard, having just conducted the video interview.
Stay tuned for the interview coming soon.
Stay tuned for the interview coming soon.
Your hair's almost as long as Nyamas! But not as grey. 
QUOTE (twaffle @ Jan 16 2010, 11:56 PM) 
Your hair's almost as long as Nyamas! But not as grey.
Nothing bad with the grey, Twaffle. It always gives me mzee status in Africa. 
Now go to the airport and don't miss your flight!
The Safaritalk video interview with Roy Blackbeard can be found here. Thankyou to everyone who took the time and effort to submit their questions. Most were answered. Now closing down this thread, thanks. Matt
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