Abstract
Safari guides are intermediaries between tourists and the natural environment, ensuring that tourists enjoy a positive natural experience while promoting respectful and sustainable interactions with nature. Despite their importance, safari guides' career prospects, perceptions and experiences continue to be under-researched. This study aims to examine Kruger National Park (KNP) safari guides' work experiences, perspectives and observations in a broader context of labour in the field of nature conservation using the theoretical framework of human-nature interaction.
This study used a qualitative research design to collect data through semi-structured interviews and focus groups in the KNP. A thematic analysis was conducted on the responses received. Key facts were uncovered, such as that the guides had different educational backgrounds, with most holding NQF level 2 and 4 certificates. Although tour guides act as intermediaries between tourists and the natural environment, the research findings show that job security and long working hours are problems in the industry, as is managing tourists' expectations. Conservation issues raised by safari guides, such as rhino poaching and climate change, also pose challenges to tour guides.
This study shows that, despite these difficulties, safari guides are strong professionals with an unwavering commitment to tourism and conservation. Their ability to create engaging and memorable tourism experiences promotes environmental awareness and advances the goals of biodiversity conservation and tourism. Based on these findings, recommendations are made to improve job security, enhance training, and actively involve tour guides in conservation planning. Combined with an emphasis on inclusion and community involvement, these steps could improve the working lives of safari guides while promoting the sustainability of protected areas for wildlife.