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!”)
Things can happen quickly on safari. An extremely knowledgeable tour guide and ranger was definitely beneficial as we watched the Great Migration in the Serengeti! Photo by Jennifer Markus, SafariSmiths Travel.
Safari With The Best
Kyle is a vehicle-based guide as well as a Level II tracker and a Lead Walking / Trails Guide. He’s also an accomplished golfer, photographer, and professional (basically) South African braai host.
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.
Nothing can quite prepare you for the first time you’re face-to-face with these magnificent animals. Bob, a beloved lion in the Serengeti National Park, passed away in 2023, leaving behind an incredible legacy. Photo by Jennifer Markus, SafariSmiths Travel.
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.
A lioness and her cubs rest in the Serengeti. Photo by Jennifer Markus, SafariSmiths Travel.
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.
Kyle lines up a shot in the bush. Photo credit SafariSmiths Travel.
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.