safari guide training south africa

Welcome to EcoTraining

Become a world-class safari guide and passionate guardian of nature.

Training guides and guardians since 1993

EcoTraining leads the way in safari guide and wildlife training in Africa.

We’re respected for our excellent nature guide courses and training the next generation of guides.

Our courses are held in unfenced wilderness camps in prime wildlife areas in South Africa, Botswana and Kenya.

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Start your wildlife career

Accredited and endorsed by leading associations such as FGASA and official training entities such as CATHSSETA, our career courses and programmes offer individuals an opportunity to turn a passion for wildlife and nature into a career.

Higher Certificate: Ecotourism Field Guide

This course is designed to equip learners with the relevant knowledge and experience needed to specialize in nature guiding.

55-day Field Guide ONE Course

The EcoTraining Field Guide ONE course is industry-tailored, mainly aimed at giving South Africans their first steps towards their field guide career. It is the number ONE course to consider when becoming a qualified Field Guide.

1-year Professional Field Guide Course

The all-inclusive course for adventurers who want to turn their love of wildlife and animals into a career educating others.

Our Wildlife programmes and courses are designed for everyone who is interested in nature, whether they intend to pursue a career in conservation or simply love being in the bush.

7/14-day Masai Mara EcoQuest

This EcoQuest program is based in South Africa and Botswana, it includes unique elements which reflect the fascinating dynamics occurring in the wildlife areas of the Mara.

7-day Birding in the Bush Course

Learn to identify a great variety of species of birds by sight and sound while also learning about their fascinating biology and ecology.

6-day Wilderness Trails Skills Course

Experience meaningful wilderness encounters with this inspiring cornerstone course that develops a lifetime conservation culture in those who love nature.

Connect with like-minded people from all over the world with our live and interactive online sessions. Study conservation online in this adventure-packed learning experience.

On-demand Field Guide Course

This on-demand Field Guide course is a tailor-made solution for individuals with busy schedules who yearn to pursue their passion for field guiding at their preferred pace.

Online Trails Guide Course

A chance to learn how to interact safely with wild animals from the comfort of your home.

Online Field Guide Course

This online FGASA course offers a comprehensive introduction to field guiding from the comfort of your own home.

Take a gap year and experience an immersive wildlife experience or customise a course for small groups, university study programmes or private travel with EcoTraining.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our unique wildlife gap year programs, immersing yourself in breathtaking habitats, learning, discovering, and making a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a school leaver unsure of your future path or a nature enthusiast, step into an exciting world of adventure with our wildlife gap year programme.

Customised Wildlife Programmes

Customised courses for agents and tour operators to assist with the planning of educational safari itineraries catered for small group departures, alumni travel, private celebrity travel, summer schools, and university study abroad programmes.

Why choose EcoTraining

Large, bio-diverse footprint.

It is the original guide training school in South Africa, with the largest, most bio-diverse footprint in Africa.

Prime locations

Located in six pristine wildlife reserves in three African countries. We’re the only private training school ‌situated inside the Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves.

Accredited courses

We offer FGASA-endorsed and CATHSSETA-accredited courses. We’re the first guide training school to receive formal accreditation from the Council for Higher Education (CHE).

Overheard in the bush

Ecotraining celebrates world environment day, leading the way to higher education in ecotourism, why bees are important, the magic of the morning chorus, expect the unexpected, celebrating international leopard day, six camps, endless possibilities.

Located across three countries, our six camps each offer unique experiences for EcoTraining guides and wildlife guardians.

Enter your wildlife career. Explore our camps.

Mara Training Centre

Located on the banks of the Mara river, the camp is nestled between communities and wildlife conservancies.

Makuleke Concession

Explore the untamed wilderness of Kruger National Park’s Makuleke Concession with EcoTraining.

Mashatu Game Reserve

Located at the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe Rivers, in the eastern corner of Botswana.

Pridelands Conservancy

A natural wonderland with free-roaming elephants located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

Selati Game Reserve

A sanctuary for wildlife, providing visitors an opportunity to witness Africa’s animals in their natural habitat.

Karongwe Reserve

A unique safari destination that offers visitors an immersive and unforgettable experience.

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Campus Open Day

20 July 2024 at 12pm SAST

Considering a Bushwise course? Curious what it's really like to study and live surrounded by nature? Join us for a free afternoon at our Mahlahla campus!

Virtual Open Day

Stay tuned for our next event ​

Stay tuned for this free interactive event as we discuss Bushwise courses, hear from past and current students, and answer all your questions, live!​

​Watch the recording of episode:

​Wild Insights: Webinar #2

Watch out latest webinar series on insightful discussions about wildlife and nature with carnivore conservationist, Dr David Mills.

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• Specialised
• Field Guide Course

Field Guide Course Become a Field Guide in 55 Days

One of the most underrated elements of a safari holiday, are the guides. Most are great, but some, however, are exceptional. And if you're wanting to develop those key characteristics that will put you into this category, accredited 55-day course will be your first step in the right direction. 

To give you a little background, this course is run by EcoTraining, a FGASA registered and endorsed training provider. It is also accredited with CATHSSETA (Tourism and Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority). If you’re unsure of these acronyms and what they stand for, FGASA and CATHSSETA are the two important bodies primarily responsible for maintaining the high standards within South Africa’s guide training industry in South Africa.

While this comprehensive 55-day course has been carefully designed to equip you to become a high-calibre, professional field guide, it also welcomes anyone longing to increase their knowledge of the African bush. The syllabus not only covers a broad spectrum of subjects including 4x4 game drive vehicle skills, species identification and tracking to name a few, but it also focuses on building up your character and teaching you to become a true storyteller.

At the end of the day, becoming an exceptional guide is not just about facts regarding animals and plants. Sure the odd fact or figure on a game drive is definitely interesting, but what safari-goers and visitors to Africa are really after is what they cannot experience in a book or online.

That being said, this course not only forms the foundation for a career in field guiding but is also beneficial to many other careers in the wildlife and safari industry — perhaps you see yourself managing a lodge, or running an animal-oriented NGO.  After 55 days, you will have the footing to build up their own personal knowledge and work on the skills needed to succeed, wherever your passion leads you. 

Upon your successful completion of the course,  you can then enrol for the FGASA Apprentice Trail Guide Training Course and specialise in ‘on-foot’ guiding. Ready to get started?

Time on this course is split between at least two remote wilderness camps, maximizing exposure to different areas, wildlife, biomes and biodiversity. The designated camps will depend on the time of year: 

• Selati Game Reserve, South Africa 
• Karongwe Game Reserve, South Africa 
• Makuleke Concession, northern Kruger Park, South Africa
• Pridelands Conservancy, Greater Kruger Park, South Africa 
• Pongola Game Reserve, South Africa 
• Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana

Accommodation

The sleeping arrangements at all the camps consist of two people sharing per tent. Single requests are required to pay double rates. Women and men do not share tents unless booked as a couple.

• Early morning wake-up: tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh fruit and cereal
• Brunch after activity: cooked breakfast and fruit salad
• Afternoon tea: light lunch/sandwiches
• Dinner: balanced, warm plated meal with meat, vegetables and salad  

Prerequisites

Candidates must: 

• Be fit and able to walk for at least 2km
• Be over the age of 18 years old
• Be in possession of a valid driver’s license (preferred manual gear shift) 
• Have a First Aid Certificate  

Getting Qualified

When registering for this course, you will automatically be registered students with FGASA and CATHSSETA. In order to gain your Field Guide Certificate and FGASA Field Guide / NQF 2 qualification, you will need to successfully complete a theoretical and practical assessment during the course. These will be conducted by accredited instructors at the camps.

Course Subjects

• Planning of game drives and walks
• Navigation and orientation
• Radio procedures
• Geology and soil
• Weather and climate
• Anticipating animal behaviour
• Plant communities
• Career opportunities
• Plant identification and uses
• Identification and ecology of invertebrates  

Course Dates

03 January 2024 (Mashatu & Selati) 03 January 2024 (Selati & Mashatu)  08 February 2024 (Makuleke & Mashatu)  08 March 2024 (Karongwe & Mashatu)  17 April 2024 (Karongwe & Pridelands)  14 May 2024 (Selati & Pridelands)  10 June 2024 (Mashatu & Karongwe)  04 July 2024 (Mashatu & Pridelands)  03 August 2024 (Karongwe & Pridelands)  11 October 2024 (Selati & Mashatu) 

Trail Guide Training Course

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WELCOME TO ECOTRAINING ONLINE

EcoTraining is the pioneer and leader in Africa’s safari guide and wildlife training. The safari industry widely recognises EcoTraining’s credibility and standard of excellence in nature guide training. We are committed to offering the best educational experience for anyone enrolling in our online courses.

Our courses provide inspirational and immersive learning experiences for prospective professional safari guides and guardians of nature. When you study online with us, you will still be exposed to the intricacies of nature as if you were at ground level. Just imagine enjoying a ‘wilderness experience’ from the comfort of your own home. We make it possible, and the knowledge you gain can be applied wherever you live.

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"To learn about nature is to learn about the nature of ourselves." Massimo Rebuzzi  

Massimo's passion for nature, guiding and walking in the African Wilderness over the last 17 years has inspired him to share his knowledge of the bush, animals, birds and stars through various safaris, trails and trainings he and his community run in Southern Africa throughout the year. Massimo is passionate about wilderness trails in particular and believes these have the potential for huge growth as a person and and benefit for conservation areas.

All trainings and courses are endorsed by FGASA and operate in camps and lodges through Southern Africa (including Kruger National Park), KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) or the Okavango Delta (Botswana).

We have a maximum of 8 participants per trail/course to ensure personalised attention and first-hand experience for everyone. On our trails and courses w e strive to assist people and safari guides to connect with themselves in a more authentic manner and to facilitate a meaningful connection with the wild environment to benefit all.

African Bush Company offers-

Walking Safaris & Primitive Trails

Private Safaris

Nature Connection Retreats

FGASA Guide Courses, Training & Mentorship

FGASA Assessments

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• Safari guide

Safari guide: how to become a field guide

The definitive guide to a safari guide.

In this definitive guide to the job of Safari Guide, I explain what a safari guide does, what makes a good one and most importantly, how you can train to become one.

I draw on my own story of giving up my job in London and heading to South Africa to train and become a qualified safari guide. This guide features examples, links to providers and videos to bring the subject to life.

If there are any words that don’t make sense or you don’t understand please check the Safari Glossary (coming soon).

Safari guide contents

What is a field guide, what is fgasa, what is a game ranger, what is a ranger, the safari guide in detail, my journey to becoming a safari guide, how to choose a safari guide course, ecotraining, do you need a visa, packing for your course, safari guide courses: frequently asked questions, what is a safari guide.

A safari guide is the person who leads the guest experience when on a safari. They interpret animal behaviour and will talk about other natural elements that they and their guests see, hear, smell, taste and feel.

The safari guide is a custodian of the natural environment and acts as a link between nature and the guest.

Here’s a video to explain what it is like to have your office in the middle of the African wild surrounded by all your favourite animals. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to become a safari guide.

A safari guide is also known as a field guide, in fact the association that overseas the guiding industry and awards the qualifications to become a professional guide are known as the FGASA, the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa.

FGASA, the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa , is the association that sets the standard for the level of professionalism in the guiding industry in the form of:

• A standard outcomes-based syllabus
• A code of ethics and a set of guiding principles
• An assessment system based on high standards of competence
• An effective training course endorsement system
• A valid recognised first-aid certificate requirement

A game ranger manages the game reserve or national park. They ensure that the conservation area has biological integrity so that it works as an ecosystem.

As well as conservation management, they are responsible for many things including road maintenance, anti-poaching, erosion control, water supply, fire management, population control, alien plant management and research.

For further information check out the official website of the Game Rangers Association of Africa .

Back in 2012 I went to South Africa to spend two weeks volunteering on a couple of reserves where I undertook a range of game ranger tasks including wildlife monitoring and fire management. Here’s a blog I wrote at the time describing my experience with Enkosini .

Rangers are referred to as being on the front line of conservation. They are responsible for protecting the designated area where they work. This may be a private game reserve or national park. They are charged with protecting wildlife and natural resources.

Rangers are known for their anti-poaching role, particularly in the protection of rhino, elephant and gorilla. They also undertake anti-snare patrols to combat subsistence poaching.

Here’s a blog post which I wrote just before heading out to South Africa for my training. It explains the underlying cause of the surge in rhino poaching which went from 13 in 2007 to 1,004 in 2013. Here’s another blog article detailing the latest figures on rhino poaching .

Criminal gangs backed by wealthy foreign investors are making poaching big business in Africa. British soldiers are hoping to tackle the issue by helping rangers trying to save elephants and rhinos in Malawi. Radio 1 Newsbeat reporter James Waterhouse travelled to the country to join bush patrols as they look to stop a practice which has long threatened many species across the continent. Source: Radio 1 Newsbeat

What types of safari guide are there?

All safari guides do fundamentally the same thing, they lead the guest experience by interpreting the natural environment. However, guiding can be broken up by modes of transport. A typical guided experience will be vehicle based.

You also have guides who specialise in walking safaris , these are trails guides. Additionally you may have guides who lead canoe safaris and horse back safaris.

What makes a good safari guide?

A good safari guide is passionate about nature, engaging and inspirational to their guests. They are respectful of the environment and will make its protection their priority. They know the facts but will not just regurgitate them with no context, instead they apply them to the situation to explain animal behaviour.

They are prepared, will keep you safe and manage expectations to avoid disappointment. They bring all aspects of the ecosystem to life so in the absence of the Big-5 your safari will be an incredible experience.

Twenty years ago when I left school there was no internet and therefore only a limited opportunity to find out about doing a safari guide course as a gap year.

But now school leavers or career breakers have no excuse. There are a plethora of suppliers out there that can be found through a simple Google   or a select few can be found here .

Throughout my yearlong experience of training as a guide and then working as one I kept an account, if you want to get a truie understanding of everything involved please take a look at Safari School .

What I learnt by becoming a safari guide

On returning from Africa I wrote a number of blogs about my experience, this is probably my favourite as it provides an overview in the  15 things I learnt while becoming a safari guide .

How to become a safari guide

To become a safari guide / field guide you will need to undertake a course and take the assessments accredited by CATHSSETA . A list of suppliers that are also accredited by FGASA can be found on their website . As well as qualifying as a guide you will need a valid first aid certificate to practice.

I’ve detailed a few training providers within this article including the provider that I trained through.

Based on my experience and preference here are a few things to look out for when choosing your course:

Course structure

The curriculum for each level one field guiding course is the same wherever you go or at least it should be as it will be built around the FGASA syllabus.

There will be a series of lectures and field activities. My recommendation would be that while lectures are important you can’t underestimate the power of getting out into the bush. So opt for the ones that major on the practical such as drives and walks.

Good placement opportunities

Some safari guide courses offer a whole year. This isn’t a full year of lectures and practicals in the field. Instead the second half is spent on placement as a qualified guide.

This can be just as fun if not more so. If you’re looking at trying to forge a career out of guiding then ask some direct questions as to what can come of your placement.

Only after you’ve been away and spent time in the pristine wilderness and then returned to civilisation do you understand how disruptive a phone and an internet signal can be.

I would urge you to opt for a camp with no signal. Even if you don’t want to spend all day checking Facebook, email and chatting on your phone others in your camp may wish to do so.

If needed the camp probably has a sat phone or a two way radio so there will always be the opportunity for incoming and outgoing messages.

There may also be phone runs so you can get signal to upload emails, blog posts and download messages from home. The latter is great because it’s not a rushed two liner status update, instead it is a considered letter like in the olden days  full of news and something to look forward to.

Feeding the mind

I enjoy cooking and at times I can be quite good at it. However, most professional safari guide courses are full on so you don’t want to be spending time locked in the kitchen when you could be studying or simply recovering from a hard day in the office .

I would thoroughly recommend a course that doesn’t require its students to do the cooking. That being said taking it in turn to braai is good fun. But as soon as someone has a pop at your technique, usually a South African, hand them the tongs and sit back.

Fence or no fence

The bush is your classroom so living in an unfenced camp means that you are gaining knowledge 24/7 for six weeks at a time.

And believe me there is a lot that you learn as you hold your breath whilst an elephant gently brushes your tent whilst feeding.

Even walking back through the night after a few beers at the camp fire can bring plenty of lessons – the colour of a nyala’s eyes in comparison to a leopard’s.

If you can, opt for an unfenced camp. But be careful, follow the advise and stick to the rules.

Choosing a safari guide course: The podcast

In this episode of Safari Stories, Jomi and Hadley of Trunks and Tracks talk about the safari guiding courses they did as well as some of the many courses available today. If you want to spend more time in the bush, immerse yourself into nature, learn from the best or simply take a break from city living, this podcast is a must listen.

Safari Stories podcast – Safari guide courses

Safari Stories podcast by Jomi and Hadley of Trunks and Tracks discuss the safari guide courses which they did to become qualified guides.

Why become a safari guide?

Your office will be the African wild outdoors, your meetings will consist of encounters with animals of all size and shape. Your job description is one of many valuable roles! A guide, teacher, friend, game warden, doctor, storyteller and sometimes even a cook for your guests, each day is never quite the same. Find out more in the short blog, why become a safari guide?

Course suppliers

There are a number of suppliers that offer safari guiding courses, enrol in one to make safari guiding a career or an educational and unique gap year / career break experience.

The courses provide a nature-based educational adventure for school leavers and those of any age seeking new perspectives in life.

© Ulrica Vilen-Letts

EcoTraining positions itself as the pioneer and leader in safari guide and wildlife training in Africa. They have the history to back this up as several practising safari guides established EcoTraining in 1993.

I can personally recommend EcoTraining as they were the provider of the course that I took. Here’s a short blog entry on, A day in the life at EcoTraining .

As well as their flagship professional safari guide course , they run a range of courses , gap year and sabbatical programmes, nature programmes, high school and university study abroad programmes, and custom courses.

Where will you do it?

All courses are run directly from EcoTraining’s unfenced bush camps in prime wilderness areas across South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

In real wilderness areas teeming with wildlife. When sleeping you hear the snap of branches under the elephants weight, hyenas whoop in the distance, the “sawing” contact call of a leopard and nightjars calling close by.

The first four to five months of theoretical and practical training (bush walks and game drives) will take place at four unfenced tented bush camps in Africa’s magical wilderness areas, including the  Makuleke camp in the pristine and untouched northern Kruger Park.

The following five to six months will be at a lodge where you will work with experienced guides and lodge managers, mentoring you and developing your newly acquired skills.

Over the course of the year you will be exposed to diverse ecological and geological terrains, landscapes, wildlife species and so much more.

© Jomi Krobb

What you will learn

• Introduction to guiding in the natural environment
• Basic bush and survival skills
• Wilderness medicine
• Geology and basic ecology
• Basic taxonomy
• Mammals and animal behaviour
• Interrelationships of all species
• Reptiles and fish
• Animal tracks and tracking
• Approaching dangerous animals
• Rifle handling
• Basic vehicle mechanics and maintenance
• Conservation and communities
• Guest communication and interaction
• and much more… email [email protected] for the full details.

You could graduate with

• FGASA Field Guide Level 1 (theory and practical)
• FGASA Trails Guide Back Up (theory and practical)
• Firearm Proficiency Certificate (with a SASSETA accredited provider)
• Advanced Rifle Handling (FGASA accreditation)
• Animal Tracks and Tracking (FGASA accreditation)
• Basic Birding
• Advanced Birding
• Wilderness Medicine: Level 1 & 2
• Navigation and Orientation
• Lodge Placement Programme

To find out more do check out the professional safari guide course , review the full range of courses or get in touch via [email protected]

NJ MORE Field Guide College is based at Marataba South Africa, within the ‘Marakele’ National Park. They are a FGASA endorsed training institute.

In all they have six courses to choose from, providing upskilling, career training and adventures of a lifetime. The trainers at NJ More are highly-qualified, respected industry experts and the college has an excellent pass rate.

Established by MORE Lodges & Hotels, they produce professional guides of an exceptional calibre. They offer students from around the world the opportunity to undertake internships with some being given the opportunity to begin their career at one of MORE’s five-star safari lodges.

I’ve not visited Marataba myself but my fellow back-up at EcoTraining worked there for a while and spoke very highly of them and the reserve.

Here’s a blog he wrote for Fascinating Africa on his first experiences as a newly qualified guide at Marataba .

I’ve also had dealings with the Marataba office and have found them to be incredibly professional and friendly.

Do check out their 6 & 12 month courses detailed in our courses section. Or email [email protected] to find out more.

Founded in 2006 Bushwise are sister company of GVI . They are a leading training provider with students routinely graduating the FGASA exams with the highest marks and are considered some of the best trained guides in the safari and tourism industry.

Located in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, a spectacular 26,000 hectares big five wilderness reserve in the Limpopo province adjacent to Kruger National Park.

The Bushwise campus  is a fully-fenced eight-hectare campus with many mod cons.

Bushwise offers extra qualifications to improve employability, with unique skills such as child and vulnerable adult protection policies.

23 week and 50 week professional field guide training courses allow students to achieve the FGASA Level 1 professional field guiding qualification with an optional 6 month work placement in a well respected safari lodge in South Africa.

I’ve not trained or guided with Bushwise but I have spent time on the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve as part of a volunteer programme. The reserve itself is rich in biodiversity with plenty of opportunities to experience the big 5.

Take a look at their FGASA accredited 23 and 50 week professional training offer. Or email [email protected] to find out more.

For the year long professional safari guide course I required a student visa which required the following submission:

• an eight-page form,
• two passport photos,
• proof of sufficient funds to cover my study,
• a letter of acceptance from the place of learning,
• police check certificate,
• chest x-ray report,
• medical certificate,
• proof of medical cover,
• my passport,
• a processing fee and
• a deposit of £600 to make sure I left the country at the end of my stay.

Once awarded the visa by the South African High Commission, I was permitted to proceed on a one-way ticket.

Technology can play an important part on the course, here’s my guide to what technology I took . I wrote this just as I finished so I’ve not included what I found superfluous.

https://youtu.be/AuOXuUaV780

A 13 minute video from EcoTraining covering off the most frequently asked questions about Safari Guide courses.

• Get involved

Here are a select few courses , check them out for yourself. If you have a question please email us on [email protected]

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• Invertabrates
• Reptiles & amphibians
• [email protected]

EcoTraining Game Ranger Courses

EcoTraining game ranger training courses: Enjoy unique wildlife training in Southern Africa and become a nature guide with EcoTraining.

Game ranger courses and bush training in Africa

Nature guide training in Africa: Immerse yourself into Southern Africa’s breathtaking wilderness and take part in an exceptional EcoTraining game ranger course in South Africa, Botswana, or Kenya – with the chance to obtain an official FGASA qualification.

Wilderness adventure in Africa

You are passionate about nature and wildlife, are yearning for a wilderness adventure amidst Africa’s magical landscapes and even think about a serious career in the safari guide industry? For both time out seekers and those looking for a field guide and game ranger job in Africa, South African training course provider EcoTraining offers manifold nature guide and wildlife courses in South Africa , Botswana and other countries in Southern and East Africa.

Broad course portfolio

From courses with a focus on tracking or wildlife photography to FGASA endorsed training programs like the Apprentice Field Guide (former Field Guide Level 1) or Professional Field Guide training – each EcoTraining course gives participants the chance to experience unspoiled landscapes, to observe wildlife in its natural habitat and to gain a deeper understanding of Southern Africa’s fascinating ecosystems.

Highlights of your EcoTraining wildlife course in Africa:

Adventures to get you dreaming.

Spend an unparalleled year amidst Africa's wild nature and get trained as a Professional Field Guide

Live and learn amidst Southern Africa's wild nature for 55 days – and become a Field Guide Level 1

Discover the African wilderness, learn how vital safety is in the bush and become a Trails Guide

You are a "safari newcomer"? Then gather unique insights into Southern Africa's nature and wildlife

Become an ornithologist and get trained in observing and identifying the birds of Southern Africa

Become a Safari Guide in Kenya's wilderness and gain a deeper knowledge of your natural environment

Acquire the basics of Southern Africa's nature, in theory and in practice, and become a Safari Guide

Witness the fascinating dynamics occurring in the flora and fauna of Kenya's famous Masai Mara

Official FGASA certification

Depending on which EcoTraining bush-orientated course you decide to join, you can acquire an official FGASA qualification after a final exam at the end of the course (FGASA = Field Guides Association of Southern Africa). A FGASA qualification serves as a door opener for finding field guide/game ranger jobs in Southern Africa and will help you along your way to becoming a professional safari guide. Learn more about

• why you should book your EcoTraining course through Natucate
• EcoTraining as a training provider
• the EcoTraining Apprentice Field Guide course (former Field Guide Level 1)
• the EcoTraining Apprentice Trails Guide course
• the EcoTraining Safari Guide course
• the EcoTraining EcoQuest course

EcoTraining FAQ

Natucate support – Why book with Natucate?

Natucate is a trusted partner of EcoTraining and offers a multitude of EcoTraining nature training and game ranger courses . Booking through Natucate guarantees expert advice, quality care and lots of travel law advantages. Learn more about why booking with us is better for you:

• Expertise : We know what you are looking for! Natucate founder Daniel himself has finished his field guide training with EcoTraining and has been visiting the different EcoTraining camps each year ever since. As part of annual Private Wilderness Experience tours – private group tours which any nature lover is welcome to join – Daniel and some experienced guides lead our guests through Southern Africa’s wilderness and impart knowledge about the unique flora and fauna. As Daniel and his team continuously strive to understand Africa and travel the continent regularly, Natucate can provide you with EcoTraining/Africa travel advice based on experience, knowledge and passion.
• Comprehensive travel preparation : At Natucate we’ve been bitten by the Africa bug and maintain a close partnership with EcoTraining. As passionate globetrotters ourselves, we make sure to provide you with high quality service and support in planning your EcoTraining career course adventure in Southern Africa. Answering questions, adjusting expectations, talking necessary equipment, safety measures and the costs involved – as part of detailed phone calls and web seminars we offer our expertise and advice to help you organise your very own EcoTraining adventure.
• German travel law : Natucate operates under German Travel Law – this applies to each and every booking. German Travel Law includes some of the strictest requirements in the world and offers a premium level of client protection.
• Insolvency insurance : Each client receives a so-called risk coverage certificate from Natucate. By doing so, we prove to our clients that their funds are safe in case of insolvency.
• No extra costs : Natucate acts as an agent for EcoTraining – when booking with us, you won’t have any extra costs, though. We calculate your final booking price at the time of enquiry based on the latest exchange rate.
• 24/7 support : When booking your EcoTraining adventure with us, we offer 24/7 support during your time in Southern Africa. We have an emergency number at which you can reach anytime in case of problems or questions.
• Follow-up : You are striving for a career in the safari industry? Reach out to us and let us know! As part of follow-up talks and short workshops after your game ranger course, we will point out potential career paths , discuss the chances of finding a field guide game ranger job and provide you with additional information and contact details.

EcoTraining wildlife courses – What is EcoTraining?

EcoTraining is the leader and pioneer in Southern Africa as a field guide training provider. They offer accredited career courses, nature programmes, gap year and sabbatical programmes, custom courses as well as on-site professional guide trainings.

From Kruger National Park to the breathtaking Masai Mara : All EcoTraining courses take place in EcoTraining’s unfenced bush camps Makuleke , Selati , Karongwe , Pridelands , Pongola , Mashatu , and Mara . These are situated in outstanding wilderness areas across South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya .

Each EcoTraining course, no matter if a short wilderness course or professional preparation program , is designed to offer you further education and personal growth in equal measure. Obtaining an official FGASA qualification at the end of a course is an option, but not a must.

EcoTraining courses in Africa offered by Natucate

Ecotraining professional field guide.

The EcoTraining Professional Field Guide is often considered as a highlight among the game ranger training courses . The one-year field guide training leads you to the different EcoTraining camps in South Africa and Botswana and teaches you expert knowledge about the African flora and fauna as well as professional safari guiding . Half of the training is spent on gaining profound hands-on guiding experience .

The EcoTraining Professional Field Guide course provides an outstanding learning and lifetime experience amid Southern Africa’s pristine natural landscapes – from Greater Kruger National Park to Mashatu Game Reserve . When successfully passing all necessary exams, you will be given an official FGASA certificate at the end of your training.

EcoTraining Field Guide Level 1 (Apprentice Field Guide)

If an entire year abroad is out of your range, the 55-day EcoTraining FGASA Level 1 (now Apprentice Field Guide) course amidst the African wilderness might be what you have been looking for. As a student in this FGASA Apprentice Field Guide training course you spend almost two months in different EcoTraining camps in South Africa and/or Botswana and experience interactive theoretical lessons together with hands-on training in Africa’s untouched wilderness.

Experienced guides will teach you about subjects like ecology, animal and plant life, animal behavior, bush safety, and conservation management as well as conducting guided experiences in the wild. At the end of the course, you have the chance to take the official FGASA Apprentice Field Guide exam to receive the FGASA Field Guide NQF2 certificate .

EcoTraining Apprentice Trails Guide

Gaining profound knowledge about the wildlife and nature that surrounds you, sharpening your situational awareness and learning to lead bush walks through big game areas – that’s what you will get when joining the EcoTraining Apprentice Trails Guide course. The course is suitable for everyone passionate about nature, no matter if you are simply an outdoor enthusiast thirsty for new adventures or striving for a FGASA Trails Guide NQF2 qualification .

EcoTraining Safari Guide

The EcoTraining Safari Guide training in South Africa, Botswana or Kenya is not as intense as the career courses mentioned above but still provides a unique learning experience in nature. As a Safari Guide student, you will be enabled to experience Africa in an exceptional way and to gain essential nature skills and knowledge . For 28 days you and your international team live in EcoTraining's wilderness camps , acquire knowledge about nature and wildlife as part of theoretical and practical training units, and learn how to safely conduct guided experiences .

EcoTraining EcoQuest – also a family adventure

The one- or two-week EcoTraining EcoQuest course amidst Botswana’s, South Africa’s or Kenya’s wilderness is an ideal option for all nature and wildlife enthusiasts who would like to gain a first insight into the African bush. You and your group will be familiarized with the secrets of the animal and plant life and provided with valuable background knowledge on the fascinating ecosystems.

Roaming the depths of Kruger National Park , observing elephants and lions in the Land of Giants, and witnessing wildebeest migrations in the Masai Mara – your EcoQuest sneak peak will surely infect you with the EcoTraining fever.

Another extra: The EcoTraining EcoQuest course can also be joined as a family . The five-day family adventure allows even the youngest ones to explore and understand the unique environment of Southern Africa.

Further EcoTraining courses

But there’s more to it than that! Natucate furthermore offers EcoTraining courses with a special focus such as the EcoTraining Tracking Course in South Africa and Botswana, the EcoTraining Wildlife Photography Course in South Africa, the EcoTraining Birding Course in South Africa and the EcoTraining Wilderness Trails Course in South Africa and Botswana.

Where do the EcoTraining courses take place?

Kruger National Park, Mashatu Game Reserve and the Masai Mara – EcoTraining has different wilderness camps in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya. To learn more about the camps, just click on one of the following names:

EcoTraining Camp Makuleke EcoTraining Camp Selati EcoTraining Camp Karongwe EcoTraining Camp Pridelands EcoTraining Camp Pongola EcoTraining Camp Mashatu EcoTraining Camp Mara

Am I too old to join an EcoTraining course?

No – adult participants of all ages are welcome in the EcoTraining courses we offer. What is important, though: You need to enjoy a reasonable level of fitness as driving and walking in rough terrain and at often high temperatures can be physically quite strenuous.

All participants need to be at least 18 years old to join – the only exception are any EcoTraining family courses in which we accept participants from 8 years of age (accompanied by an adult).

Which costs are involved when joining an EcoTraining course?

The course fee is always dependent on the course itself. What applies in general: the longer the course and the more services included, the higher the programme fee. When booking with Natucate, there won’t be any extra costs . We will take the EcoTraining price and calculate the final course fee at the time of enquiry based on the latest exchange rate.

In general, the course fee includes accommodation and board, daily game drives and walks, training by experienced guides (theory/in the field) and course-related transfers throughout the course. National park entrance fees are dependent on the course. In the Field Guide Level 1 course, the fee also includes FGASA registration, exam and tuition fees , the SASSETA Competency Certification and DEAT registration . In addition to that, uniforms will be provided for you in the Professional Field Guide course.

Prior to departure, the Natucate team helps you prepare your journey and assists you in finding flights and suitable travel insurance. Furthermore, we offer 24/7 support during your time as a course student and conduct follow-up talks after course completion. The included and excluded services for each course can be found on our website, on the corresponding course description.

Difference: What is a guide and what is a ranger?

The terms “ game ranger ” and “ field guide/nature guide ” often get mixed up, although they describe two different fields of responsibility. Whereas a game ranger is mainly responsible for the resource management of national parks and game reserves and maintains these wildlife areas, a field guide/nature guide interacts with the tourists who come to visit these regions. Field guides act as interpreters between visitor and the environment, sharing their knowledge about nature and wildlife with safari guests.

What happens after my EcoTraining course?

Many African countries do not have their own guiding authorities (such as FGASA in South Africa ). As a result, possessing a FGASA qualification often turns out to be beneficial and may help you on your way to find a game ranger job in Southern Africa . What is important to understand: In general, finding a job as a game ranger/safari guide is very difficult for non-natives – even though it is not impossible.

After you have successfully taken part in a FGASA EcoTraining course, you need to be offered a job by a lodge/institution before you can apply for a work visa. In order to determine the exact requirements to legally guide in a specific region it will be necessary for you to approach the relevant country's department of tourism/wildlife.

Natucate is happy to discuss your future plans and job chances as part of a follow-up talk after you have finished your EcoTraining course.

What is FGASA and CATHSSETA?

FGASA is short for Field Guides Association of Southern Africa . CATHSSETA is the Culture Arts Tourism and Hospitality Sector Education Training Authority for the South African government. Both FGASA and CATHSSETA are responsible for regulating the guiding standards in South Africa. EcoTraining is a FGASA-endorsed training provider, with the Professional Field Guide, Apprentice Field Guide (Field Guide Level 1) and Apprentice Trails Guide course being FGASA-endorsed training programs.

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Conservation Careers

Putting the people into conservation, safari guide training in africa.

Information

£3,888 per course.

Immerse yourself into Africa’s wilderness and let nature do the teaching! This course is suitable for anyone who wants to observe animals up close and personal and understand their habitat. Within 28 days, you are taught the basics of African nature not only in theory but also in practice – either in South Africa, Botswana or Kenya’s world-famous Masai Mara.

The natural landscape of South Africa, Botswana and Kenya forms the spectacular backdrop for this unique learning experience. The four-week safari guide course provides basic information about the African wilderness and gives you an opportunity to take part in small projects. At the end of your course you’ll receive a certificate.

Depending on your start date, your course will take you to either Kenya or South Africa/Botswana. In the camps that you will be based at experienced guides will wait for you and teach you about the ecological, geographical and meteorological characteristics of the region. The practical part of your training will take you to the wilderness twice a day. You will travel on foot or use off-road vehicles, learning how to orientate yourself and navigate in the wild. You will be given an insight into the art of tracking, enabling you to follow animals as they move through the bush. Your instructor will explain the behaviour of the animals that you see and the role that they play in the ecosystem. This course is the perfect preparation for the training to be a professional field guide.

Accommodation

As a safari guide student you will be either accommodated in two-man tents (Karongwe, Selati, Mashatu), in stilt houses (Makuleke) or in a wilderness chalet (Mara). When staying in Makuleke you will have access to your own bathroom attached to the house. In Karongwe, Selati, Mashatu, Selati and Mara there are shared bathrooms. In all camps you will find a large lounge for spending evenings with the group, eating together and training. The camps are not open to tourists. As the camps are not fenced in, you can experience an extraordinary connection to the natural environment and may witness animal encounters right in front of your tent.

Each day, you will be offered an early mid-morning snack, a satisfying brunch, a light lunch and a warm dinner. Fruit juice is provided at mealtimes, and tap water, coffee and tea are available the whole day. As the camp is not connected to electricity, generators are used.

Testimonial

“When I started the course, my goal was to simply be in nature and watch various animals – “back to the roots” so to speak. These expectations were more than exceeded.” (Lisa, 29 years)

NATUCATE  is a German agency, specialized in voluntary work, field guide training, nature-oriented educational courses and internships with a focus on nature and species conservation as well as animal protection. Moreover, we create and organize individual sabbaticals; commitment for nature conservation and personal development being in the centre. Sustainable and responsible traveling, so-called ecotourism, as well as nature and adventure travel are further areas of expertise.

Our projects, courses and tours, fulfilling high sustainability standards, enable people – from graduates to best agers – to make an active contribution to protecting and conserving endangered species and ecosystems and, at the same time, to broaden their personal horizon.  

Dates, Service, Cost

Click the link below to learn about upcoming start dates.

• Placement in the programme
• Assistance with travel arrangements
• Assistance with selecting travel insurance
• Assistance with booking flights
• Pre-departure information pack
• Risk coverage certificate
• Accommodation during the programme
• Meals during the programme
• Drinking water, coffee, tea
• Expeditions
• Game drives
• Transfer between different locations
• English-speaking support by long-term experienced staff
• 24/7 support throughout the programme

• 28 days (South Africa/Botswana): 4.400 EUR
• 28 days (Kenya): 7.800 EUR

Find out more or reserve your place

Related conservation training courses.

Trails Guide Course in Southern Africa

• Short Course
• Cost: £3597

Wildlife Conservation Training Course in South Africa

• Cost: £2423

Field Guide Course in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

• Cost: £3280

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Safari Guide Training Courses

Safari guide – the ultimate dream job right? You have the best office in the world, every day feels like an adventure, you meet interesting people, and get to enjoy Africa and its wildlife. Scratch beneath the surface though and a few negatives are there too. Safari guiding isn’t brilliantly paid, the working day can be very long indeed, you’re not staying where guests do and your accommodation can be fairly basic, and every so often there’s the client you could happily feed to the local lion pride!

So maybe you don’t really want to give up what you do and become a guide, but you still want more from your next holiday in Africa than morning and afternoon wildlife drives or nature walks – you want to drive the 4wd game viewer through the river, learn how to approach big game safely on foot, and get behind the scenes back at camp.

How about joining a safari guide course? In many cases you’ll be studying alongside those aiming to be guides, so this isn’t simply a taster, but the real thing for those wanting to train as a professional safari guide, and you can be there right alongside them.

Eco-Training

Ask about a safari guide training course and the name that will keep popping up is Eco-Training. They’ve been training guides for over twenty years and run courses throughout the year in South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya.

A typical Eco-Training safari guide course There is no typical course as they run a huge variety from a 6 day Wilderness Trails Skills course through to the year-long Professional Field Guide course, with a number of others in between.

Skills taught Typical guiding skills taught on the courses include:

– ecotourism and guiding – creating photographic opportunities for guests – communication skills – dealing with guests – animal behaviour – ecotourism and local communities – tracking big game on foot – driving a 4wd game drive vehicle – shooting a rifle – sleeping out under the stars

Cost of a course (2020 prices) Rates of £60-£100 per day are much lower than a luxury safari holiday, but they’re different beasts and no one should come on a guide training course looking for a cheap safari holiday. You’ll be expected to be up early and go to bed late, as well as reading during the hours you’d perhaps normally have a siesta. However there’s enjoyment too; as Emma Fairbank wrote in a thank you note:

“After settling back into normal life, I just wanted to take the opportunity to say THANK YOU! I had the most amazing time…it was fantastic; the people, the location and the course. I left a little piece of myself in Mashatu, but that is OK because it means I have to go back… Thank you for kindling and inspiring a love of Africa!”

Okavango Guiding School

With almost 15 years of experience and a pedigree as long as your arm Okavango Guiding School is another respected operator in the area of safari guide training. The owners, brothers Grant and Brent Reed, are also the founders of one of our favourite mobile safari companies, Letaka Safaris , and Grant is one of the most highly qualified guides and trainers in the industry, having completed his FGASA Special Knowledge and Skills (SKS) Dangerous Animals, SKS Birding and SKS Wildflowers.

A typical Okavango Guiding School safari guide course Okavango Guiding School offer three different courses at 7 (Bush Skills), 14 and 28 days (Trails Guide Course or FGASA Level 1). Courses run throughout the year.

Skills taught The courses ensure practical experience of:

– tracking – weapons handling – wilderness walks – motor boating – game driving – poling a dug-out canoe

The following theory is also covered:

– geology – astronomy – weather and climate – ecology – plants – invertebrates – frogs, fish, reptiles – birds – mammals

Cost of a course (2020 prices) The courses are roughly £1,840 per week and attract people with a wish to learn about and experience the wilderness, as well as those keen to be guides or experienced guides topping up their knowledge and skills.

As Grant puts it “Safari guide training courses suit just about anyone who is active and curious about nature!”

NJ More Field Guide College

The More family has run the Lion Sands Game Reserve, alongside Kruger National Park, for four generations. They also own and operate a collection of hotels and lodges throughout Southern Africa.

Rifle target practice

The NJ More Field Guide College, which runs on the Marakele National Park in South Africa, is not simply a business for them, but a way to ensure future guides are “passionate, highly skilled and authentic natural ambassadors.”

Courses run at the field guide college

The college offers three different courses; three months, six months and twelve months. They start in January or July.

The3-monthh course covers FGASA Field Guide Level 1

Identifying and tracking wildlife with their droppings

Additional skills taught on the 6 and 12 month courses

– FGASA Field Guide Level 1 – FGASA Trails Guide Back up – Rifle competency and Advanced Rifle Handling – Wilderness First Aid Level 2 – Cybertracker “Tracks & Signs” – Birding – Wildlife Photography – Night Sky Safari Skills – Navigation & Orientation – 4×4 Driving – Survival Skills – Principals and practical application of Reserve Management – Basic Mechanics – Hospitality in a 5-star Environment

Wildlife Photography training

Cost of a course (2020 prices)

3 month field guide course £4,380 6 month field guide course from £6,100 12 month field guide course £11,365

Arun studied at the field guide school in 2015 and wrote:

“I been wanting to come and live and work in the bush in Africa for pretty much all my life. NJ More Field Guide College is probably the best place I could ever have chosen. Our location is simply amazing, our instructors are experts who can really teach. I have gained so much knowledge about the bush, the animals, birds, insects you name it. The sightings and the learnings have been superlative and I am thoroughly enjoying myself following my African dream. Living with an international team and meeting wonderful people making lifetime friends, it’s been a joy from the start.”

Interested for a gap year student, a spouse with a sabbatical, or yourself? Get in touch and we’ll get you more details. Send us an email or give us a call and we can help with the rest.

2 responses to “Safari Guide Training Courses”

To whom it may concern I am very interested in joining one of these fantastic courses.I am currently 17 and studying for my A levels in the south east of England. I have a strong interest in conservation and wildlife preservation and hope to become a vet. I lived in Zimbabwe for the most part of my life and moved here to the Uk in the last year. I have a passion for the African bush and its wildlife and one a day hope to become a qualified vet with the idea of working with conservation and anti-poaching. I have a fair amount of experience in the bush, tracking ,fishing and general safety .

What would you recommend I do ? Do I come out with a qualification after one of your courses? Is it worth my while getting a PH license ?

hope to here from you soon Kind regards Matthew

Dear Matthew, Thank you for your interest in safari training courses. We do not run the courses ourselves therefore it is best to contact the safari training courses directly with your queries. Best regards Renate

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Privacy overview.

The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

The field guides association of southern africa is a cathsseta accredited training provider. the culture, art, tourism, hospitality, and sport sector education and training authority (cathsseta) is mandated to facilitate skills development within its sub-sectors through the disbursement of grants for learning programmes as well as the monitoring and quality assurance of educational and training programmes as outlined by the national skills development strategy (nsds)..

The Association that sets the standard and level of professionalism in the guiding industry.

The fields guides association of southern africa’s philosophy is one of representing and promoting a high standard of guiding and skills development within the tourism industry for its members. fgasa is a well known, highly regarded and respected brand across the world for all guiding and non guiding members..

Do you have the qualities to be an exceptional nature guide?

Are you filled with Enthusiasm?  Curiosity?  Objectivity? Are you a people person who loves to interact with others? If yes, then read on …

Being any kind of guide, whether you are a nature guide or a culture guide, means you need to be a colourful and exciting person ready to let those qualities bubble and spill over into the lives of your clients (or guests). A lot of people who want to be nature  guides, make the mistake of thinking it’s all about the animals. It’s not. Guiding is all about people. Yes, a nature guide works in areas surrounded by the wonders of nature – animals, trees, grasses, birds, insects, etc.  But at the end of the day, the aim of the guide is to look after their guests.

A culture guide focusses more on the history and culture of an area, the museums, galleries, architecture. Again the aim of the guide is to provide an unforgettable guided experience to the guests, but in the urban environment. The animals, the landscapes, the history, the buildings – these are the tools of the guide, to enhance the experience. A nature guide will mainly conduct a guided experience either using a game drive vehicle, or conducting a walking trails experience. Culture guiding can be conducted in many different ways from guides on buses, in smaller vehicles, urban walking routes or even focussing on guiding in one specific site.

If the above describes you, then you have the makings of a guide.

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How much are guided safari at Kruger? - South Africa Forum

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How much are guided safari at Kruger?

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I'm figuring out costs for all inclusive inside the park vs staying outside and taking guided tours vs staying at one of the sanparks accommodations. How much are the guided tours if taken from the sanparks accommodations? Please and thank you

9 replies to this topic

So you could employ one of the tour companies who do guided drives to also arrange accommodation inside the park. Typically they'll arrange catering and your guide is also your driver around the park in an open safari vehicle. That is a nice way of being guided. Operators like Wild Wings Safaris have some costs for shared 'tours' and there are lots of operators and you can ask about private tours if you are a family.

The Sanparks drives can be hit and miss, from the bigger main camps they are 20 seat vehicles so sometimes you won't get a good view, etc. And sometimes the guides are really engaged, sometimes not. I would always say Sanparks NP is primarily about self driving but supplementing with a few drives can be a nice change. Best drives are usually from bush camps or small camps with 9 seat vehicles. Costs are in the online booking system, and in the Tariff PDF document (pg 9) linked from

https://www.sanparks.org/parks/kruger/rates-entry-fees

Thank you for the detailed reply. I'll look into the private tours. The link you sent shows me rates but I think it's for the park entry. I don't see guided tours rates.

Like searching for a needle in a haystack if you have no existing bookings but prices for game drives go from R406 -R523 depending on camp and whether sunrise,sunset,night drives or walking tours.This at least gives you some idea of prices but for specific camps you would need to delve through the cumbersome website into each.

The pdf mentioned by sjr - accessed from the link she provided:

https://www.sanparks.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/tariff_2023_24.pdf . Activities and prices, including game drives, are listed towards the end of the doc.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Thank you so much

"Best drives are usually from bush camps or small camps with 9 seat vehicles."

As far a wildlife sightings are concerned; best drives can occur from any KNP Camp of any size or from a vehicle of any size.

@ctm7944: it's true what you say about sightings, but having a game drive on a big truck and with more people is far less interesting to me.

The more the people the more the risk there is someone noisy or annoying.

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"Without fences just right next to the Kruger Park"

A camp that has only recently been added to the camps of Ecotraining. Simple, plain, without much comfort but with everything you need in the bush!

About pridelands:.

In September 2017, the fences between Pridelands and the Greater Kruger National Park (GKNP) have been dropped making Pridelands part of the GKNP (KNP) with an additional 2000 ha of land which extends the habitat for animals.

Animals found in Pridelands Conservancy:

Since the fences have been dropped, a variety of wildlife from members of the big five to wild dogs and hyenas have been seen on the Conservancy.

Temperatures at the camp:

Our summers are warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from mid 20°C (68°F) on the cooler cloud-covered rainy days, to the high 30°C (86°F) on average days. Occasional hot day’s temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F). Winters are usually dry, with the average morning temperature of 6°C (43°F), with occasional cooler morning temperatures, and warmer mornings when there is cloud cover. Afternoon temperatures average in the mid 20s°C (68°F), with ranges of 18°C (65°F) to 32°C (89°F) expected. Occasional winter showers prevail, but are unusual. Rain in the summer takes the form of heavy thunder-showers, or frontal rainfall over a longer period of time.

Accommodation:

The camp consists of Dome tents (students share tents). There are also shared ablution facilities with bucket showers and a central communal area.

Electricity:

There is no electricity at the camp – solar lamps are used for all lighting and a generator is used to charge batteries. Studying at night with solar lamps can at times be challenging so a headlamp for this purpose is recommended as well as an extra battery operated lamp if you wish to study in your tent at night. The generator is for camp use so will thus not be switched on for the sole purpose of charging learner cameras or other equipment. Learners are allowed to utilise it when it is running for camp purposes and need to understand that it is used at own risk.

Select beverages are available for purchase (over and above the cordials, tea and coffee included in the course fee).

Fresh, drinkable water is available from the taps. Bottled water is available for purchase.

Laundry service once a week

Game viewing vehicles:

The game viewing vehicles are open Land Rover TDI’s

Situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, north of the Hoedspruit Airforce base, Pridelands Conservancy, a former hunting farm, presents a magnificent example of intact vegetation of Combretum woodland.

Would you like to do a course?

Just drop us a message and we help you to find the right course for you!

Our partners in Africa will make your dream trip, a trip to never forget

[email protected] +1 (646) 5025364

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