Using unofficial guides at national parks can be a scam in South Africa, as these guides may not have the necessary knowledge, experience, or qualifications to provide safe and informative tours. They might also ask for money to show you around, even if the park already offers tours.
To avoid this scam, it’s important to stick to official park tours. These tours are typically run by trained and qualified guides who have the necessary knowledge, experience and qualifications to provide safe and informative tours. They also would not ask for additional payment.
To ensure that you are using an official guide, you should book tours through the park’s official website or through an official tour operator. Avoid using guides who approach you in the parking lot or outside the park’s entrance, as they are likely to be unofficial guides.
You should also check if the guide have the proper identification and if he works for the park or any of the park’s official tour operator.
It’s also important to research the park’s regulations, many parks have strict rules on who can enter certain areas and can give fines or revoke your park permit, so it is important to make sure that the guide you are using is aware of and following these regulations.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable visit to South Africa’s national parks while avoiding unofficial guides and any potential scams.
