I just had a fellow send me his "pro-Forma" hunt costs for Namibia, and the outfitter wants to charge him 15% VAT on the daily rates because they are called "accomodation".

This amounts to a lot of money. For example, 10 days @ 350 = 3,500 x .15 = $525 VAT

He feels Hunting days are for a PH, trackers, skinners, food, cooks, etc, AND a small portion is for a bed to sleep in.

Any grounds for arguments or negotiations here?

Terry,

If the outfitter is vat registered he has to pay Vat over but what a lot of outfitters do is include the vat in the dialy rate in that way you get charged $350 per day and that already includes the Vat. Like we do.

An outfitter cannot however charge Vat on a trophy since it will be exported but can on daily fees.

Terry,

His day rate seems pretty high for Namibia if it is a plains game hunt, which is my assumption. Most outfits list their prices with the VAT included, but not all. I personally prefer they include it in their day rate. My outfits do. The VAT rate you list is correct and it is charged on any accommodations.

Terry,

The outfitter has to pay 15% VAT on the day rate. Like some mentioned above, some include it in the day rate, and some do not.

That price is not out of line for a quality plainsgame hunt at $400/day total. Consider that Namibian PG trophy fees are often lower than SA trophy fees and the bottom line can be quite good.

It is normal.

That would be among the highest plains game daily fees that I have heard quoted, particulary if it does not include the VAT. It may be that the hunt is in a concession area rather than on private land, in which case the PH must make up part of what he would otherwise earn in trophy fees. Unless comparing apples-apples, it's hard to say whether his fee is reasonable or excessive.

The VAT is a legitimate cost to the PH. If he is not charging it (and appropriately paying it to the government), either as a part of his base rate or as an add-on, then he is a cheat and a thief and you shouldn't want anything to do with him.

nope, no grounds for arguments, not with the info we have. Is that 1X1, 2X1, or what? How does the accomm compare to others-- the other things included/excluded-- any transfer fees-- dip/pack?

Sorry terry, I think your fellow needs to shop around some more if he thinks 350 is out of line. There are a lot of ways to get to the prom-- your daddy's pinto or the rental limo.

A little shopping and you can find Namibian plains game hunts for 200-300 dollars daily rates with Vat included. Whether it is a good deal depends on other factors as others here have stated.

I think Stonecreek mentioned that PG hunts in conservancies are usually more expensive.

This is correct, it takes more $ to run a remote camp.

Rates vary, I suggest look at the bottom line and overall quality of the hunt. Not all hunts are created equal.

If your friend is uncertain about the price, he needs to do a combined day-rate + trophy fee cost comparison between various outfitters and between different countries. Make sure that you know whether transportation to the camp from the point of arrival in-country is included, as well as dip and ship for trophies.

I'm afraid your friend is hooped on the VAT. All goods and services consumed in the country are subject to this tax. As noted, trophy fees are not subject to VAT

I saw mention that a visitor could recover the VAT tax at the airport when leaving the country. I suppose it would require proper scheduling and evidence of VAT charged.

Could someone else expand on this?

Geoff

It's the cost of doing business. Zim charges a similar type of fee/tax. I'm going to Namibia next year and the VAT is built into the package cost. I knew that going in and don't have a problem with it. Also, $350 daily is quite reasonable, especially if it's 1x1. $300 for 2x1 is not out of line for a good operation.

In Namibia it is my understanding that if you wound/lose/don't recover an animal you will have to pay the VAT on the trophy fee since obviously it is not exported. I'm not sure what the situation is if you shoot one and only take photos.

quote:

Originally posted by Gatogordo:
In Namibia it is my understanding that if you wound/lose/don't recover an animal you will have to pay the VAT on the trophy fee since obviously it is not exported. I'm not sure what the situation is if you shoot one and only take photos.

VAT can not be charged on any trophies exported from Namibia, all animals wounded and not found or not exported (pic only) are 15% VAT on top of the trophy fee (law) as the outfitter is liable to pay this 15% over to the government.

Talk about pouring salt in the wound!

I do not doubt that it is law, but, I have never heard of anyone charging this VAT on a lost trophy.