We have had some sensational guides and some extremely disappointing ones.
Your guide can make or break your safari. The more safaris you do the more you have to compare to and your expectations change.
It’s worth considering how well the guide and camp is suited to your safari needs.
For example, some camps / companies pride themselves on photographic knowledge and have well trained guides and photographic hides to help make your photo dreams come true.
We have noticed the difference between guiding and tracking in Southern and Eastern Africa which is perhaps because of the qualifications required in Southern Africa.
East Africa is known for its mass tourism whereas countries like Botswana are remote, expensive and exclusive.
Some tour companies in Kenya use local guides that are often geared to first time tourists with low expectations and a big 5 check list. For example, Masai guides in Masai Mara offer a cultural experience. They may know the roads and where animals usually are, but are not always professional or skilled trackers.
Excellent guides will:
Be professional at all times concentrating on their job to guide you and not themselves
Do their research about you and your safari goals
Keep checking on what you want do and see – work on what you want and stick to a plan
Listen and communicate clearly – keeping their communication with others discrete
Extremely knowledgeable but also do not embellish the truth
Stop when asked
Position the vehicle according to your comfort level and needs, considering light and your camera capability.
Do not drive at or disturb the animals – but let the animals chose how they come to you
Be punctual at all times
Wave you goodbye and thank you for a tip
Tipping – is completely at your discretion and the guide should not push for one. Sadly they are dependent on them so a US$10 per day per person should be a minimum.