4.1 Content of a tour briefing
A tour briefing is a short, organised talk the guide gives to guests before a tour or an activity begins, to tell them what will happen, what is expected of them and how to stay safe. Its content must be complete, accurate and clear, because guests who are well informed enjoy the tour more and are less likely to put themselves or wildlife at risk. Example: at the Naro Moru gate of Mount Kenya, a guide briefs a trekking group on the route, altitude sickness, park rules and the role of each porter and cook before the climb.
Elements of a tour briefing
- Welcome and introductions: Greeting the guests and introducing the guide, driver and crew.
- Overview of the tour: Destination, purpose and highlights.
- Itinerary: Timings, stops, meals and activities.
- Rules and regulations: Park and destination rules and the operator's policies.
- Safety and emergency procedures: Hazards, what to do in an emergency, first aid and assembly points.
- Wildlife conduct: How to behave near animals.
- Equipment and clothing: What to carry and wear.
- Practical information: Toilets, water, payments, tipping, photography and charging.
- Questions: Time for guests to ask and clarify.
Qualities of a good briefing
- Clear and simple language: Avoid jargon and translate where needed.
- Logical order: Follow the sequence of the tour.
- Brief: Usually 5 to 15 minutes, covering essentials.
- Engaging: Use maps, pictures and examples to hold attention.
- Confirmed understanding: Check that guests have understood key safety points.
Methods of delivering a briefing
- Verbal briefing: In the vehicle, lodge or at the gate.
- Written materials: Itineraries, leaflets and safety cards.
- Visual aids: Maps, boards and short videos.
- Demonstrations: Showing how to use equipment such as life jackets.
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Create a free account 🔒4.2 Roles of crew members
A tour crew is the team of people who work together to deliver a wildlife tour, and each member has a defined role. Explaining these roles during the briefing tells guests whom to approach for what and shows them that the tour is well organised. Example: on a…
🔒4.3 Attributes of crew members
Attributes are the personal qualities, knowledge and skills that make a crew member effective. Guests judge a tour largely by how the crew behave, so operators recruit and train crew for these attributes, and the guide sets the example. Example: a safari opera…
🔒4.4 Determination of tourists' expectations
Tourists arrive with expectations about what they will see, experience and receive, formed by marketing, reviews, friends and past trips. The guide must find out these expectations early, ideally during or before the briefing, so that the tour can meet them or…
🔒4.5 Tourists' motivations
Tourist motivation is the inner drive or reason that makes a person travel and choose a particular destination or activity. Understanding motivations helps the guide tailor the briefing and the tour: a photographer, a birdwatcher and a honeymoon couple on the…
🔒4.6 Destination rules and regulations
Destination rules and regulations are the laws, by-laws and codes of conduct that control what visitors may and may not do at a wildlife destination. They protect wildlife, habitats, local people and the visitors themselves. The guide must explain them clearly…
🔒4.7 Itineraries briefing
An itineraries briefing is the part of the tour briefing where the guide explains the tour programme in detail: where the group will go, when, what they will do at each stage, and what the guests need to be ready for. A clear itinerary briefing reduces confusi…
