Former tour guide takes Garlands on a hilarious journey

With the advancement of technology, many of us have had interactions with curious ‘first-worlders’ asking about life as an African.

In most cases, the first question generally revolves around our rich and diverse wildlife and how we can live in harmony with the prides of lions living in our back gardens.

With more than 25 years of experience in the tourism industry, Sonja Richter, of Rynfield shared her side-splitting tourist antidotes with members and guests of the Garlands Ladies Luncheon Club, on July 25.

Gathered in the Katse room at Ebotese, the Garlands giggled and mused at Sonja’s tales.

“I entered the tourism industry rather late in my life. It was an adventure I pursued after my children left home to further their studies,” she said.

“With tons of free time to my disposal, I was fortunate enough to travel the world while entertaining A-listers such as John Travolta back home.

“He was among the celebrity guests I had the amusing fortune to showcase our country’s beauty. The Americans were always entertaining while the Germans would keep me on my toes.”

With a smile and roll of the eyes, Sonja recalled a safari into the Kruger National Park with a family, visiting from the USA.

“I had been well-entrenched as a tour guide and had developed a good understanding of the park, its inhabitants and their seasonal movements,” she said.

“As we entered the park, I asked my guests which animals they were hoping to see and with a twang, they answered, the big five.

“Using my insider knowledge I was able to deliver on their request before lunch and as an added trick was able to offer them a second glimpse as we made our way to the evening’s rest camp. They seemed incredibly impressed and I was sure I was in for a handsome tip.

“As we navigated the dusty roads one of my excited guests asked whether they would be able to see a penguin. I was at a loss and was thinking of a gentle way to explain the needs of a humble African penguin versus our current location.

“The gods of visitor satisfaction winked in my favour when a cooling truck, delivering fresh produce, rolled past us with a gigantic penguin emblazoned on the side. With an air of superiority, I pointed at the truck announcing that I had seen to all their wildlife requests.”

With this and many more tales of her escapades, Sonja said that as a registered tour guide, it is imperative that your clients’ needs are seen too and that you always have eyes on them.

“I enjoyed a rich career within the industry and had the privilege of meeting wonderful people. Upon my eventual retirement I was able to raise a glass in celebration of my success for only losing two tourists along the way,” she said in jest.

“I must add that they were both found albeit some hours later.”

The Garlands will meet again on August 22.

Club member Sally Matthee will be sharing her life-changing trip to Rwanda where she met and interacted with the majestic silverback gorillas.

Book your seat as Sally takes you on an emotional journey to meet these magnificent primates.

For more information email Margie Kostlac on margie.h@mweb.co.za

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