| What is your ideal image of a guide? Do safari | | | | microlight aircraft, transport tag and track lions |
| guides need more than just a dark tan, a khaki | | | | and conduct tours via bicycle, canoe and 4X4? |
| shirt and a hat like Crocodile Dundee? Could there | | | | Your guide must have " The Instinct" |
| be more to being a guide than telling gripping | | | | A first-class guide, when on a walking safari, goes |
| fireside tales and downing hearty swigs of Jack | | | | out in front of the group in search of big game. |
| Daniels? | | | | The guide must have a combination of well honed |
| There is, and you can bet your life on it. Serious | | | | instincts that include cunning, stealth, and a good |
| safaris demand guides with a bold character and | | | | sense of smell, coupled with pinpoint-accurate |
| the following rugged profile: | | | | eyesight. Not to mention being quiet and |
| Firstly, where has he lived his life? | | | | unassuming. |
| Has he actually had first hand experience on the | | | | His instincts should be as close to an animal's as a |
| ground in Africa? Was his grandfather a warden? | | | | human can get, while at the same time being |
| The best guide I ever had was a third generation | | | | very professional. |
| professional guide operating throughout Botswana. | | | | A relaxed nature |
| He was born in Tanzania and, together with his | | | | More specifically, can he or she relax in nature? A |
| grandfather - who was a warden - they migrated | | | | nervous guide cannot focus on the task at hand. |
| to the Kalahari Desert and started their own | | | | Your guide should have a friendly, relaxed |
| safari operation. This is how he lived his life; he | | | | demeanor and enjoy taking guests walking in the |
| grew up in the bush. | | | | bush. |
| What is his area of expertise? | | | | Also, an excellent relationship with a local Bushmen |
| A knowledgeable guide should possess a wealth of | | | | tribe and the ability to act as an interpreter are all |
| knowledge including the cultures and traditions of | | | | signs that your guide is regarded as being |
| the area. Can your guide take you to very | | | | charming and cordial. |
| remote villages that are rarely visited by | | | | Lastly, is your guide a real leader? |
| travellers? | | | | A safari guide should be a born leader with a tour |
| To ensure your guide has knowledge on a broad | | | | leader qualification, combining experience in leading |
| range of diverse subjects, it pays to ask specific | | | | expeditions with a wealth of knowledge and |
| questions about his or her credentials. Questions | | | | excellent organisational skills. |
| like: | | | | These are the prerequisites for leading varied |
| How would you track the elusive desert lion of | | | | itineraries in Southern Africa and surrounding |
| the Kalahari? | | | | countries. Make sure your guides fits the rugged |
| How much do you know about Ornithology? | | | | profile. |
| Can you ride a donkey, operate a boat, fly | | | | |