By norm, do you mean what you were paying or what was the norm for South Africa? I still stand by my figures as been the norm for South Africa

But haven't you already paid for this quality product? - Singitta rates are high and the tours are included in the prices. If the tours are poor this will reflect on the Singitta and I'm sure they don't want that.

hmmmm

I have to disagree with you here, South African prices are not shockingly high, certainly not compared with where I live in England.

I have traveled extensively in South Africa in the last 10 years to both cities and fairly remote locations near the Kruger and generally it is not an expensive country. Yes, some safari products can be expensive but many of these are catering for western tourists, much cheaper accommodation - and some of it of a very high quality is available at a fraction of these prices it just isn't marketed to the West so much . Also you need to be careful comparing prices even within a country - around by me, you can easily dine out in a pub on good food for £10 - In London, poor pub food costs £20.

If you've ever been to a Supermarket near a western hotel in a far east tourist beach resort you'll find plenty of relatively expensive supermarkets. These are priced for western tourists not locals (who know where to really shop)

I think one needs to be very careful trying to change societies problems through tipping - you can create as many problems as you try to solve