What does a Private or Specialist Guide do?Matt answers: "As your Private Guide, I am exclusively devoted to ensuring your safari experience is seamless, unforgettable and unique. l will tailor-make your itinerary and host your party from start to finish, offering exceptional specialist knowledge in various fields throughout your journey.
I take care of all arrangements; liaisons with the parks, reserves and safari lodges visited along the way, ensuring that every need is seen to, from dietary requirements, disabilities, photography, astronomy to birding interests and more." |
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Why would I want to hire a private safari guide?
It is important to say that the added value of a Private Guide hugely exceeds the added cost, simply due to the overall added service they provide to any safari experience! These are; their experience in African Travel over many years as a guide provides invaluable insider knowledge that is not available elsewhere, their ability to provide a safe and secure travel passage, especially to some of the remoter destinations in Africa removing the unknown concerns often associated with travel in Africa, they are always working with local guides, but are able to provide much more added knowledge, as well as providing the necessary continuity throughout the safari experience. Private guides are able to deal with problems if they occur along the route, ensuring a worry free travel experience. They are your hosts, friend and entertainers along the way. Private Guides will change the way you travel to Africa."
Keryn. B from Chicago answers: “We wanted to feel safe and to travel to Africa for the first time. We found the internet and agents frustrating and we really didn’t know where to begin as we felt overwhelmed with the many places and lodges. A friend of ours recommended we contact Matt; well it was the best thing we could have done for our safari! He was patient and advised us where to go, as well as booking everything himself. Matt then hosted our safari and WOW, he is so knowledgeable, and made the experience such fun, while feeling we were always in good hands all the way. There is no question in our minds that using a Private guide is the way to travel in Africa.”
Nigel Mason from the UK answers: “We had such peace of mind about the whole trip. Matt’s keen guiding kept us informed and he knew exactly where to go and what we needed all along. Matt you’re the best!”
Sarah Bradley from the UK answers: “Matt designed our whole trip based around our particular needs. Despite my father’s age, he was always comfortable with Matt’s attentiveness, and as a family used to travel in Africa, we were able to enjoy what my Dad said was his best safari yet.”
What are the benefits of using a private guide as opposed to a company?
Matt answers: "Using the services of a private guide means that you can customise your safari itinerary, activities and experiences to YOUR needs and interests, not that of a group or organisation or package. In addition, you are able to travel to lesser frequented and non-touristy areas, interacting with local wildlife and people on a personal level with your guide. The expertise and local knowledge of your guide means that you are guaranteed excellent accommodation, stress-free travel itineraries and no costly or disappointing mistakes in trip planning."
Tim answers: "A private guide is not only your holiday planner, but also your host for your journey, a familiar face, trouble shooter, friend, entertainer and guide. A private guide offers you the opportunity to learn more, experience more and understand more about every safari sighting and African encounter, offering further insight into a variety of fields including wildlife, scenery, cultures, history, landscapes and people. Simply summarised, using the services of a private guide ensures a deeper and more personal safari experience."
Tim answers: "A private guide is not only your holiday planner, but also your host for your journey, a familiar face, trouble shooter, friend, entertainer and guide. A private guide offers you the opportunity to learn more, experience more and understand more about every safari sighting and African encounter, offering further insight into a variety of fields including wildlife, scenery, cultures, history, landscapes and people. Simply summarised, using the services of a private guide ensures a deeper and more personal safari experience."
What background and experience does Matt Cowell Safaris have?
Matt has Wildlife Management qualifications and combined African wildlife management and Tourism operational experience of over 35 years. His business experience includes, owning safari camps, running mobile safari companies, heading up Environmental Consulting companies as well as training safari guides all in various African countries. All the guides are keen photographers and enjoy sharing their favourite ideas and travels spots in the destinations we travel to; whilst exploring with their clients.
What accommodation can clients expect?
Tim answers: "You will be staying in luxury lodges, tented safari camps, or for the more adventurous, occasionally sleeping out under the starry blanket of Africa's sky."
How safe is travel in Africa especially with Covid 19?
Matt answers: "We take safety seriously at all times and take every precaution to vet our destinations with the utmost care. We as far as possible observe the necessary Covid 19 safety protocols in our travels. A close relationship with locals in each country ensures that we are fully aware of what is happening (or likely to happen) in each destination. Our guides, experienced, trained, and long-standing professionals who are trained to handle all eventualities."
Will I contract some dread African disease like ebola or worse?
Matt answers: "No, you won't! We avoid all areas where there is any possibility of coming in contact with ebola or other virulent diseases. In addition, we will do our best to advise you fully about any precautions you might need to take (such as anti-malarials or prophylaxis) beforehand. All our guests are also advised to consult with their local physician before departure."
How fit do I need to be?
Tim answers: "That depends whether you want to run with the wildebeest or walk with the gorillas! The destinations and your itinerary will determine the level of fitness you will require. Most destinations require that you are mobile, can climb in and out of vehicles, can walk short distances without difficulty and are in reasonable health."