Pilanesberg National Park is set for a dramatic transformation as the North West Parks and Tourism Board (NWPTB) unveils ambitious plans to revitalise the destination.
But the consequential hike in park tariffs has got the tourism industry up in arms questioning how the money will be spent and warning that it will lose visitors as some businesses will likely seek better value for money alternatives.
Acting North West Tourism Board CEO Jonathan Denga, speaking in an exclusive interview with Tourism Update this week, said he is leading an eight-point strategy to address years of financial strain and infrastructure decay.
The overhaul, which includes a R2 billion (US$116 million) recapitalisation estimate, is the driving force behind significant tariff increases set to take effect on December 1 this year, as confirmed by Denga.
Urgent action required
Denga, a conservationist by profession who was seconded from his role as North West’s Provincial Director for Biodiversity Management and Conservation, revealed that the park faces closure due to unsustainable funding models reliant on taxpayers’ money from Treasury.
“The entity has not been as sustainable as it is now. It faces closure. That’s why you had, at the beginning of the year, people not being paid and strikes,” he said.
Denga said the tariff adjustments, which were leaked prematurely on social media and posted at the park’s gates, are part of a revenue enhancement strategy to fund critical repairs.
He said pre-COVID estimates pegged road maintenance costs at R75 million (US$4 million) while a comprehensive fix – including fencing, toilets and tourism infrastructure – could reach R1.8 billion (US$104 million) to R2.2 billion (US$128 million) with private investment.
Park fee hike
The proposed tariffs, excluding a 5% community conservation levy for South Africans and 10% for international guests, show dramatic increases.
- Adult South African citizens: From R80 (US$4.66) to R160 (US$9.31) – a 100% increase
- South African children: (6-12 years): From R30 (US$1.75) to R80 (US$9.31) – a 166.7% increase
- South African pensioners over 60: From R40 (US$2.33) to R80 (US$9.31) – a 100% increase
- International visitors: From R110 (US$6.40) to R680 (US$39.58) – a 518% increase
- SADC adults: From R110 (US$6.40) to R350 (US$20.38) – a 218.2% increase
- SADC child: From R60 (US$3.49) to R250 (US$14.55) – a 317% increase
Vehicle fees have also increased:
- Cars (sedan/LDV/SUV): From R40 (US$2.33) to R160 (US$9.31) – a 300% increase
- Buses (26-50 seater): From R140 (US$8.14) to R400 (US$23.27) – a 186% increase)
- Delivery trucks: From R250 (US$14.54) to R800 (US$46.53) – a 220% increase
Industry response
Tourism operators and guides who spoke to Tourism Update on condition of anonymity expressed concern about the hefty price hikes saying that this could result in some businesses losing money if they have already locked in contracts for guests at the old rates. They are circulating an online petition #saveourpark in protest against the tariff hikes.
However, Denga said the park desperately needs attention as its roads are in a poor state and deteriorating infrastructure, including broken fences, leads to animal escapes endangering lives while picnic sites and ablutions are in dire need of refurbishment.
To fund this revival, Denga said he plans to secure a R1.5 billion (US$87.2 million) upfront investment from the park’s four Community Property Associations (CPAs) and government with potential additional funding of R600 million (US$34.9 million) over five years.
“If these people together can find an investor… this loan, repayable over 10 years with possible Treasury extensions, would pave roads, enhance safety and boost tourism, potentially doubling visitor numbers,” he said.
Denga said the tariff adjustment was made to impact international tourists the most as he believes they can afford higher prices as they enjoy the benefit of a strong exchange rate in favour of their currencies. He said the move to hike tariffs is part of a broader plan across provinces to increase fees to help fund desperately needed refurbishments at government-run parks.
He said he also plans to discourage large vehicles to reduce road damage and will introduce surcharges for buses and delivery trucks.
Final approval still needed
The NWPTB said in a statement this week that the revised tariffs are aligned with the “user-pay principle” and that it is still negotiating with stakeholders before announcing the final tariffs.
“The increase aims to generate essential revenue to address the significant backlog in infrastructure maintenance,” the Board said.
“We want to assure the public that consultations with partners, stakeholders and the shareholder are currently underway to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in this process. Special emphasis is being placed on engaging with communities living near and benefiting from the reserves, particularly the CPAs, to ensure their voices are heard and their developmental needs are considered.
“The final tariffs, including all levies and charges, will be officially announced once consultations are complete,” the NWPTB said.
Broader roll-out
The Board said the tariff adjustments are not isolated but will also impact most of the North West Province’s tourism parks.
“Our goal remains to balance financial sustainability with conservation and community development, ensuring a resilient tourist destination for all visitors,” it said.
National Federation of Tourist Guides and Affiliates of South Africa Spokesperson Francois Collin warned of the impact of tariff hikes on the tourism sector and the park. He said he is concerned the park is pricing itself out of the market for the next few years.
He said some tour operators might reconsider visiting the park due to the higher tariffs and rather take tourists to the higher-end Madikwe, which in light of the higher Pilanesberg rates now appears more financially attractive in terms of value for money.
“The fact the park is in disrepair doesn’t mean they have not been collecting funds but I don’t think the money gets ploughed back into the park because the maintenance is not done,” Collin said.
“My concern is like other places where fees go up people rather consider other places and other provinces as alternatives. It takes two and a half hours to Pilanesberg and five hours to Kruger. If you look at a three-night excursion, then Kruger becomes a much more attractive destination in terms of value for money,” he said.
Denga called for public support of the park: “I want to encourage people to embrace these changes so that we can have a product that is leveraged as a best place for their enjoyment and their future.”
