on Tripadvisor
Enock has been part of the Tanzania-Experience team since 2013; his vast knowledge and great humour have made him a favourite with our guests. As safari guide he is at home in the national parks and out and about most of the time – we caught up with him when he popped in at the office to find out what keeps him going.
You’ve been a safari guide since 2009, so for almost ten years. What have you learned along the way?
Being a safari guide is so much more than knowing about different animals only. It’s very complex. You have to sit down and study, study hard. Only a smart guide is a good guide.
At the same time, I try to understand what it really is my guests are looking for. Sometimes, they just want to sit and enjoy the moment instead of taking pictures. Sometimes, they rather observe safari ants or study flowers instead of searching for lions.
Going on safari is often about taking a closer look at things: take the giraffe for example. Yes, it’s tall and its colouration and movement are amazing, but take a closer look and you will notice the delicate technique it uses to feed with its long tongue on the tiniest leaves. It’s fascinating!
You have recently taken up photography. Does this come into play while on safari?
Yes, definitely, it has proven quite helpful. Sometimes, guests bring a fancy camera but don’t know how to use it. I can assist them to understand the basics. Being a keen photographer myself, I’m very patient and understand that it takes time, the right angle and the right light to get a great shot. Now and then, I take a few pictures for my guests, so they can be in the moment and enjoy the experience while I make sure they have the photos to remember it.
What is your favourite safari experience?
Camping is a wonderful way to explore the wild. I love our Mobile Explorer Camp! Life is so hectic these days and the mobile camp gives you an opportunity to calm your brain, to have time for yourself, to enjoy privacy. For me as a guide it’s a good opportunity to really connect with my guests. We spend so much time together, on game drives during the day, but also at night when we sit around the campfire, watch the stars and chat. This is safari.
After so many years in the bush, does “safari” ever repeat itself?
I think you can have very diverse safari experiences and can be so flexible: go on a morning game drive, on an afternoon walk, and an evening boat safari. You can experience nature in so many different ways. On a walking safari in particular you will get up close with nature. It’s not always about the big game – it’s about pausing, being in the moment and being open for a whole new world.
If you would like to go on safari with Enock or one of our other safari guides and experience Tanzania through the eyes of locals, get in touch!
