I am at the point of sending my deposit for leopard/PG for 2011 in Namibia. My deposit will lock in the fees at the 2009 prices. With the likely chance that the economy will continue to worsen, the prices in 2011 (at least for PG) may be considerably less. What is customary when this happens and what can I expect. Right now the Euro rates (trophy fees) are better than the US dollar also, but I have to pay in USD. Thanks!

what does your hunt contract say?

1BD

I guess I've been following the safari industry pretty closely for about 18 years and been in the business the last 4-5. In that time I've never seen the catalogued price of a hunt go down one year to the next. There are specials and discounts but the regular prices have to go up as the price of putting on the hunt will go up. If you can get your operator to write into the contract that you will pay less if the price is less your a magician as the idea of an advanced booking is to secure quota, dates and daily rates for your hunt at a certain price.

Good luck,

Mark

As Shakari indicates, your contract , if any, should identify how this variable will play out.

I cant imagine why the Euro rates would be cheaper than Dollar rates unless the prices were set some time ago. Before the huge swing in the value of the Dollar. A year ago the Euro was worth more [thus cheaper prices] - not the case today. BUT the outfitter may be speculating that the excange rate differences would be back to recent normal levels [Jan 2008] by the time you hunt.

So, while it may be cheaper in 2011, the outfitter may think it will be more expensive [or equal to the price he has planned for all along.]

If you can lock in 2009 prices now, you probably should. When the hunt happens, if the exchange rate is still way in our favor [as now] he may be more generous, or flexible IF he has the money in hand.
Some outfitters will reduce prices today for a hunt in the future -IF- you pay them in full TODAY so they can reap the higher exchange rates. But two years off is a long time to pay in advance for anything.

[Of course this all begs the question: Without the Rates locked, If the prices go way up instead of down, what then, will you pay more?]

Again, The Contract.


Les

PS if the hunts are offered in other currencies, why cant you pay in any currency you choose [of the options] - unless it is a gov't reg thing!

I booked for 2010 in Tanz and I've thought the same thing. With the world economy declining faster than than the US, I've just wondered.
I booked when I did to get what I wanted so thats worth something. A deal is a deal and I'm not going to dwell on it.