It goes without saying that your overall safari experience depends heavily on the quality of your guides. After all, they are the ones to impart knowledge about local fauna and flora and provide you with unforgettable animal sightings. Fortunately, thanks to a rigorous certification process, Zimbabwe has some of the very best safari guides in the world!
In this article, we unpack the impressive expertise of Zimbabwean tour guides. We’ll tell you more about their training process and how their expertise can benefit your safari experience.
Certification and Training Process
Zimbabwean safari guides undergo rigorous training that lasts between 4 and 7 years. This means that becoming a safari guide takes the same amount of time as it does to become a doctor! During their training, guides develop an intimate understanding of the local ecosystem, animal behaviour, and conservation efforts.
The first step to becoming a safari guide in Zimbabwe is obtaining your ‘learner’s licence’’ by passing a theory exam. This exam tests the guide’s knowledge of the environment, ecology, geography, wildlife, first aid, firearms, tourism laws, and more.
Once an aspiring safari guide has gotten their ‘learner’s licence’, they need to apply to become an apprentice. Apprentices need to work alongside a professional tour guide for at least two years before they take their final week-long practical exams. If the guide passes, they will receive their Professional Safari Guide licence.
Now that the guide has their official licence, they can begin looking for a job at one of Zimbabwe’s national parks or a private game reserve. A safari guide is a prestigious job that many local men and women aspire to.
Benefits of Trained and Certified Guides
The impact that a safari guide has on your overall experience is truly significant. Zimbabwe’s highly trained and knowledgeable guides offer you the following benefits:
- Spotting Hidden Wildlife
You’ll be surprised at how difficult it is to spot certain animals in the bushveld. Some species, such as leopards, can be incredibly shy. When you’re with an experienced guide, you’ll be able to cross off more species from your bucket list and see some of the animals that are well-known for their camouflage.
- Understanding Animal Behaviour
Zimbabwean safari guides have an in-depth understanding of animal behaviour. This understanding assists them when deciding which areas of the park to look for animals.
They can easily calculate the chances of seeing certain animals based on the season, time of day, and a variety of other landscape factors, such as vegetation distribution, water sources and topography.
- Navigating Safely Through the Bush
Your safari guide is responsible for your safety, and traversing through the African bush doesn’t come without its dangers. The risks increase when you’re on a walking safari. Predators and even seemingly placid animals, like warthogs, can be incredibly dangerous when disturbed. Your experienced Zimbabwean guide prioritises your safety at all times.
Zimbabwean safari guides all have first-aid training as well, so they are fully prepared for any type of emergency if the need arises. This means you can rest assured that you’ll be safe in their capable hands.
- Provide You with Fascinating Insights
Is there anything better than learning fascinating animal facts on a safari holiday? Zimbabwean safari guides are known for their in-depth knowledge, which they are passionate about sharing with you.
You’ll leave Zimbabwe with a deeper understanding of its local fauna and flora, thanks to the insights provided by your safari guides.
Your Zimbabwean Safari
When on holiday in Zimbabwe, you should make the most of the time you spend with the knowledgeable safari guides the country is known for! Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your favourite African animals. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn in a short span of time.
While group safaris are always loads of fun, we recommend doing at least one private safari during your time in Zimbabwe. This way, you’ll get to enjoy a personalised experience with your guide and plenty of time to chat and ask questions. You can choose between driving safaris, walking safaris, and even kayaking safaris (in certain parts of the country).
Feel free to discuss local culture and cuisine with your guide. This will add further value to your safari holiday and give you a better overall view of Zimbabwe as a country.
The Tailormade Africa Experience
Tailormade Africa is exceptionally proud that we know some of the best Zimbabwean tour guides. Their passion for conservation is truly inspiring, and they will help you foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world. With warm hospitality and genuine enthusiasm, they become treasured companions on your Zimbabwean adventure, ensuring special memories that will last a lifetime.
Over the years, we have helped scores of people plan their dream safari holiday to Zimbabwe. From the reviews and feedback we have gotten, one thing always remains the same: the quality of the safari guides we pair our clients with is unmatched. Our clients only have positive things to say about the guides and are always amazed at their knowledge and professionalism.
How Zimbabwean Safari Guides Have Elevated Local Tourism
Zimbabwean safari guides have garnered a positive international reputation over the past decade or so. This has resulted in a boost in tourism, with more wildlife enthusiasts wanting to experience everything Zimbabwean safari guides offer.
This boost in tourism was much-needed after Zimbabwe’s economic collapse. The southern African country has made progress in leaps and bounds over the past few years. By going on a Zimbabwe safari, you help the local economy. A portion of the money you spend on your safari holiday will be filtered into eco-tourism and anti-poaching efforts.
Guides Against Poaching in Zimbabwe
A few decades ago, Zimbabwe was challenged with a major illegal poaching problem. So much so that it had a dramatic effect on the population of certain species. Now, all safari guides in Zimbabwe receive anti-poaching training so they know what to be aware of and how to prevent poaching from happening from the onset.
Most safari guides also volunteer their personal time to anti-poaching efforts, such as G.A.P. This just shows their true passion for preserving wildlife and delicate ecosystems.
Should You Tip Your Safari Guide in Zimbabwe?
In Zimbabwe, it is customary to tip service staff like waiters, porters, etc. But should you tip your safari guide? Safari guides in Zimbabwe get paid a fair salary, so it is not obligatory to tip them. However, most people tip their safari guides between $10 and $20 per excursion.
At the end of the day, it is completely up to you whether or not you would like to tip. Our feeling is their dedication and expertise will leave you feeling generous.
Are you ready to experience the expertise of Zimbabwe tour guides for yourself? Tailormade Africa’s experts can help you plan the safari adventure of a lifetime! Contact us today to begin planning your dream safari holiday to Zimbabwe!