3. General Knowledge: Information File Project.

Tour Guiding Reference Tool.
For any Tour Guide having Information is a vital task.

Where can I get that famous Tanzanite?"

"What do the monument of Azimio la Arusha mean? And that of the Grizmek family?

Where can I exchange some money? 

'A successful local tour guide has a sound foundation of knowledge about the places and events that tour groups come to see. 

To develop this knowledge, you have to know where to find the information you need and select the type of information suited to the tour and to the tour members.

You can make your task easier by developing and maintaining information files that are extensive, well organized and up to date. 
These files are essential when creating interesting and informative tours that will keep tour members listening.

The Macho ya Tanzania Guides have been trained on how to Compile Information Files.
They are required to report the progress of this project periodically or whenever they will be required to do so by the trainer/monitor.

Sample of Hussein' Information File about Udzungwa National Park.


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GOOD TO KNOW

• Try to use a variety of information sources for each topic, rather than relying on just one.  
• Remember that information sources may have a point of view that focuses only on certain aspects of your community. 
• For example, tourism information is useful for details about the scenic beauty and other attractions in your area like the Ngorongoro Craters, Highlands and Plains. 
• It may not provide information about environmental issues. 
• While you may not want to include such issues in your commentary, you should be aware of issues that tour members may ask about. 
• Be especially careful in providing information about people. 
• Make certain that the information you have is accurate, up to date and fair in how it represents history and culture. 
• One of the types of information asked about most often is metric conversion. 
• You are expected to convert temperatures and distances quickly and easily. 
• You should also be able to give information on local landmarks, such as the heights of mountains like Oldeani, Oldoinyo L'engai or depth of Craters like Ngorongoro and Empakaai, in metres and feet. 
• Carry a pocket­size metric chart with you to help with quick conversions. 
• The main metric conversions you should be able to do are kilometres to miles, litres to US gallons and Celsius temperatures to Fahrenheit. 
• Get a simple table to help you estimate conversions for these measures quickly.