Chapter 10 | Forestry Challenges As with all businesses the business of hunting farms is one that comes with its challenges. As George puts it, “nothing comes easy.” Namibia’s dryness, climate change trends, history of droughts, and semi-arid climate classification makes the business a challenging venture to undertake. Water is life and thus the cost of harnessing it drains much from the business’ finances, coupled with the elements mentioned earlier poses as major obstacles for most players in this industry. The business of hunting and lodging is not an easy business as it is one that does not essentially produce a product but exists in a niche market for the wealthy. From the inception, the project was envisioned as a long term endeavour and so boreholes, water-lines, water reserves tanks, solar ponds and the construction of buildings was undertaken and continues steadily. George describes Kassandara as being in its early stages and is satisfied with the farm’s performance over the past three years when it has been growing into becoming a fully operational lodge. The business of hunting went down within the first years but this did not deter the steady growth and survival of Kassandara. The key to this success has been the excellence of services and consistency in business at Kassandara. Clients’ expectations were met and this contributed to the successes. George projects good turnover at the end of 2017 when the financial progress of Kassandara will be measured.
Only 5% of the world’s population have high interests in hunting, meaning that the client pool is relatively small to other business activities such as sightseeing. This makes it client definitive, demanding rigorous marketing and patience in the long- returning venture. Land is another challenge as it is expensive in comparison to the lengthy process of obtaining returns from investments, thus it is a venture which requires tenacious individuals. Furthermore great amounts of money are required in order to purchase various species for breeding and this takes from six to eight years. The perennial problem of poaching also sets back most hunting ranchers. Recently, one neighbouring farm lost a $750 000 exotic trophy animals to poaching. The perpetrator was only fined a meagre amount and let go. George calls for government intervention on poaching legislature in order to minimise the activity as stiffer penalties ward off perpetrators. In spite of the challenges and hard work associated with Kassandara, George le Roux is satisfied with the business and the lifestyle it offers his family. “It’s a wonderful lifestyle which is greatly rewarding if researched beforehand. Kassandara is a rewarding experience which Agribank facilitated.” Funded by
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