While another lodge in the Sabi Sand Reserve has made the recently introduced ‘voluntary’ conservation fee of R100 per person per night compulsory, operators say the levy is still creating confusion because of inconsistent implementation.

Idube Private Game Reserve has made the fee compulsory, capped at R300pp for stays longer than three nights. “We have tried to implement this fee on a voluntary basis but this was totally unsuccessful,” explains Sally Kernick, Marketing Manager for Idube.

The fee was introduced to raise funds for anti-poaching, general conservation and community initiatives within the reserve. Whereas most lodges immediately decided to make the fee compulsory, Idube kept it as a voluntary contribution.

According to Kernick, funds raised from the fee have contributed to the reserve seeing over 200 days with no rhino poaching as well as the acquisition of a helicopter and improved security.

Tour operators, however, say that although they are in favour of the conservation fee, its inconsistent implementation is leading to confusion.

“It is important to say that we support and applaud the conservation efforts as well as the introduction of the conservation fee,” says Illana Clayton, Travel Smart Crew.

Clayton highlights the inconsistency in its implementation and administration from lodge to lodge. “There are three different mechanisms for handling: 1. We pay it to the lodge on invoice; 2. The guest pays direct in the resort; 3. We have a choice of whether to collect and pay over or allow the guest to pay it himself.”

The amount of the fee also fluctuates according to Clayton, with some lodges charging R100 pppn and some R50 pppn. Some lodges don’t charge the levy while others include it in the rate. “Some are charging per night, some per stay. Some are capping a maximum charge, regardless of longer lengths of stay.” Application via API/XML live links into the tour operator system also vary, according to Clayton. “We merely want consistency in approach and application.”

Onne Vegter, MD of Wild Wings Safaris, says most travellers understand and support the initiative, as the fee is definitely not excessive. However, he mentions that the confusion about whether the fee is compulsory or voluntary has also led to confusion. “Some guests have read about the Guest Conservation Contribution levy on TripAdvisor or elsewhere, and know that it is meant to be voluntary, and have questioned why it is now compulsory.”