Hitting the road
Well, another braai with the topic going off-road. To begin, the group wanted to know about regulating tour operators, and I took them through initiatives launched many years ago in conjunction with the Department of the Environment, which were ultimately shelved as they had bigger problems to deal with. In the long run, we reverted to self-regulation, which saw many good operators stand out.
They had large databases and did not have to market their tours.
Yet being an overland tour operator is not easy, one requires a good deal of knowledge with regards to the countries you take your groups to even if it is within South Africa. You need to provide considerable detail in your opening packs;
- What is required from you as a participant?
- What is provided by the tour operator?
- Are all meals included or are you expected to provide lunch?
- Do you need to bring your drinks?
- Is water included ( this is critical as on average one needs well more than a litre per day – cold drinks and beverages don’t count)
- Are there any special requirements i.ro. border crossings?
- Extras? Tools, spares and additional tyres need to be looked at.
- Then look at your accommodation, roof-top or ground tent? Is this a requirement and do you need to bring lighting, sleeping bags and stretchers? Alternatively, you may be clamping in safari tents or chalets.
In the long run, all of this makes a difference to the experience.
I suggested to the group that a first aid qualification is important, even if the guide has the necessary qualifications, no harm is done if you can look after yourself and your partner/family.
Should you be carrying chronic meds then ensure that you carry a letter from your doctor as well as a repeat script should it be needed, this is essential especially if crossing a border.
Over the years I have taken a few groups to various destinations, my favourite being those where over the phone you can organise everything. This includes a specialist guide where needed as well as lunch packs, accommodation, breakfast and a great dinner.
People love to be spoiled or pampered and most of my groups have always opted for chalets and catered meals.
The only difference was on self-catering trails such as the Lebombo Trail, one had to be self-sufficient. Yet even so regular visits to the camps saw us getting groceries and a shower- this was not an option for all yet I had taken a portable shower for my family.
So back to the tour operator, it’s not easy, they rise and go to bed long after everyone even if it is a fully catered option as opposed to a style of camping.
They are expected to cater to any eventuality that may arise, be it a medical emergency or simply a dietary problem.
They can start cars when people have flattened batteries by playing music, or even have to deal with the music when other guests are sleeping.
A long tour I did many years ago was in South West Africa before independence the operator was brilliant and hired a local guide to ensure that we saw the Desert Elephant and Black Rhino, we had to sort out our sleeping arrangements but after day one we just opted for our sleeping bags and left the tents in the truck. It was an awesome experience as he was an amazing guide. The dinners and breakfasts were amazing, the lunches were sparse but kept us going.
You can find information on most tour guides on social media as well as via their websites, so do some research if planning a trip. Also, chat with your friends as many of them may have knowledge i.r.o. a particular guide or a recommendation. Remember that on a guided tour you will have great company.
