Trails Guide Course - Kruger National Park - South Africa

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This new 28-day Trails Guide course has been specifically developed to cater for those learners who have completed our Level 1 Field Guide course or other equivalent qualification and wish to be trained in trails guiding and logging encounters. It is also endorsed by FGASA.

Wildlife Courses details - FGASA Trails Guide Wildlife Course in Kruger Park - 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

Trails Guide Course / FGASA Trails Guide Wildlife Course in Kruger Park

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 - Trails Guide Course, Africa

This new course has been specifically developed to cater for those learners who have completed our Level 1 course or other equivalent qualification and wish to be trained in trails guiding and logging encounters. It is also endorsed by FGASA.

The aim of this course is to develop and practice skills and knowledge learnt on the Level 1 course.  It is conducted in a different, wilder area and therefore provides a more authentic Field Guide experience.  The majority of the time on this Trails Guide course is spent exploring the wilderness on foot.  This course gives grounding to conduct bush walks in big game country and has an emphasis on safety.  Learners will be expected to show leadership and decision-making skills and that they are responsible and accountable for their actions in the field. 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.

Subjects covered in this course include: 

• Introduction to Trails Guide course
• Advanced orientation
• Tracks and tracking
• Survival and Bush Skills
• Walking in big game country
• Situational awareness
• Approaching dangerous game
• Dangerous animal knowledge & behaviour
• Animal behaviour
• What a Trails Guide carries in a backpack
• Birding & bird identification
• Geology
• Ecology
• Historical human habitation 
• Conservation ethics
• Weapon handling, safety & ballistics
• Wilderness concept
• Radio procedures
• FGASA Rifle Handling and back-up VPDA**- qualification opportunities
• Presentations, tests and evaluations

Adventure activities

The FGASA Trails Guide Wildlife Course in Kruger Park includes the following adventure activities:

Included in your Wildlife Courses cost

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

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

Excluded from your Wildlife Courses cost

While planning your FGASA Trails Guide Wildlife Course in Kruger Park 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 qualifed 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 Trails Guide 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.

What to do if you're interested in the Trails Guide Course experience in South Africa?

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