Tanzania Birding
Birding is more than just a hobby. It turns out it has become as popular as well a phenomenon. So choosing the right Company to ensure that you have a birding tour that suits you can be a little bit daunting. The key to picking the right touring Company most likely lies in asking the right questions and ticking off when the answers match what you need. The very first step in this process is to narrow down your options into a group that you can make a selection from.
Big or Small Tour Company?
Whether big or small, the company gives you options depending on your budget- it’s possible to choose a large, established tour company at a premium fee. The good thing is it could save you some cost and yet gets a company with quality experience. That said, small companies do provide that unique personal touch. No matter what, do extensive research about the company to know that what you are getting worth what they ask is what you want for your tour. Ask about the points that matter to you, e.g. the birds you want to see, the customer-to-guide ratio, and what adds comfort to your tour.
Word of Mouth
Also experience is the best evidence for a tour company service – you can ask around! Talk to people in your local bird club, check out any online reviews about the company, and ask on any birding forums you’d like if anyone’s been out with them. Chances are pretty good that you know someone who’s done guided tours. Those can be the best kind of recommendation.
For Starters, Take It Easy
Definitely, never try for a marathon tour yet and instead try a few day’s tour; see how it goes if you really like it,t and then finally go on that very expensive tour to some country far across the planet. Also consider whether the tour is going to be slower or faster timed, just what is on offer. Some trips will have a more relaxed schedule while others will involve a lot more strenuous touring. When it is your first time, choose an easy trip and save the more difficult ones for a later date. You can ask any tour company; they usually have a lot of information regarding the pace of the trip at first contact.
Questions to Ask the Tour Company
- Usually a bird-tour company will have an office with people who know the tour business. If you can’t find out what you need to know by reading the website, or published information about a tour, call the office and ask questions. It could give you in depth knowledge into what you need.
- Have they run this tour before? Sometimes it’s wise to avoid a company’s very first trip to a region. You can catch the tour next year, after the itinerary has been perfected.
- Is the guide familiar with the area you are visiting? The company may have a long history of trips to the region, but that’s not helpful if this year’s guide has never been there.
- What is the maximum group size? Group size can be a crucial factor in the quality of your experience. Fifty bird watchers following one guide is not a good ratio, but effective group size can vary with the terrain. In open surroundings, one leader might be enough for 20 participants. On narrow forest trails, a group of fewer than eight or nine with one leader is probably best.
- What is included in the tour cost? This can vary a lot. Some trips can look surprisingly cheap until you find out that meals are not included in the price. On foreign tours, airfare is normally not included in the price. As a general rule, tour prices do not include laundry costs, alcoholic beverages, personal phone calls, or a private secretary to write down all the birds for you. So make sure you are sure what is included and what you still need to pay for yourself.
If you are looking to go on your inaugural birding tour, or if you are experienced and want to find that life that you have been chasing, take a look at our website to find a tour
