SANParks.org Forums

How many photographers out there would be willing to pay to use a specialised photographic hide. A hide correctly located to make best use of both morning and afternoon light, with logs in the water positioned at specific distances from the hide to accommodate lenses of various magnifications for bird photography, sandy banks, and of course a well maintained hide.
The number of visitor using seriously expensive camera gear has increased dramatically over the last few years, and many compact cameras now have lenses with magnifications equal to the big Nikon and Canon lenses.
A hide accommodating 10 photographers at say R200 per person per day would generate a revenue stream of around R750K per year, far more than the cost of building and maintaining a hide. Visitors pay for game drives, staying at sleep-over hides, and the use of 4x4 trails, why not specialised hides.
My wife and I spend considerable time at Lake Panic taking photographs and get very frustrated when several safari vehicles drop 30 or more people in the hide. We once counted 60 people in the hide. So we would be prepared to pay for the use of a dedicated photographic hide with controlled access and the right facilities.
For example a possible location for such a hide could be below the N-wanetsi picnic spot on the river. Parking and toilet facilities already exist and access control would be easy. I am sure there are many other possibilities, Pafuri picnic spot ?
I believe the new vulture hide at Golden Gate cost R450K and can accommodate four photographers in special part of the hide.
On our many visits to Kruger we have met photographers from all over the world. Recently we met three photographers from Holland who had taken some 50,000 images in a three week period.
Increasing revenues always appears to be an objective of Sanparks so creating revenue streams from specialised groups seems to be obvious.
We will be spending about 8 weeks during 4 visits to Kruger this year, the 43rd year we have been visiting Kruger. A two week stay in Kruger, even with pensioner discounts, approaches R10K so another a few hundred rand to use an access controlled photographic hide does not add much to the cost.

The new vulture hide erected by the SANParks Honorary Rangers in Golden Gate has been designed in this way, with a public section and a section dedicated to photographers.

Photographers pay for a key at Glenn Rheenen reception and have the section for themselves. It is specifically adapted with lens slots.

The hide has been placed taking in to account the need for good light. It has the most stunning background any photographer can ask for.

I believe that if this is successful this will be the trend for the future.

http://www.sanparks.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=67544

As long as they still have hides that are open to public whithout paying extra.

I think this is a great idea......


john

Might even keep the "professionals" from hogging the best spots for hours on end.

Hides are a wonderful way for all visitors to relax and view game and birds close up.
They also mean an escape from an even more confined space and a chance to stretch our legs!
It would be great to have many more but even 1 more would be a good start.
For professional or semi professional photographers, a paying hide may be an option.
JimS, if you use the pensioner rates, then I guess you are cost aware but have you worked out much it would cost you for 2 of you to use paying hides over 6 weeks! If the charge was R200, then : -
R400 for 2 people, 5 days a week = R2000 x 6 weeks = R12,000

Why would you want to be in a hide for 5 days a week for 6 weeks?
Surely you would want to take advantage of other viewing locations and opportunities.
Or am I missing something?
Regards
JDW

Totally agree

Well, JimS, who started this thread, said that he and his wife spend a considerable amount of time at a hide!
Even 2 visits to a hide in a week would end up costing him and his wife R4800 over 6 weeks.

Here, we have few hides and some are private (PRO NATURA) and we pay CHF 75.-- (about Euro 50.--/Zar 600) for the entire year to have the password... to enter every day at any hours of the day or night.
I think it's a good idea... against vandals and people who disturb.

Great idea JimS .

Maybe a special project for the VHR's Imberbe .



Confused as well . Only have time (money) to visit Kruger for 18 days per year .

This is a brilliant idea! Serious photographers will welcome such hides, expensive or not!

In concept - great idea! Personally looking forward to visiting Golden Gate's new hide some time. Good to know about the key situation. Do you pay extra for that currently?

But I really think that is a great idea - something a lot of people will make use of!