Should I hire a private guide?
A truly epic adventure warrants an equally extraordinary and knowledgeable guide.
Unless you’re a next-level adrenaline junkie*, getting caught in a herd of migrating wildebeest is likely not on your bucket list.
Hiring a private tour guide for a safari can make or break your trip. It’s arguably the most important element to a safe, successful African safari.
Here are just a few reasons to elevate your trip of a lifetime with a private safari guide.
(*if this is you, please see our article “5 Reasons To Invest In Travel Insurance!”)
Safari guides typically possess extensive knowledge about the local plants, animals, and landscapes.
- SafariSmith Travel’s Kyle Smith is a veteran tracker and private guide, having trained in elite programs in locations like the internationally acclaimed MalaMala Game Reserve.
- Having a private guide allows you to gain in-depth insights into the wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation efforts of the reserves you visit.
A private guide allows for a completely personalized experience.
- Though a group tour is a more economical way to safari, you’ll have far less control of your days. In a group, your time is regimented with less flexibility.
- With a private guide, your experience can be tailored entirely to your preferences. You choose when to wake up, what you want to see, and when to call it a day.
- Having a private safari guide can enhance your overall comfort by providing personalized services, such as arranging special meals or accommodations based on your preferences.
Your safari itinerary is what you want it to be.
- We can adapt the schedule based on your preferences, allowing for impromptu stops and adjustments to maximize wildlife sightings. Want to spend a whole day with the lion cubs? Absolutely. So do we, to be honest.
If everyone had access, it wouldn’t be exclusive.
- Private guides develop relationships with other trackers, guides, and lodge staff, allowing for access to private reserves or areas not open to the general public. This privilege adds depth to your safari and provides a more exclusive and intimate experience.
A private guide allows you to avoid the crowd.
- Traffic jams can occur even on the game reserve, especially during animal sightings where group tours tend to congregate. Privately guided trips can lead to better, less stressful encounters by sharing alternate routes or viewpoints.
Professional photography, at your service.
- Have a passion for wildlife and landscape photography? Great, so do we! A private guide will skillfully position the vehicle for perfect shots, share valuable tips for capturing these unforgettable moments, and provide fascinating insights about the incredible animals you encounter.
Private safari guides are dedicated to your safety and security.
- Perhaps the most important element of guiding is that a private guide is dedicated to you and your group, ensuring a higher level of safety and security. They are familiar with local terrain and wildlife behavior, and are adept at minimizing potential risks.
It’s important to remember that the quality of your experience also depends on the expertise and personality of your guide!
While SafariSmiths Travel would be honored to be your guides, we encourage you to thoroughly research your options and choose a travel service that works best for you.
Interested in learning more about private guiding? Let’s chat!
5 Reasons to Protect Your Investment with Travel Insurance
After months of planning and lots of dollars spent, you’re happily on your way to your dream destination… and then the airline regrets to inform you that your luggage is on its way to O’Hare.
Luckily, you were smart. You purchased travel insurance, even though it may not have been the first thing on your list.
Between the flights, accommodations, and activities, travel does require some significant expenses. Travel insurance acts as a safety net, providing coverage in case unforeseen circumstances force you to cancel or interrupt your trip. Whether it’s a sudden illness, a family emergency, or another unexpected event, travel insurance helps safeguard your trip and your financial investment.
- A Doctor In Your Back PocketGetting sick or experiencing a medical emergency in an unfamiliar location can be both distressing and a financial burden. Local healthcare systems may not be as accessible or affordable, making travel insurance with medical coverage indispensable. It ensures that you receive the necessary medical attention and covers expenses such as hospital stays, medications, and emergency medical evacuations.
- Trip Interruption and CancellationLife is unpredictable, and sometimes even the most carefully made plans can go sideways. Whether it's due to a personal emergency or unexpected weather conditions disrupting your travel itinerary, trip interruption and cancellation coverage provide reimbursement for non-refundable expenses. This includes flight cancellations, hotel reservations, and prepaid activities, giving you peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
- Lost or Delayed BaggageImagine arriving at your dream destination, only to find that your luggage is missing or delayed. Travel insurance can provide coverage for the replacement of essential items, ensuring that you can still enjoy your trip without the stress of lost belongings. This coverage extends to both checked and carry-on baggage, offering a financial safety net in the event of travel inconveniences.
- Travel Delays and Missed ConnectionsFlight delays and missed connections are common travel hiccups that can disrupt your plans and incur additional expenses. Travel insurance can cover the costs of accommodation, meals, and alternative transportation in the event of extended delays, allowing you to navigate the unexpected without bearing the financial burden.
- Emergency Assistance ServicesWhen navigating unfamiliar territories, having access to emergency assistance services can be a lifesaver. Travel insurance often includes 24/7 support for emergencies, offering assistance with medical referrals, language translation, legal advice, and coordination of emergency evacuations if needed. This added layer of support ensures that you're not alone when facing challenges in a foreign environment.
As the late, great Anthony Bourdain said: “When dealing with complex transportation issues, the best thing to do is pull up with a cold beer and let somebody else figure it out.”
By understanding the many benefits of travel insurance, you’ll be empowered to explore the world with confidence. And with SafariSmiths Travel, your only worry will be those $18 airport beers.
Learn more about how SafariSmiths Travel can help plan your dream getaway.