Over 400 African safari operators participated in the largest survey of its kind to determine which tourist nationality is the most popular among tour guides. The results are in and Americans are the clear winner.
The survey was sent out by SafariBookings.com, an online marketplace for African safari tours. Americans usually score poorly on these surveys, but in Africa this is not the case. African tour guides love Americans. In fact, 85% of the tour guides rated Americans as pleasant or very pleasant. They said Americans are friendly, funny, and generous tippers.
Out of all nationalities, Italians are liked the least
Italians, though appreciated, were the most disliked of all the nationalities. Why? Well 18% of tour guides indicated Italians can be rude and annoying. In addition to that, they found them to be unpunctual and poor listeners, but they did find that Italians are easily impressed.
Tourists on a walking safari - South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Brazilians are always late and Germans are always on time
Here are some stereotypes. Tour guides found that most Brazilians are late. The only worse group than them for tardiness are the Italians. Meanwhile, the Germans are always on time. In fact, 61% of the tour guides rated Germans as the most punctual. British and German tourists scored significantly higher than other nationalities in that regard.
The British are great, but not easily amused, and the Dutch won't tip
British tourists are really great overall. They are nice, punctual, and attentive, but 55% of the tour guides said that the British are very difficult to impress. Meanwhile, a staggering 45% of tour guides said Dutch tourists are the worst tippers. The French are the only nationality that were close to tipping as poorly as the Dutch.
Tourist on mokoro trip - Okavango Delta, Botswana
Tour guides like native English speakers
Native English speakers received the highest scores when compared to other nationalities. Our results don't indicate why this is, but we think it's because the tour guides speak English. Therefore, it is easier for them to communicate and they get along with them better than they do with other tourists.
What about the differences between East and South Africa?
East African guides really like American tourists, whereas South African guides are fonder of British and Canadian tourists. South African guides do not like South African tourists all that much, but they do find fellow South Africans funny and easy to get along with.
For the full report, please visit www.safaribookings.com/blog/328/
Photographs by Ariadne van Zandbergen / Africaimagelibrary.com