• Studying the itinerary worked out by the tour operator, ensuring that this plan is strictly adhered to and that appropriate arrangements have been made.



• Escorting the tourists and looking after their comfort and safety.



• Informing the tourists about the country, its history, culture, geography, plants, animals, and any other relevant subject.



• Accompanying tourists to places of interest, including game parks and reserves, national monuments, museums and exhibitions and providing general information.



• Conducting excursions such as game-viewing, desert tours and visits to places of specific interest.



• Driving the vehicle in which tourists are being transported.



• Conducting hunting and camping safaris (specialist training and experience required).

Requirements

Secondary Education
For studies at South African technikons, a HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is needed. For studies at the Hospitality Training Centre Namibia (HTC) candidates must have at least passed five subjects on IGCSE/HIGCSE level and have obtained a total score of at least 25 points on the Polytechnic’s point evaluation scale.

The Namibian Academy for Tourism and Hospitality (NATH) offers a training course for tour guides. No entrance qualification for enrolment to these courses is needed as they are open to anyone interested in learning more about Namibia in an adult education setting. English proficiency, however, is crucial.

Compulsory subjects
None, but English is highly recommended (Namibia)

Recommended subjects
Foreign languages, History, Geography (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
A three-year N. Dip.: Travel and Tourism or N. Dip.: Tourism Management is offered at the Technikons: Cape, ML Sultan, Port Elizabeth, Witwatersrand and Vaal Triangle (South Africa). The Polytechnic offers a certificate as well as a diploma in Travel and Tourism Management. Travel and Tourism courses are also offered by other private colleges.

NATH offers a number of part-time courses, of which the successful completion leads to the issuing of a guiding certificate and registration as a certified tour guide.

To obtain this qualification, applicants must earn a minimum of 27 course credit-points with compulsory completion of the Tourism General course, the Current Affairs course, a First Aid course and one of the three training tours (north, central, south) offered.

Personality
The prospective candidate should be over the age of 21, have a valid public transport driver’s licence and no criminal record. The person should also be fluent in English and have appropriate skills in at least two indigenous languages. It is also expected of the candidate to be neat, friendly and punctual at all times.

Work Opportunities
Tour guides can be employed by tour operators, administrators of tourist attractions, or they can work on a freelance basis. Job prospects seem to be favourable.

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