Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a service provider to render a shuttle service for the Whale Trail hikers within the De Hoop Nature Reserve. The service aims to facilitate daily transportation of hikers at the end of a 5-day hike between Koppie Alleen and Potberg Office, ensuring smooth and reliable transfer for a period of approximately 2 years and 9 months.

Scope

The scope includes providing daily shuttle transportation for 12 hikers plus a driver, covering a distance of approximately 30 km between Koppie Alleen parking area and Potberg Office. The service must operate on gravel roads, with pick-up points at Koppie Alleen and drop-off points at Potberg Office, with estimated collection of hikers around 31 days per month. The service must adhere to specified pick-up and drop-off times, accommodate luggage, and ensure vehicle readiness and safety.

Additional scope details include:

• Transporting hikers safely on gravel roads within the nature reserve.
• Providing vehicles equipped with air conditioning, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.
• Ensuring vehicle maintenance and breakdown management to maintain daily operations.
• Registering workers with UIF and appointing licensed drivers with valid PDPs.
• Adhering to CapeNature’s uniform and operational plans.

Technical Requirements

• The shuttle vehicle must be a non-salvaged, non-rebuilt model with a working air conditioner, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher, serviced annually.
• The vehicle must be suitable for gravel road conditions and capable of transporting luggage (one hiking day pack per person).
• The vehicle must be equipped with safety features and maintained regularly to ensure operational reliability.
• The driver must be licensed, with a valid PDP, and a safe driving record.
• The service provider must submit operational and maintenance plans, including vehicle checks and pre-inspections.
• Uniforms for staff must be pre-approved by CapeNature.
• Service delivery must be flexible to accommodate early requests and weather-related closures, with no claims for days when the trail is closed.

Skills and Experience Requirements

• Proven experience in providing shuttle or transportation services within the tourism or related sectors, with at least three current or recent similar projects within the past five years.
• Demonstrated ability to operate vehicles suitable for gravel roads and rugged terrain.
• Capability to maintain vehicles and manage breakdowns promptly to ensure daily service continuity.
• Registered and licensed drivers with valid PDPs and a safe driving history.
• Ability to prepare and submit operational plans, maintenance schedules, and compliance documentation.
• Experience in working within environmental and safety regulations applicable to nature reserves and tourism operations.