Module 1
Guiding Fundamentals
Certification
Graduates receive DTA Short Course Certificate (upon completion of full program)
Duration
3 days (24 hours)
Course Description
The Guiding Fundamentals is a foundational course tailored for professional guides in the safari and wildlife tourism industry. It equips learners with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes to deliver safe, engaging, and memorable guest experiences while emphasizing professionalism, guest satisfaction, safety, and environmental stewardship.
Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical applications, the course prepares guides to navigate diverse guest needs, manage risks, plan and conduct game drives, and uphold ethical and sustainable practices. This is the first module of the 10-module professional guide course.
Course Outcome
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- How to embody professionalism and ethical conduct as a guide, aligning with company expectations while enhancing the guest experience by meeting diverse needs.
- How to communicate effectively and build rapport using verbal, nonverbal, and active listening skills to support risk assessment and emergency response for safety.
- How to ensure safety through vehicle management, risk assessment, and emergency protocols while effectively planning game drives.
- How to plan and conduct immersive, multi-sensory game drives that create memorable experiences through strategic optimization.
- How to use and maintain equipment ethically, adhering to sighting protocols and environmental practices while managing radio and sightings.
- How to demonstrate environmental sensitivity by minimizing damage and educating guests, optimizing game drives for sustainability.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Guiding
- Guest Expectations
- Communication
- Guest Relations
- The Game Drive Vehicle
- Equipment
- Risk Assessment and Management
- Planning a Game Drive
- Conducting a Game Drive
- Radio Procedure
- Sighting Protocol
- Environmental Sensitivity
Accreditation
