TATO Concludes Safari Guiding Code of Conduct and Ethics Training for Driver Guides in Arusha
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) is proud to announce the successful completion of the Safari Guiding Code of Conduct and Ethics Training for driver guides from its member companies. This important training initiative was conducted in two phases in Arusha, with the aim of reinforcing professionalism, guest safety, and ethical standards within Tanzania’s vital tourism sector.
The Safari Guiding Code of Conduct and Ethics Training , targeting driver guides who serve as the front-line ambassadors of Tanzania’s tourism experience, brought together a total of 530 participants over two weeks. It provided a structured platform to enhance the quality of service delivery, strengthen ethical values, and improve the overall visitor experience across Tanzania’s safari circuits.
Group One: Safari Guiding Code of Conduct and Ethics Training at Gran Meliá Arusha
Held on the 3rd and 4th of April 2025 at Gran Meliá Arusha, the first group included 200 driver guides, with 100 participants attending each day. Facilitated by experienced tourism and training professionals, the sessions were designed to offer both theoretical insights and practical guidance.
Key topics covered during the training included:
- Code of conduct for professional safari guiding
- Guest care and communication skills
- Emergency preparedness and safety protocols
- Cultural sensitivity and responsible tourism
- Ethical wildlife viewing and environmental conservation
- Appearance, punctuality, and professional etiquette
The Safari Guiding Code of Conduct and Ethics Training also incorporated interactive elements such as case studies, real-life scenarios, and guided discussions — allowing participants to engage actively and reflect on their roles and responsibilities.
Group Two: Completed at Mount Meru Hotel Arusha
Following the success of Group One, Group Two sessions were conducted on 9th, 10th, and 11th April 2025 at Mount Meru Hotel in Arusha, hosting 110 driver guides per day, bringing the total to 330 additional participants.
Key topics covered during the training included:
- Code of conduct for professional safari guiding
- Guest care and communication skills
- Emergency preparedness and safety protocols
- Cultural sensitivity and responsible tourism
- Ethical wildlife viewing and environmental conservation
- Appearance, punctuality, and professional etiquette
This second phase further reinforced the commitment to ensure wide-reaching impact across the tourism workforce. Just like the first group, each participant received a Certificate of Participation, provided they met the criteria of full attendance and active engagement throughout the training days.
Celebrating Dedication: Dinners for Driver Guides and Their Spouses
In recognition of the dedication and enthusiasm shown by participants, TATO organized celebratory dinners at the end of each Safari Guiding Code of Conduct and Ethics Training phase — inviting driver guides along with their spouses.
- Group One’s dinner was hosted on 4th April, marking the conclusion of the first round of training in a warm and collegial atmosphere.
- Group Two’s celebration dinner took place on 11th April, offering an opportunity for participants to reflect on their learning experience and enjoy a shared moment of appreciation.
These dinners served not only as a gesture of gratitude, but also as an affirmation of the vital role driver guides play in Tanzania’s tourism economy and guest satisfaction.
A Transformative Step in Strengthening Tanzania’s Tourism Standards
TATO recognizes that safari driver guides are often the first and last point of contact for tourists visiting the country. As such, their conduct, knowledge, and professionalism shape the impressions that visitors carry home — making this Safari Guiding Code of Conduct and Ethics Training a critical step toward strengthening the entire tourism value chain.
By investing in the ethical and professional development of its member workforce, TATO is actively contributing to sustainable tourism, visitor satisfaction, and Tanzania’s global reputation as a premier destination for safaris and cultural experiences.
TATO extends its deepest appreciation to all participating members, facilitators, hotels, and the organizing teams who made this initiative a success. Special thanks go to the driver guides themselves, whose enthusiasm and commitment to excellence continue to elevate the standards of the Tanzanian safari experience.
As the tourism landscape evolves, TATO remains dedicated to providing opportunities for continuous learning, capacity building, and professional recognition for all players in the sector.
