AS there is a growing demand from overseas visitors for adventure tourism, the mountain and rock climbing industry has also increased in popularity - which has once again raised the issue of the lack of qualified guides.
National mountain guide and spokesperson for the South African Mountain Guides Association (SAMGA), Andrew Friedemann, told Travel Now that both SAMGA and his own company, Wildways Mountaineering, were concerned about the "high incidence of unqualified guides taking international travellers into South African mountain ranges".
This is a concern for a number of reasons says Friedemann, firstly, foreign tourists, especially those from the US, UK, Australia and Europe, are used to very professional mountain guides who are regulated by strict codes of conduct.
"We (SAMGA) have had several complaints from international tourists that some of their mountain guides were simply not up to scratch."
He says this creates a negative impression and could hurt the entire SA industry.
Secondly, according to Freidemann, FIT travellers have no concept of the harshness and unpredictability of the South African environment - snow storms which hit unexpectedly, afternoon showers and mist in the Drakensberg - and therefore have no idea what to do in a potentially dangerous situation.
"A qualified mountain guide does know, but an untrained, unaccredited guide would possibly not know and could, unwittingly, place the group in greater danger."
Friedemann recommends that tour operators and independent travellers ensure that guides or organisations used are fully accredited by SAMGA and South African Tourism (Satour) in accordance with the Tourism Act.
"We currently represent 85% of the industry and I must emphasise that individuals or groups do not have to belong to SAMGA to undergo the intensive training and subsequent accreditation certificate."
He adds that guides in possession of the SAMGA certificate are also required to sign a code of conduct, which amongst others, requires that they keep up to date with changes and techniques within the industry.
"Once they receive their certificate, they will automatically receive Satour accreditation as qualified mountain guides."
The onus also lies with hotels, B&B and resorts in hiking and mountain areas to advise visitors to consult or use an accredited guide.
Travellers and operators are urged to report unqualified working guides to SAMGA, which will, in turn, urge the individual or organisation to undergo training and accreditation.
(Adele Mackenzie)
