"HOP ON" guides are being trained for game park tourism in an innovative pilot job creation programme recently launched by the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) in partnership with the Eastern Cape Tourism Board (ECTB) and Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
A total of seven trainee guides have been selected by the tourism board and the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP) and have started a rigorous three-month training programme.
Once they have been trained, they will have acquired a thorough knowledge of the plants and animals, road system and history and future plans of the AENP.
SATSA provincial chairman and Shamwari's managing director, Danie Malan, said after training, guides would be stationed at the Addo gates. Visitors to the park could then hire the guides at a nominal rate.
"Using an expert guide will enhance the visit tenfold and provide employment for those who were, until recently, unemployed," he said.
If the Addo scheme is successful, the plan will be extended to other areas.
(Rosemary Wilson/Elizabeth Sheridan)
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