SERENA TRAINS DRIVER GUIDES AND LODGE NATURALISTS TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS
(Posted 23rd April 2014)
Serena Hotels has recently conducted a two- week intensive refresher training for its naturalists and driver guides who are based in their Tanzanian safari lodges and luxury safari camps. The training, now in its second phase was conducted in partnership with Trend Africa, a South African company owned by Alastair Kilpin who is a well reputed professional guide.
The aim of the hands on field training was to equip the naturalists and driver guides with yet greater essential knowledge and skills on safety issues and field craft, as well as grow their confidence and improve their interaction and interpersonal skills when it comes to dealing with clients. The training also involved birding skills that will go a long way to help the already qualified naturalists and driver guides become even better when handling birding enthusiasts through various activities. Of added importance was also that they got useful insight into handling potentially dangerous game scenarios leaving every one course participant most definitely better equipped to ensure Serena Hotel guests are safe and enjoy the guided safaris.
(Seen above is Alastair Kilpin with some of the naturalists and driver guides during the training)
The major beneficiaries of the two week training were the guides of the Selous Serena Camp and Serena Mivumo River Lodge where all the naturalists and driver guides drawn from the other lodges were trained. Other Serena units directly involved were Kirawira Serena Camp, Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp and Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge.
(Seen above are some of the naturalists and driver guides during the training)
Overall, Serena Hotels’ naturalists and driver guides, according to feedback received, do now feel better equipped to serve and make sure that clients enjoy their time with them on safari. The training is also in line with Serena Hotels’ policy to constantly and regularly improve employee skills and ensure service delivery is benchmarked on global standards with the aim to stay the best there are in the East African market place.
