Field Guide Wildlife Course - Kruger National Park - South Africa

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This 28-day course was designed to supply the safari industry with high caliber professional Field Guides.  It is not only available to people wishing to enter the industry as field guides, but for anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of the African bush.  So whether you’ve just finished school and are on your gap year, or if you’ve possibly taken a career break or are retired, this course is for you!

Wildlife Courses details - Level 1 FGASA Field Guide Course in Kruger Park (1 Month) - South Africa

Location Kruger National Park - South Africa (Bush) Expedition length 28 days Age limit Minimum 17 years, must hold a valid drivers license Fitness required Minimum Expedition fee £ 1290 US$ 2300 Prices subject to change due to the currency rate of the day

Field Guide Wildlife Course / Level 1 FGASA Field Guide Course in Kruger Park (1 Month)

You will gain in-depth knowledge about nature, ecology and wildlife but that is only one aspect of the course.  It is about absorbing nature, learning how to interact with the environment, and tuning yourself into the ecosystems.  It’s about becoming intertwined with the natural environment that sustains us.

The bush is powerful and on course, you start to realize that the clutter of modern society’s trappings becomes less relevant.  There is a mental, emotional and spiritual shift to respect, consideration and sensitivity towards nature and your peers.  Along with learning about wildlife and nature… it is also a cultural interchange for our learners.  The inter-human benefit of living and learning together in the outdoors for 28 days tests one’s social and emotional intelligence skills and provides you with a holistic life experience.

It is a bonding experience - in 28 days learners learn about the natural environment, themselves and each other. Learners who have attended our courses have returned to the “real world” with a different outlook on life.  Some have taken this new outlook into their day-to-day lives and others, inspired by their time with us, have completely changed their lives and careers.

Because we respect and want to instill a respect in our guests for the environment, we do not take chances with nature.  We have a 100% safety record since 1993 as we have and always will subscribe to two vital principals - safety and sensitivity. Sensitivity is exercised in relation to our entire environment which includes mankind.

Itinerary - Field Guide Wildlife Course, Africa

The course is structured to maximize the practical experience of our learners in the bush.  Each day allows for hours of time spent in the field interpreting the ecology and enjoying a wildlife experience.  Activities alternate between walks and driving. Lecture time follows after brunch, which involves topical instruction (lectures) and discussion on the subject of the day (see list below).  This is followed by time for self study for the learners. Learner participation in the care of the camp, equipment and vehicle will be expected.Learners will be expected to pay attention to the needs of fellow learners and to work in teams at times. 

The following list of subjects is covered during this course: 

• Introduction to guiding in nature
• Creating a guided nature experience
• Geology and soils
• Astronomy
• Weather and climate
• Ecology
• Taxonomy
• Introduction to the biomes of southern Africa
• Botany and grasses
• Vegetation identification
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Fish
• Birds
• Mammals
• Animal behaviour
• Tracks and tracking
• Radio procedures
• Conservation management and historical human habitation
• Habitat management
• Bush camps

 Additional activities: 

• Basic 4x4 driving skills [not driving lessons, but an opportunity to drive the game viewing vehicle
• Sleep out in the bush
• Fire Arm theory and practical shooting

 Tests, presentations and evaluations:

• 3 x Written tests
• 2 x Oral presentations
• 2 x Practical evaluations:  Walk evaluation & Game drive evaluation

 

Adventure activities

The Level 1 FGASA Field Guide Course in Kruger Park (1 Month) includes the following adventure activities:

Included in your Wildlife Courses cost

Wondering what is included in your Field Guide Wildlife Course tour? Check out the list below.

• Lectures
• Game drives
• Walks
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Tea & Coffee

Excluded from your Wildlife Courses cost

While planning your Level 1 FGASA Field Guide Course in Kruger Park (1 Month) trip, take note of the following excludes:

• Transfers/transport to and from the camp, before and after the course
• Any accommodation before and after the course
• Beverages
• Laundry  
• Kruger National Park entrance fee (for Makuleke Camp courses)
• All FGASA registration, examination and moderation fees
• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing and tips
• Flights, visas, travel and medical insurance (please note that emergency air evacuation is essential)
• Email and telephone calls during your stay (charged out at cost)
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement which is expected to include cover for repatriation

Orientation & arrival

A qualified instructor will brief you upon arrival.

Support

Throughout your course, you will have the full support and guidance of our coordinators and professional guides, who will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

Accommodation

The sleeping arrangements at all our camps consist of 2 people sharing per tent.  Most of the tents are large walk-in safari style tents

Meals

Meals for the Field Guide Wildlife Course Wildlife Courses are as follows:

The day starts off with biscuits, fruit or cereal with tea and coffee at sunrise before the morning activity. A hearty brunch consists of fruit, cereal and a variety of cooked breakfasts. High tea before the afternoon outing consisting of sandwiches and snacks to give you energy for your afternoon activity before returning to camp in the evening for a hot plated dinner of meat, vegetables and salads.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

How to get there

Fly into OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. Our Pathfinders Booking agent will be in communication with you about transfers to the specific camp.

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