Steady Safaris Guides and Crew.

Steady Safaris Guides and Crew

Steady Safaris crew work very hard in a 24-hour, 7-day a week job that they love, and are often expected to be driver, tour leader, cook, mum, dad, babysitter, doctor, and party planner all rolled into one. Please be fair. They are not personal servants, butlers or maids. Steady Safaris crew are not guides but leaders.

They can't identify every single mammal, bird, insect and plant in Africa. Specialist guides with that depth of knowledge work only for the most exclusive, most expensive safari companies. Instead Steady Safaris crew have extensive knowledge of getting you safely from one end of East Africa to the other in a relaxed and enjoyable way. They are personable, keen and conscientious, and have a passion for the countries they are taking you through.

Though there are some members of crew out there, that most khaki-clad, up-market safari guides would never acknowledge who have spent many years on the road and can match them in bush craft any day. Sometimes the tour leaders and drivers have to make a decision with regards to health, safety, security and circumstances beyond their control.

This may not always be a popular decision. As far as possible, your crew will take into account the wishes of the group as a whole, but your understanding and patience at these times will be much appreciated. The tour leader has complete authority on tour and his/her decision is final. More importantly, the crew have the rare, unquantifiable ability to take responsibility for an expensive vehicle and the well-being of 20 passengers — and still have fun.
The Driver

He or she (there are plenty of female truck drivers out there) is responsible for not only driving you safely from A to B but mechanical maintenance. Truck drivers service the vehicle, change tyres, parts, and filters, and generally know what to do if something goes wrong and the truck breaks down in the middle of nowhere or gets stuck in mud or sand. They have a proven ability to look after and fix things on their own – who's to say there is going to be a convenient workshop close by. All drivers hold an HGV or PSV license or equivalent and extensive mechanical knowledge.
The Tour Leader

It's the tour leader's job to organise everything en route and ensure that the whole trip runs smoothly. They are 'leaders' rather than 'guides' and use their experience to get the passengers from A to B in the most efficient way possible. They are not expected to be historians, geologists, or tropical disease experts, but rather steer the group through otherwise unfamiliar terrain. It's their job to provide food and shelter for the group, brief information about the areas they are travelling through, and organise optional excursions and activities. They manage the kitty, do the accounts and additional paperwork, and supervise the group when crossing borders or obtaining visas.
The Safari Cook

Some companies employ a third member of crew as a safari cook - but they're not expected to be Cordon Blue chefs or peel spuds for 20 people on their own. The passengers take turns helping to set equipment up, chopping vegetables, washing up etc. It's the cook's job to provide enough good, wholesome food for the group and he or she is responsible for taking care of the truck's kitchen and the food shopping.