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Aliens On The Continental Divide
Ten minutes out of town, we found the dirt road that goes up to Storm Lake. We had been there before, shortly after moving to Anaconda, Montana. The road was hard on the car, but we couldn't resist going. This time we would hike up to the tundra...
Amusement Parks and Theme Parks In Germany -- Part 2 of 3
Would you like to dive into a complete different world to escape the everyday life? Then this 3-part report might interest you... To cut a long story short, here is Part 2 of my 3-part report, with the 4 remaining TOP German Amusement and Theme...
Holiday in South Africa
I met a European couple (the guy from the Netherlands and the girl from UK) in Australia a couple of years ago. They are now planning to come visit South Africa later this year and I thought it may be useful for European travellers to hear a South...
How to save money buying travel online and get the best deal.
Want to save some money when booking your travel online? Here are some tips to help you do just that. You at home have access to thousands of travel deals with the click of a mouse. 1. Sign up for travel e-newsletters Many airlines, tour...
How To Travel The World For Free
It sounds like a dream doesn't it? Hopping onto a plane and taking a flight to the destination of your choice. Imagine collecting your flight tickets to New York, London, Goa - or wherever takes your fancy - and not having to pay a cent for...
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The Rugged Profile of a Safari Guide
What is your ideal image of a guide? Do safari guides need more than just a dark tan, a khaki shirt and a hat like Crocodile Dundee? Could there be more to being a guide than telling gripping fireside tales and downing hearty swigs of Jack Daniels?
There is, and you can bet your life on it. Serious safaris demand guides with a bold character and the following rugged profile:
Firstly, where has he lived his life?
Has he actually had first hand experience on the ground in Africa? Was his grandfather a warden? The best guide I ever had was a third generation professional guide operating throughout Botswana. He was born in Tanzania and, together with his grandfather - who was a warden - they migrated to the Kalahari Desert and started their own safari operation. This is how he lived his life; he grew up in the bush.
What is his area of expertise?
A knowledgeable guide should possess a wealth of knowledge including the cultures and traditions of the area. Can your guide take you to very remote villages that are rarely visited by travellers?
To ensure your guide has knowledge on a broad range of diverse subjects, it pays to ask specific questions about his or her credentials. Questions like:
How would you track the elusive desert lion of the Kalahari?
How much do you know about Ornithology?
Can you ride a donkey, operate a boat, fly microlight aircraft, transport tag and track lions and conduct tours via bicycle, canoe and 4X4?
Your guide must have " The Instinct"
A first-class guide, when on a walking safari,
goes out in front of the group in search of big game. The guide must have a combination of well honed instincts that include cunning, stealth, and a good sense of smell, coupled with pinpoint-accurate eyesight. Not to mention being quiet and unassuming.
His instincts should be as close to an animal's as a human can get, while at the same time being very professional.
A relaxed nature
More specifically, can he or she relax in nature? A nervous guide cannot focus on the task at hand. Your guide should have a friendly, relaxed demeanor and enjoy taking guests walking in the bush.
Also, an excellent relationship with a local Bushmen tribe and the ability to act as an interpreter are all signs that your guide is regarded as being charming and cordial.
Lastly, is your guide a real leader?
A safari guide should be a born leader with a tour leader qualification, combining experience in leading expeditions with a wealth of knowledge and excellent organisational skills.
These are the prerequisites for leading varied itineraries in Southern Africa and surrounding countries. Make sure your guides fits the rugged profile.
About the Author
African Outposts provide Southern African Safari Package Tours for the discerning traveller.
From the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the riverbanks of the Zambezi River, the Okavango Delta and Namibian deserts, our safari package tours offer it all. Our senior guide has been the winner of the Southern African guide of the year award for the last two years.
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