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Safari Company Charges Fictitious Tax Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique (Maputo) May 18, 2005 Posted to the web May 18, 2005 Maputo A Harare-based safari company, which operates in the western Mozambican province of Tete, is charging its clients extra fees and claiming, untruthfully, that the fees are imposed by the Mozambican government as an "export tax on trophies". The company, Safaris de Mocambique, operates hunting safaris into the Tete district of Magoe, south of Cahora Bassa lake. Rich tourists pay large sums for hunts of between seven and 28 days. Daily rates for these hunts range from 585 to 1,000 US dollars. Trophy fees for the animals shot range from 60 dollars for a baboon, through to 2,000 dollars for a bull hippopotamus, 3,500 dollars for a lion and 11,000 dollars for an elephant. But on top of this comes what the company, in its 2004 price list, describes as a "16 per cent government export tax on trophies" - which is, for example, an extra 320 dollars on a bull hippopotamus, and an extra 560 dollars on a lion. This tax, however, is entirely fictitious. The trophy export tax mentioned in the Safaris de Mocambique document does not exist, and so money which this company's clients imagines is going to the government never finds its way to the Finance Ministry. All taxes are detailed in the state budget. The budget for 2005 was debated in the Mozambican parliament, the Assembly of the Republic, last week. At no point in the budget documents is there any mention of a 16 per cent tax on hunting trophies. AIM showed the Safaris de Mocambique price list to Tourism Minister Fernando Sumbana and to Finance Minister Manuel Chang. Both categorically denied that the government charges an export tax on hunting trophies. So a week ago, AIM sent a message to the Safaris de Mocambique e-mail address in Zimbabwe, asking the company to explain the legal basis for imposing the 16 per cent "export tax" on its clients. AIM also asked what happened to the money once it was collected. Where did Safaris de Mocambique send it ? Did the company have any receipts proving that the Mozambican Finance Ministry had received the money ? So far AIM has received no replies to these questions. Kathi kathi@wildtravel.net 708-425-3552 "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page." | ||
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Ah, thats my girl. Good to see you back.....JJ " venator ferae bestiae et aquae vitae " | |||
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Like these hunts aren't costing enough already. Give us a break. | |||
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You go, Kathi! Sic'em! Sarge Holland's .375: One Planet, One Rifle . . . for one hundred years! | |||
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I hunted with this outfit in 2002, (although I don't consider myself a "wealthy tourist"). I checked the bill paperwork and it does indeed state "16% export tax" which we paid.  I do wonder if there is a "rest of the story". | |||
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YAHOO! Glad to see you back, Kathi!  .395 Family Member DRSS, po' boy member Political correctness is nothing but liberal enforced censorship | |||
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Kathie, It is GREAT to see you back!!! Thank you for reconsidering, and THANK you for the stream of good information. If I can ever put together enough to go back to Africa ... we'll use your services if at all possible. Mike -------------- DRSS, Womper's Club, NRA Life Member/Charter Member NRA Golden Eagles ... Knifemaker, http://www.mstarling.com | |||
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I'll be calling you to arrange my flight when I go back in 2007. Thanks for the great information! I have a system: I pretend to work and they pretend to pay me! | |||
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Kathi, we don't have to go to Mozambique to pay fictitious taxes....there's folks doing it here in the US!! Charging sales tax on non taxible items for example.....but that's another story.....and yes...it's good to read your posts again. /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." Winston Churchill | |||
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Matt, Call those SOB's up and demand a refund for the false taxes charged. It would be interesting to see what they say. Greg | |||
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Hi Kathi Glad you are back! Keep smiling | |||
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It seems that this Safari company isn't the only one making either fictitious government tax monies or inflating their 2005 prices off of unsuspecting hunters (mainly from the good old "RICH" US of A. One of my "trusted" PH's from South Africa that I have hunted with twice and sent him a ton of business to boot tried to do the same thing to me this year on some plains game. When I called him on his "new" prices he suddenly had another price list for just me. I have subsequently booked with another. This (GREED) is now becoming too common, and the thought is that us Americanskis will pay whatever we're quoted without questioning it must end by all of us questioning the prices and doing some shopping around. | |||
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I hope this is not Piet Hougaard's company as I have been contemplating a PAC ele hunt with them! | |||
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Uh, Actually, I'm pretty sure it is. Am double checking now. Doesn't someone here book hunts for them? Yep, appears that it is. From the hunting report... In Mozambique, the big news is, elephant has been officially opened to hunting. Specifically, long-time Mozambique operator, Piet Hougaard of Safaris De Moçambique, has been authorized to sell two hunts for this season in his area along the Zambezi River, just across the Zimbabwe border. Word reaching us is, no elephant permits have been issued to any other companies, nor are any more likely to be issued this year. If you are offered an elephant hunt in Mozambique for this year by anyone other than Hougaard, we advise caution. At press time, Hougaard said he had already sold one of the two 21-day hunts to a European client for $990 per day, plus a trophy fee of $11,000. Importantly, at this point, US clients are not able to import ivory from Mozambique and much work needs to be done be........(continued) SOURCE | |||
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New guy, thanks for the confirm. Very disappointing. Some one alluded not too long ago that corruption can be found at all levels of ph's and outfitters, from those well established to the fly-by-nights. Sad to see that one of the most established ph's in Mozambique was doing this. | |||
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Wow, this reporter has uncovered such an unjust, he surely deserves a medal for this one. Most of you know that I do a lot of business with Piet. I am leaving for the ranch today, so I will try to explain this export fee and why it is necessary before this brush fire gets out of control. Many of you are obviously taken with the liberal, sensationalistic phrases that this reporter uses to describe Piet and his "... rich tourists ..." 1. The 16% export tax is clearly stated on all printed information on Piet's operation. It is not a surprise fee that he springs on them at the time of the bill, it is known well before the client books a hunt. It is included in his $6950 Buffalo package. I even have a trophy fee schedule that shows the trophy fee and the fee with the 16% tax so it is easy to figure your bottom line. This is no surprise to anyone who has looked at his information. 2. Let's take a step back and look at the bottom line prices here. Piet's hunts are priced exceptionally well, especially considering the area, quality of animals, quality of camp, ph's etc. Take a look at the record book. Count the Buffalo that are from Mozambique, now how many of those came from Piet's area. It is substantial. 3. Now let's analyze his prices. Lets look at some of the trophy fees with the 16% fee added in. Animal - (Normal trophy fee) - Fee with 16% tax added. Buffalo ($1800 ) $2088 Waterbuck ($1200) $1392 Lion ($3500) $4060 Crocodile ($1500) $1740 Sable ($2200) $2552 Now lets look at the daily rates. Daily rates Buffalo $675/day 1x1 - $575/day 2x1 Leopard and Buffalo $750/day Buffalo Package, all inclusive - $6950 1x1; $6150 2x1 7-day Buffalo and PAC Elephant - inclusive of trophy fees for Elephant and Buffalo - $9950 Oh my goodness. Somebody please call the "price gouging police" as these fees are simply outrageous. Who would actually pay a $2088 trophy fee for a Buffalo in the Zambezi Valley? $1392 for a Waterbuck? $2552 for a Sable!!!!! A complete Buffalo and an Elephant hunt for under $10,000???? Piet is obviously living in the lap of luxury here at the expense of his clients. What would we do without this reporter to uncover such blatant price gouging! If you want to compare prices to Zimbabwe ... he is lower on average. Look at the other operations in Mozambique that charge license fees. Piet does not charge a license fee. With the other guys, you wind up paying a license fee for an animal before you hunt it. Then the trophy fee after you shoot it. It winds up costing more than if you hunted with Piet and paid the 16% tax on the animal. If people are getting upset because they believe the outfitter might be making extra money off this fee, they can put their fears to rest. Doing business in Africa is not easy, nor is it cheap. Doing business in a remote part of Mozambique is even more difficult. How many of you are familiar with the process of export of trophies from Mozambique? I can think of maybe one of you who knows how difficult this is. Guys, there is a reason this is called an export tax. Piet does not charge the export tax on the PAC Elephant because he does not have to deal with the hassle, labor, paperwork and red tape of the exporting process. Think about that for a second and the issue comes into focus a little better ... If Piet wanted more money, he would simply raise his daily rates or his trophy fees. Don't you think that would be easier? The export fee is linked hand in hand with the number of animals he has to export. There is a reason for this! There are a lot of things that can not be discussed on a public forum. For example, "How to do business in Africa." People must understand that things are different there than here. Nobody was gouged, nobody was mislead about the price they would pay. Piet's hunts are priced exceptionally well. No matter who you hunt with there are extra fees. As long as they are stated up front, what is the problem? Best I can tell the only valid arguement is about the name of this fee .. Guys, this is a liberal reporter reporting on a fee that a safari company charges in the normal course of business. It is hardly newsworthy. I can not wait to read this reporters next blue ribbon piece ..... | |||
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Wendell, I think the question is why call it an "export tax". Why not just increase the rates, fees etc. By implication, the separate line item of "export tax" implies that he is not getting the money. Am I missing something here? Why is the reporter labelled "liberal". What in heavens name does that have to do with it, or is that a label you use for people who have opinions different from yours? I am not trying to start a conflict here, just wondering why you use that term. The real questions is "what is an export tax"? Who gets the money? And why are some people charging it and others not? Peter. Be without fear in the face of your enemies. Be brave and upright, that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong; | |||
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As stated earlier, I did this hunt and was charged the "16% export tax". It was very upfront and otherwise have no beef with Piet or the booking agent. I got my money's worth on the hunt and received the trophies with minimal hassle. (That right there is saying a lot). I am only speculating here, but I suspect the money went to local officials to ensure smooth export of trophies. Perhaps this is the "part of doing business in Africa" that is eluded to. I would further suspect that other government officials further up the food chain have an interest in either getting in on this, or perhaps they have another safari operator waiting in the wings that they favor. I am not a spokesman for Piet or Mr. Reich. I have not spoken with either of them for over two years. | |||
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Wendell, I don't know you, have nothing against you, and don't want to get in a pissing contest with you... But I don't think you're initial response does a very good job of distancing yourself from these guys, and in turn that brings you closer to them. You perspective is one way to view it. But the fact of the matter is that this outfit has clearly been Deceitful, deceptive and fraudulent in positioning this "tax" and has no doubt broken some law. No, they will be upset and won't book any hunts with this guy b/c they've been misled and lied to. Once your customers find out that they've been lied to, it's tough to keep their business. Don't forget that they can't be imported into the US. Veiling his margin under a legitimate sounding cover of “government fees†is dishonest and misleading as the “government†is apparently not getting these fees. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that you're failing to see the implications this could have on a business, which is to say that it could appear that someone either didn't do their due-diligence, neglected to disclose certain information to clients, or worse yet, could have knowingly participated in this. I'm not saying you did anything wrong, I'm just saying this could be more serious than your response implies. If I were you, I'd call my attorney. | |||
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Yes, you are. That is the point I have tried to make. This reporter is implying that he is pocketing this money when he has not received a reply from Piet. I told you, it is difficult and expensive to do business in Africa. More so in different areas/countries.
It usually works for me, but if you like I will just refer to him as a reporter from now on. You can make up your own mind.
Consider it like surgery. There are things that you do not want or need to see when you have surgery. Despite what your feelings are about them, they are necessary. If you hunt anywhere in Africa, you are paying fees that the safari company has to charge in order to do business. Some dusguise them, hide them. Piet states what the fee is for. This fee is for the exporting of the trophies. Re-read my post. There is a lot of Government paperwork and red tape involved in the export process. The remoteness of the camp plays a big roll in the dificulty of the export process. | |||
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New guy, I have no desire to distance myself from Piet. He has been a very good busines partner and has treated all my clients well. He runs a top notch outfit. His bottom line prices are hard to beat, and can not be beat when you compare quality. Anyone who can not stand to pay the fees necessary to hunt in Africa might ought to stick to fishing. | |||
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Wendell, I think it's more a matter of honesty. He may state up front that there is a 16% govt. fee, and the hunter sccepts that because he knows there isn't any wiggle room w/ govt. fees. I think it a bit more honest if the PH just ups his fees & not ty to hide the price in the form of a non negotiable govt. fee. It just gives you a bad feeling in dealing w/ someone who isn't completely above board (JMO). LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR'S SPORT! | |||
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My first post was made before I spoke to Piet. It was based on information that I got from him while sitting around the campfire in 2002. At the time, I had no reason to ask him about the details of the 16% export tax. It was something I accepted as a part of the hunt, and did not need to question. It was not a big fee, and certainly seemed reasonable. We did discuss the logistics of trophy export and I was astounded at the difficulty and expense of the process. Now, the rest of the story .... I just got off the phone with Piet. Piet was aware of the article and is not too happy about it. More on this later ... I am going to paraphrase what Piet said as children and impressionable people sometimes read these posts. I asked Piet about the export tax. What it is, who it goes to, why he charges it. He explained to me that if he passed every fee on to his hunters that the government charges him, they would never come hunt with him. We have all seen evidence of that here today. People get their panties in a wad because they do not know where a 16% tax goes to, when the truth of the matter is that there are more fees on this hunt than a Tanzania hunt. Piet just simplified it for the clients sake. Origin of the 16% export tax : When Piet first started hunting in Mozambique he had to do so under a semi-government organization. This government organization charged Piet a 16% export tax on the trophies to cover the taxes and certificate fees outlined in the next section. This was a flat fee he paid to the government organization for all the paperwork, licenses, and export documents. When he was able to operate on his own, he saw the fees that were to be paid for by this export tax and just left his brochure and pricing explanation the same. The 16% export goes toward the following fees: 1. There is a 17% VAT on the daily rate that the hunters pay. Some include it in their daily rates, some charge it as an extra. Looking at his low daily rates, you can see he does not include it in his rates. 2. For each hunters trophies, he is charged. a. Certificate of Origin b. Export documents c. Veterinary certificates d. CITES Export certificates for Elephant, Hippo, Croc, Leopard (Yes, he does export three Elephant each year) e. Commerce and Industry Certificate. 3. He has to fly the game Warden to his camp to inspect the trophies before export. There are other flights of paperwork, documents, and government officials for inspections to get the export approved. All totaled up, these fees come up to more than 16% that he charges as an export tax. He picks up the balance as a part of doing business in Mozambique. Not a dime of the 16% export tax goes into Piet's pocket. On the contrary, he pays more for these government fees than you are expected to pay. You wanted a documentation for where these charges went, here it is. There is not one government account that it goes into, there are many documents, licenses, taxes and certificates that account for the tax. His daily rates are very reasonable for dangerous game hunts, there is no denying that. He calls a spade a spade and he charges these fees bundled into one to make it easier for the client to understand. Now, more on the article. Needles to say Piet was hot about this situation. He said "I know who did this and I am going to ... " well, like I said, there are children who read these posts. He said, "There is this (guy) who wants my area and he is trying to stir up trouble for me. He planted this bug in this reporters ear about this export tax to cause trouble for me. He is on the run, but if I catch him, I am going to ... " ... well, you get the picture. "He brought a client into my camp last year and he never paid me. He snuck into camp at another time and stole the trophies that the client shot. He took them across the border into Zimbabwe illegally. There are charges against him for this." I asked him, "Piet, who is this guy?" "Barry Van Heerden." I almost fell out of my chair. | |||
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Wendell, you're either missing the point, or failing to acknowledge it. Someone is deceiving thier customers. Call it whatever kind of "recuperating my expenses fee" one wants, but when they put an official "Government Fee" label on it - that becomes misrepresentation, with intent to deceive, and by definition is fradulent. Best of luck. | |||
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Wendell, Seems clear to me. Mike "Too lazy to work and too nervous to steal" | |||
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Gentlemen, Let's not get our knickers in a knot over the 'export tax' article. The total charges which Wendell listed for Mr. Hougaard's company certainly look reasonable. In fact, some of them represent an attractive bargain. Someone might argue that the word 'tax' is not appropriate, and perhaps 'charge' should have been used, but regardless of that the bottom line is that someone can have a great hunt at a reasonable price with this company. Let's keep in mind that the person who wrote up the materials for Mr. Hougaard's company might not be the equivalent of Charles Dickens or Ernest Hemingway with regard to word choice, so we should not be hasty in ascribing any malicious intent. Wendell, please wish Mr. Hougaard the a safe and successful safari season from us here at AR. | |||
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"16% Government Export Tax On Trophies" | |||
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Why do I bother trying to explain this when nobody listens? Well, at least it is clear to most of you. Any questions re-read my last long post above this one. Everyone, have a nice weekend. | |||
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Let see if I full understand this. He intentionally misleads clients into believing they a paying a 16% "Government" imposed export tax. There is no government export tax, He is only trying to make a little extra profit. Sounds upfront and honest to me ! Robert Johnson | |||
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Please, if you are going to make accusations, do me a favor and read what is posted. I have clearly outlined the charges. I know it is long, but here is the condensed version.
Except for flying the gov. official to the camp to inspect the trophies, these are all government imposed fees. These are government fees ... what seems to be the problem? | |||
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Wendell, Piet needs to a) re-write the descriptions of his charges to be more accurate and descriptive (I say this only because we can see that it can be misinterpreted), and b) consider filing charges of calumny against the reporter. George  | |||
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George, assuming the reporter used the information that was in the brochure, (which is presumably the same as the "Tax" noted on wendell's web site)... Sorry, but according to the facts in the article: Piet calls it a "governmnet tax." The government says there is no such tax. Client have paid this "Tax" to Piet. Piet has not paid the "Tax" to the government. Which exactly of those facts is maliciously false or slanderous (calumny)? Moreover, how can you guys possibly imagine that this is all innocent and a simple mix-up resutling from a poor choice of words? I don't have a dog in this fight, but I think it's BS that an operator has been doing this to his clients. | |||
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Wendell, Your explanation sounds very reasonable to me. As a matter of fact, considering the hunter does not have to buy an up-front license, this is a good deal. Perhaps to avoid the type of questions he is experiencing here, they should be called "16% export fees" "There are worse memorials to a life well-lived than a pair of elephant tusks." Robert Ruark | |||
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I'm one of the few posting here that has actually paid the 16% in question. Wendell, I understood what you were explaining and accept it. I got hosed much worse getting my trophies back from RSA with all kinds of "fees" than I did on this particular trip. I've been to Africa enough to know there are different levels of government, often rivals, many of which want their pockets lined. It's certainly not unique to that corner of Mozambique. I suppose Piet could have listed it on his price sheet as "make local government happy under-the-table fees" but that probably wouldn't have gone over very good. And it was apparently standardized, so I give the local government credit for that. | |||
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I agree with George for the most part. However, did Piet think that people wouldn't understand if he told them the truth? The whole thing stinks... The PH besmerched by a reporter working for a rival. People believing they're helping develop a hunting industry in a poor nation with good resources by paying a tax. The PH possibly losing his concession due to a printing error. More bad press for Barry Van H. Plus he's either going to be severely injured if caught by Piet. Piet losing more than his concession if he doesn't cough up more money once the Gov't figures out that people didn't mind paying 16% for something they didn't need to. The clients lose in the end, good prices for a great concession, camps, and PH. Plus paying the new Gov't export tax of 32% and individual licenses. Minkman | |||
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Is there a possibility of the PH losing his concession? I did not get that from the article. Is there a some other info floating around about this? | |||
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 Kathi, thanks for posting this as it has been interesting to see the viewpoints on the issue. Thanks Wendell for giving perspective to it. I hope the wording becomes such that it is "acceptable" to many, the concept is clear. For most, if it gives you heartburn to think about, don't do it. Simple, eh? Maybe if he overcharged and gave a rebate on trophies taken, it would make some happier. Kinda like money back for buying a new car!! Sacred cows make the best burgers. Good Shooting! | |||
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I don't give a damn how you sugarcoat it, he's labeling expenses as a "government tax". That's a lie, pure and simple. Anyone who doesn't understand this has some monetary interest in the outcome. Frankly, he should be censored at the very least. If this was someone who wasn't represented by a regular on this board, EVERYONE would be all over him like stink on poop. xxxxxxxxxx When considering US based operations of guides/outfitters, check and see if they are NRA members. If not, why support someone who doesn't support us? Consider spending your money elsewhere. NEVER, EVER book a hunt with BLAIR WORLDWIDE HUNTING or JEFF BLAIR. I have come to understand that in hunting, the goal is not the goal but the process. | |||
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Wendell,this is a question for you that is off the topic. My hunting partner and I met you in the Johannesberg airport in September of 2002 while each of us was on the way home from safari. I don't think it was you, but your partner that I discussed the 300WSM with. He had developed a round that I was very interested in. I think he was using H380 and Barnes bullets. He was kind enough to give me three rounds of ammo and wrote the load on the back of his card for me. Unfortunately, (and true to form) I have lost the load information. I was wondering if you could connect me with him. If he is a member on here maybe he could post it again or could e-mail it to me at rdennett@dennettwinspear.com Thanks so much. By the way, what are the daily rates for the hunts with the outfitter you discuss in this thread? | |||
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