Classic Zambia guide training

We checked in with Classic Zambia to hear about their 2024 guide training and received this report from Kyle Branch, one of Classic Zambia’s owners, directors, guides and also the architect of Zambia’s National Guide Training program.

We embarked on our Classic Zambia guide training journey this year in Lusaka with great enthusiasm and gusto!

Kyle, our quiz master, concocted some brain-teasing quizzes focusing on the intricate world of walking safari guides. Attendees included esteemed guides Josh, James, Leon, Esau, Caesar, and Given, all of whom showcased remarkable prowess and emerged with a treasure trove of invaluable knowledge.

Our impromptu classroom, nestled snugly within the confines of our headquarters storage shed, proved to be an unexpectedly stellar learning environment – guides are notorious for their ability to improvise and adapt!

Midway through the week, we took a maiden voyage to the snake park where many of us were exposed to the realm of serpent handling for the first time. Some of our members required a gentle nudge (and perhaps a bit of playful ribbing) to muster the courage to cradle a non-venomous brown house snake, while others resorted to the tried-and-true technique of shutting their eyes tightly amidst the laughter of the group!

Exciting news arrived in the form of results from the National Guiding Exams administered by TEVETA in Zambia and facilitated by Bedrock Africa Guide Training. Our guides emerged triumphant, with special commendation bestowed upon our two female guides, Yvonne and Mildred, for their exemplary performance!

The saga continued with Joshua and Given poised to tackle their walking and canoe exams. Their journey with Classic Zambia began humbly as waiters a few years ago, but they’ve since ascended to the upper echelons of the guiding realm, garnering well-deserved reputations along the way. We take immense pride in their accomplishments and eagerly anticipate the trajectory of their future endeavors!

Next on our agenda is a rendezvous in Lower Zambezi, where we shall hone our canoeing skills amidst the labyrinthine channels of the Zambezi. Our walking guides shall tread cautiously while learning the subtle nuances of dangerous animal behavior. From mastering the art of tracking and interpreting signs to growing our birding knowledge and refining our guiding etiquette, every facet of our craft receives meticulous attention.

Communication reigns supreme within our team, with copious presentations and uproarious tales told around the campfire. Our training culminates with exhilarating game drives and serene boat cruises, wherein we meticulously impart guest safety protocols, rehearse emergency scenarios, navigate tricky driving conditions, delve into camera techniques, and fine-tune our vehicle/boat positioning. Suffice it to say, information flows freely, enriching us all in more ways than one!