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Do you dream of leading safaris and become a purveyor of knowledge concerning the peculiarities of the Kenyan wilderness? Well, becoming a Kenya Safari Guide will most certainly bring you closer to your goal.
The title carries responsibilities that demand competence across several fields such as language and culture, management, a vast knowledge of the local flora and fauna and a great personality. Think you are up to the task? Here is what you should know.
Safari guides plan itineraries and arrange tours for individuals or groups of tourists. That said, they are responsible for making your Kenya safari experience memorable. Being well-versed in the geography of tourist attractions means Safari guides know and plan the best travel routes while also playing the all-important role of local brand ambassador.
Typical Kenyan safari guide responsibilities includes but are not limited to:
- Maintaining up to date knowledge on all matters concerning visitor attractions. This is vital if the guide is to provide credible information to visitors.
- Safari guides ensure visitors are treated to world-class service while providing reasonable assistance where necessary. Part of being a great Safari Guide is also being able to give commentary on animal, plant, topographical or cultural sightings of interest.
- It is every Safari Guide’s sacred duty to protect and maintain excellent customer relations which means going above and beyond to make sure visitors experience nothing but the best the country has to offer.
- If recent events concerning COVID19 are anything to go by, Safari Guides should ensure visitors are aware of any Health and Safety precautions and regulations set out by the authorities.
- A Kenyan Safari Guide is by extension an ambassador of the country’s wildlife heritage, culture, and national identity.
It is a Job and a Lifestyle
Life as a Kenyan Safari Guide is both a lifestyle and a job in the sense that you will spend a good deal of time on the road. The job demands consistent passion and willingness to learn, a relentless and optimistic outlook coupled with a willingness to put in those extra hours when needed. Upon becoming a Safari Guide, you need to be prepared to change every single detail about your old lifestyle.
For starters, Safari Guides are always on call 24 hours a day, which means little to no free time to spend with friends and family.
Simply put, your needs come last. Safari Guides are a key player in the Kenyan Tourism sector alongside other professionals in the hospitality industry. That means tight schedules and the constant pressure to do better.
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Certification
The Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association is the umbrella body mandated with certification of safari guides, game drivers, lodge naturalists and other professionals in the Tourism Sector. The KPSG achieves this through a thorough examination process that classifies candidates into three tiers depending on accumulated experience.
The KPSGA works in close cooperation with Kenya Wildlife Service, Ministry of Tourism, Kenya Association of Tour Operators, the National Museums of Kenya, and County Governments.
These are the main stakeholders in the Kenyan Tourism industry and whose recognition is a valued addition. KPSGA Certification is considered Proof of competence and is an assurance the Safari Guide is sure to deliver the experience of a lifetime.
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Qualifications and Training
Becoming a Kenyan Safari guide often involves basic education at Certificate, Diploma or Undergraduate level. Entry requirements into respective institutions may vary accordingly.
Candidates study a wide array of subjects ranging from Ecology, Zoology, Local History and Culture, Geography and more.
The idea is to equip the Safari Guide with as much information on their surrounding environment as is necessary to confidently guide visitors. Most safari guides from tour operators such as Ajkenyasafaris.com or Masaimarasafari.in speak a foreign language or two which often is part of the curriculum. Other qualifications required may include.
- A certificate in defensive driving.
- A certificate of good conduct from the Kenya Police.
- A health certificate from a government physician.
- Health and personal life insurance covers may be required in some instances.
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Gaining Experience
Fresh out of school and eager to get going? Well, gaining experience involves leading your first expedition. Although most safari guides are affiliated to a tour company or another, a sizable percentage are freelancers.
So, whether you choose to work for a tour company or remain a freelancer, your single most important task is to deliver an experience worth savoring every time. The best part of the job is you get to grow as a person largely thanks to the scope of work you will be handling.
From researching alternative routes and handling logistics such as hotel bookings, meals, arranging for transportation and itinerary, you will oversee your clients’ every vacation-related need.
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Your First Safari
Everyone starts somewhere if you have made it this far you have earned the title. Celebrate the fact that you are moments away from leading your first expedition. You are a proper pro in my book.
Every experienced touring professional had the same launching point in their careers. People believe in your abilities and have faith that you have what it takes to take your visitors on the trip of a lifetime.
Remember that the more you know about your destination’s history, culture, flora, and fauna prior to heading out on your first tour, the better. So, go on, have a little confidence in yourself.
You might not have all the answers, but soon enough you will learn and perfect smooth ways to own up to it.
Becoming a safari guide is a culmination of passion for local culture and wildlife, a deeper connection to the land and its people. Call it a higher calling to serve and showcase the best Kenya has to offer.
Not everyone gets to call the rolling plains of the Savannah their office or witness picture-perfect sunrises and sunsets in the Mara for a living. As a Kenyan safari guide, you have joined an elite club of professionals, you are well on your way to roaring success.
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