The Hunting Report has received a copy of a letter that really clouds the issue. It is from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, P. L. Luhanjo, and it is addressed to the Chairman of the Tanzania Hunting Operators Association. The letter reiterates the government's plan to reallocate all areas and indicates that the list of newly licensed companies won't be available until the hunting performance of all companies has been evaluated through December 31, 1999. This means it won't be clear who has which area in Tanzania until at least next January, on the eve of the year 2000 Safari Club International Convention! Amazingly, though, the letter concludes with this statement: "On the subject of your request (namely whether safari companies are authorized to sell safaris for the year 2000 and beyond), I wish to inform you that all hunting companies are (emphasis mine) allowed to sell safaris for the year 2000." On the face of it, the letter makes no sense and would-be year 2000 safari clients should be aware of that. Asked how they plan to handle the ambiguity, several agents said they were indeed taking bookings for 2000 and beyond, but they were making it clear that areas were up for reallocation. Stay tuned. We plan to follow this matter closely.
Still in Tanzania, but on another subject, that purported sale of TAWICO to the influential Mulla family (owner, among other things, of Usangu Safari Company) is far from a fait accompli. Seems there have been four serious bids for TAWICO and a final decision about who will get the company simply hasn't been made. There is talk the final buyers may be TAWICO........(continued)
