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Without a guide, we would often be lost.

Travel becomes exponentially richer when you have a friend in the know to show you the way.

Time after time, trip after trip, we’re reminded how intrinsic a great guide is to a fabulous adventure.

Words: EMILY OPIE

There are endless ways a guide will elevate your trip. They might lead you to the summit of a mountain or invite you into their home to share a meal with their family. They might show you a secret place where a lioness comes to rest in the afternoon sun, or walk with you at midnight to gaze at the stars and constellations.

There’s an almost child-like quality in us all that wants to show and tell others about our favourite things. Guides have that magical trait in abundance, combined with a razor-sharp awareness and intellectual prowess. They’re fountains of knowledge and easy educators. Exceptional guides are not only passionate but also possess deep knowledge about the locations where they work. They have an intimate understanding of communities, landscapes, seasons, culture and traditions.

The concept of guiding isn’t new. Individuals who lead the way through unfamiliar territories have been identified in many of the world's ancient civilisations. Dragomans of the 8th century were employed as guides and translators by the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire. In the 17th century, a cicerone would lead tours of the Vatican and other religious sites in the Mediterranean.

In celebration of everything guides bring to your travels, we’re sharing some of their stories. Meet three experts from Scotland, Colombia and Botswana.

Goodman

In Botswana, safari guide Goodman explains his connection to nature, and why he loves to share the entire ‘story’ of safari with visitors to Botswana.

I was born in the northern part of Botswana, specifically Kazungula, close to the border of Zambia. Growing up in a farming family, my affinity with nature began at a young age. As farmers, attuning to the seasons, observing subtle changes in climate and wildlife becomes instinctive – as if we're inherently connected to the natural world. I left the farm to study law in the capital, Gaborone, which I loved. Gaining new knowledge felt wonderful and gave me a thirst for learning.

I was inspired by education and my time in the city, but my deep-rooted connection to the natural world drew me back to the bush and I started my training as a safari guide and a qualified walking guide. That was over 20 years ago now.

Sharing a walking safari experience is very special. Firstly, there’s the bond that we must form between us, not just as guide and guest, but as a team. Secondly, there’s the profound and peaceful connection our guests will make with nature, noticing all the small and vital components of these massive expanses.

I currently guide at Wilderness Chitabe, a beautiful camp that sits within a protected Wildlife Management Area renowned for large numbers of lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and spotted hyenas. It’s dedicated to photographic tourism. This specialised niche means the area is protected and wildlife can thrive. For example, we’re currently creating a database of the different leopards and cheetahs in the area so we can document their history – which helps us to protect and predict any support populations might need.

I love to present the safari experience as one long story, made up of many equally important chapters. Some elements are the imagery, the poetic descriptions that make us feel awe and wonder, like watching a lion who doesn’t simply walk but flows across the plains like water in a river. There are stories to be found within the whole ecosystem, too. Observing the behaviours of animals and birds in their habitats will feel like a tale unfolding right in front of you.

For visitors to gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire ‘story’, it can be beneficial to experience more than just safaris and big game spotting. This can include gaining an understanding of our culture, our different tribes and their customs and traditions. It can also involve learning about the current positive impact approaches to tourism, so that visitors can see how the story might develop in the future, after they have gone home.

Botswana operates, under government policy, a high-value, low-volume tourism model which helps to reduce the impact on our environment. It also means that the service, training, guiding and comfort in many camps is second to none. The wildlife experiences are also top-notch because of a particularly high concentration of predators and an abundance of prey species, due to the protected habitats.

I find that our guests feel inspired to hear the stories of how staff are supported in their professional growth at Wilderness and the positive involvement we have in our nearby communities. Along with school education donations we share skills and knowledge, uplifting local villages to help improve lives and livelihoods. There are many small stories and wonderful ways in which communities come together, but overall the aim is to empower the next generation to protect and preserve these precious wildlife sanctuaries.

Scotty

We asked Scottish Highlands guide, ‘Scotty’, to tell us about his passion for Scottish history, culture, wildlife.

For me, guiding is really all about the people. I find sharing knowledge, while also listening and learning from others, very enjoyable. Scotland is a proud nation and I absolutely love sharing it with guests while having as much fun as possible. I have always been very social, so wearing a kilt, drinking whisky and ceilidh dancing are always high on the agenda.

To be an excellent Scottish guide, it’s crucial to have a good understanding of our origins. After all, it’s impossible to traverse the Highlands’ wild landscapes without being reminded of the country’s ancient history: ruined castles, enigmatic standing stones and the shadowed undulations of lazy beds once used to cultivate crops. The wildlife too, is always there, whether in the bubbling call of a curlew or the majestic silhouette of a stag emerging from the shifting mountain mist.

Guiding in the Cairngorms National Park is very special to me, as I’m familiar with every ribboning single-track trail, hidden green lochan and traditional cosy bothy. I love taking travellers into the wild glens of Glenfeshie and deep into the ancient Caledonian pine forest, where there’s a chance of spotting red deer, red squirrels and golden eagles. I recall cycling along the Spey Valley with guests one time and bumping into so many local characters who loved a chat that we nearly missed lunch. The Highlands are one of those magical places that I know intimately but somehow never fail to enchant me anew.

Last year, I headed to the remote Hebridean island of Coll – an endless wash of sandy beaches, flower-strewn machair and turquoise water – to swim with basking sharks. The island is only 15 miles long and I had never been, so I decided on a recce to find the perfect place for a picnic and the best beaches for sunset. With only one pub on the island, it didn't take long to become acquainted with the locals. It was great to be greeted by many familiar faces when I returned with guests two weeks later. There’s truly no better way to learn about a new place than to chat with those who know it best, discovering the secret spots, local folklore and the fascinating history of times gone by.

I absolutely love guiding family adventures and supporting all abilities in whatever activities they wish to do. Scotland is great for families as we can offer such a wonderful variation of experiences. I’m always led by a client’s needs, adding my expertise and knowledge along the way to create a trip that’s perfectly suited to them.

Scotland’s rich history of myths and legends is well known. Mythical and ethereal roots run deep here, and these stories provide a fantastic means of learning about the country’s heritage and culture, for adults and children. Folklore is entwined in the land, whether it be the story of Beira, the Goddess of Winter, or the aptly named mountain of Schiehallion, derived from the Gaelic Sìth Chailleann, meaning "fairy hill of the Caledonians”. You would be hard-pressed to hike, paddle or cycle anywhere in Scotland without being surrounded by legend. Sharing these narratives with clients as we hike, visit a castle, or gather around a bonfire is just one of the many ways I love to share my home.

For me, it’s important to really get to know each guest, often making great friendships and memories in the process. I hope they leave with that warm, syrupy feeling whisky brings, a feeling of contentment that comes after having a thoroughly enjoyable and exciting holiday. I aim to share my passion for my home with others, ensuring they leave with their own little slice of Scotland in their hearts.

Angelina

Colombian guide Angelina talks to us about her journey to becoming a guide and art expert – and her much-loved home city of Bogotá.

I’m passionate about art. For me, art can be found in almost everything. It’s ingrained in my country's history and culture, within our music, cuisine and architecture. The city of Bogotá, in particular, is one of those special places where everything just seems to come together. I also believe that Bogotá symbolises Colombia’s spirit of optimism, beauty, hope and creativity.

I was born and raised in Bogotá, moving to Europe to pursue my art studies in Paris, Barcelona and Berlin, before returning home in 2011. Colombia has seen conflict, shaping us as a nation, but when I returned home I could see great positive change, although there was still work to be done.

In 2015, along with friends and colleagues, we opened Espacio KB, an art space and social spot for creative minds. The concept blossomed and before long we were at the centre of the art scene in Bogotá, meaning I could gain access to many behind-the-scenes experiences. It was during this time I received a call asking me if I could help visitors who were eager to explore Bogotá’s art galleries with an expert guide. I agreed and the experience was life-changing for me.

I never thought I would become a guide, but from that day onwards it’s become a huge part of my life and something I enjoy immensely. I finished my masters in Museum Studies and Cultural Heritage in 2017 and it’s been truly wonderful to share my knowledge, passions and expertise with like-minded people from other parts of the world. My particular areas of expertise, aside from art, are culture and history, including an in-depth knowledge of Bogota’s museums, gastronomy, music, crafts and fashion. I also love to tell the stories of Colombia’s legends and myths, both past and present.

The peace agreement signed in 2016 gave tourism and art a fresh space in Colombia. However, it's important to remember that prior to this, during the difficult time of conflict, many artists were still working, creating art in response to the world in which they were living. In my opinion, it was this tenacious creativity that formed the Colombia we know today: authentic and brimming with optimism.

I love to share experiences through art that help our guests to discover a whole world of Colombian realities and fantasies. The best of Bogotá, and perhaps Colombia as a whole, is not always immediately apparent, it can sometimes be a little hidden away. That’s why I share intimate and authentic experiences, taking my guests to private houses and collections and to after-hours visits in art galleries and museums. It’s always fun and informative to have lunch or dinner in a private home, trying food and listening to music that has originated in Bogotá.

I also love to take people to the Paloquemao flower market, which I view as one huge, wonderful art installation. The colours are just amazing. Together we sample traditional pastries in bakeries and indulge in delicious fruits sourced from the verdant valleys surrounding the city – it's probably one of my favourite ways to show people everyday Colombian culture.