From next January, the newly established Tour Guide Academy of Pack Safari will be offering free vocational training to local talent to become German-speaking tour guides. The first 10 to 12 participants receive a seven-month intensive German course, training to become a certified field guide and training allowance.
Namibia is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world, and travellers from Germany are by far the largest group (after visitors from neighbouring African countries). In 2016, more than
122 000 people from Germany visited Namibia – a growth of 35% from the previous year. And visitor numbers continue to increase year by year.
Of course, this also increases the demand for German-speaking tour guides who show the country to small and larger groups. So far, these have been German-Namibians in many cases, but their number is decreasing and amounts to just under
20 000 – less than 1% of the population in Namibia.
The specialist for small group travel Pack Safari is pleased about the growing demand from Germany, but German-speaking tour guides are becoming scarce. Therefore, it was decided to found the Tour Guide Academy.
From January 2019, young local talent will learn German in an intensive course, but also the theoretical and practical aspects of tour guiding. Behind this is the conviction that there are many people in Namibia who could delight tourists by showing them their country and its people, but German language skills are often lacking. At the same time, committed Namibians can receive a solid education and thus an attractive career perspective in a real growth industry.
In 2019, initially 10 to 12 local talents will be trained. In the first few months, the focus is on learning the German language. It is based on a combination of proven internet language courses from the provider Babbel and real German teachers on site. In the following months, the proportion of tour guide topics such as knowledge about fauna, flora, geology, astronomy, but also history, safe driving, etc increases.
As part of the academy, the participants become certified guides of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA Level 1). In addition, the trainees receive hands-on lessons from Pack Safari’s experienced tour guides. The extensive programme is completely organised and paid for by Pack Safari, the graduates will also be able to sign a five-year contract as a tour guide.
As a trained tour guide with German knowledge, the graduates have attractive career prospects. Peter Pack, photographer, Pack Safari owner and CEO, and tour guide, said: “In Namibia, well-educated people often see themselves as tour guides just as ‘fillers for the gaps’. Yet this is a very diverse profession with manifold career opportunities – right up to the founding of an own travel company”. In Namibia, every seventh job and 14% of the economic output depends directly or indirectly on the tourism sector.
In the coming weeks, the search for suitable talent will be in the foreground. Livia Pack describes the profile of successful participants as follows: “Most important from our experience are the following three points: Enthusiasm for showing country and people to others – this includes an open, cheerful, extroverted personality, a positive outlook on life, a sense of humour and being a natural entertainer with a genuine interest in Namibia’s nature and history.
“A certain talent for languages and communication is needed – it should be easy to learn new languages and you should be happy to use them, even if you may not speak perfectly.
“The right mix of secondary virtues, above all reliability, diligence, patience, respect for others and a good level of organisational talent.”
Candidates should also be at least 25 years old and have accommodation in Windhoek. Furthermore, a driver’s license, experience as a tour guide and German basic knowledge are of an advantage. Interested applicants can submit their documents to Pack Safari by 18 November.
The following are illustrative profiles of three fictional, but real-person inspired people who would have good chances at the Academy:
Joseph (35) has been working on a guest farm near Windhoek for several years, performing game drives and hikes.
He is very knowledgeable about plants, is a communicative person who always has a smile on his face. He speaks good English, Oshivambo and Otjiherero.
Kauna (27) has successfully completed English studies at the University of Namibia and is currently doing an internship at KfW. She is very interested in Namibian nature and history and has travelled to various parts of the Land of the Brave. She has an open, optimistic personality and is interested in German culture.
Andrew (32), formerly a primary school teacher at Otjiwarongo, is currently a taxi driver in Windhoek. He also organises bicycle tours through Katutura, where he delights tourists with his cheerful nature. He is a hobby ornithologist, fluent in English and Afrikaans and a native Damara speaker.
Help to give local talent a German-speaking career perspective! The success of the academy stands and falls with the appropriate participants. If you know such ‘rough diamonds’ who bring enthusiasm and talent for German-speaking tour guiding, encourage them to apply! Surely you have someone in your circle of friends who fits the profile we are looking for.
Apply at
The closing date is 18 November.
– Pack Safari
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
