Durban - The annual tariff increase for 2013/14 conservation fees would be higher than anticipated, South African National Parks (SANParks) said.
Conservation fees would rise by 15 to 25 percent and overall accommodation rates would increase by an average of 10.1 percent, SANParks general manager: strategic tourism services, Joep Stevens said.
“This increase has been brought about by the provision of additional conservation functions such as additional security measures in some of the parks,” Stevens said.
These included additional rangers at Table Mountain and the Kruger National Park.
Stevens said the rate structure would also be adjusted to align with industry standards.”
“As such the accommodation rates will be changing to a three-tier system which will include a low season rate, shoulder season rate and a high season rate,” he said.
The new rate changes would take effect on November 1, 2013.
Bookings for this period would open next Tuesday, December 18. - Sapa