Also in Zambia, there was a major row developing at press time over the advance payment of trophy fees by operators. Seems ZAWA is cash-strapped, and it wants operators to pay for their full annual quota up front. Traditionally, safari operators pay trophy fees when they purchase their clients' game licenses just before the start of a safari. With both sides refusing to concede, this matter seemed headed for some kind of settlement in courts.
The government/operator conflict, as serious as it may sound, should have little effect on clients this year other than perhaps subjecting them to grumbling around the campfire by affected operators. As was the case last year, safari operators in Zambia should be able to juggle game licenses in a way that allows them to refund clients who are not successful on particular species. If you have an aversion to paying in advance, the best advice may be to choose your priority animals and pay only for those in advance. Once in Zambia you can always request a license for other species you encounter.
Finally, still in Zambia, the rains have been exceedingly heavy there this year, and that is likely to affect some early safaris, as PH's will probably not be........(continued)
