Explorers in the past venturing into territory unknown by their own people invariably hired guides. Military explorers
Lewis and Clark were hired by the United States Congress to explore the
Pacific Northwest. They in turn hired the better qualified Native American
Sacagawea to help them.
Wilfred Thesiger hired guides in the deserts that he ventured into, such as Kuri on his journey to the
Tibesti Mountains in 1938.
Tour guide in Canada Tour guides lead visitors through
tourist attractions and give information about the attractions' natural and cultural significance. Often, they also act as interpreters for travelers who do not speak the local language. Automated systems like
audio tours are sometimes substituted for human tour guides.
Tour operators often hire guides to lead tourist groups.
Mountain guide Mountain guides are those employed in
mountaineering; these are not merely to show the way but stand in the position of professional climbers with an expert knowledge of rock and snowcraft, which they impart to the amateur, at the same time assuring the safety of the climbing party. This professional class of guides arose in the middle of the 19th century when Alpine climbing became recognized as a
sport.
Hunting guide Hunting guides are employed by those seeking to hunt wildlife, especially
big game animals in the wild. European hunting guides working in Africa are sometimes called
white hunters, although the term is most commonly used in the context of the early
20th century.
Safari guide Guides are employed on
safari, today usually just to observe and
photograph wildlife, historically for
big-game hunting. Safari guides are either self-employed or work for or through a guide service. There are no set qualifications or universal licensing procedures; customs and requirements vary by location. In lieu, many guides choose to belong to a professional association. These are typically linked to specific countries and are governed by their laws and policies. Associations such as
The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and
Uganda Safari Guides Association (USAGA) play an important role in training and educating safari guides to improve their knowledge and group safety. Many famed safari guides are found on the
list of famous big-game hunters.
Fishing guide Fishing guides have a long history. Their work spans from aiding
fly fishing in small brooks or lakes to deep saltwater
big game fishing. Some areas where fishing guides are popular include the
Norwegian coast,
Swedish archipelago, the
Florida coast, and various parts of
Canada. The vernacular terms "fishing charter" or "charter boat" imply the services of a guide, whether the vessel's captain, a qualified hand, or experienced sportsman.
River guide River guides lead clients on day trips and overnight expeditions on rivers. They are expected to identify and navigate river features effectively in their watercraft of choice. A wide variety of watercraft are used, including
inflatable rafts,
canoes, inflatable and hard-shell
kayaks,
stand-up paddleboards,
drift boats, and
jet boats. Guides who routinely work on or around fast moving water practice
swift water rescue techniques, and employ them when necessary. Some river guides offer other services, such as fishing and wildlife viewing. ==Military guides==