TWO WEEK KRUGER FIELD GUIDE EXPERIENCE
KRUGER PARK, SOUTH AFRICA
This two week course has been designed to incorporate elements of the 28 day Field Guide Course for those who want to have a more in-depth bush learning experience than that offered by a safari. This course would suit either the enthusiastic amateur looking to expand their knowledge and skills or the keen student looking to give guiding a try before embarking on a career and formal qualifications. The backdrop to this African adventure will be the Riverside Camp - located on the banks of the River Korongwe and set in its own 9000 hectare reserve; and/or the Kruger Park Camp, set in the remotest and most private reaches of the world famous Kruger National Park.
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Location: |
KRUGER PARK, SOUTH AFRICA |
Dates: |
18 February – 3 March 2009 (Kruger Camp Only) 24 June – 7 July 2009 (Kruger and Riverside Camp) 2 – 15 September 2009 (Kruger and Riverside Camp) |
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Fees: |
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Payment: |
30% of course fee is required as a deposit at time of booking – the balance is due 8 weeks before departure |
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Reference: |
AA014 |
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General Information
This two-week Field Guide Course provides students with the perfect opportunity to immerse themselves in the bush and learn more about this fascinating environment. Not only will this course expand students' knowledge of both the small and large elements of nature that surround them in the bush but also give them a taste of the life of a Safari Guide. Students will have the opportunity to learn about the geology and ecosystems of their chosen area from experts in the field. They will show how the smaller creatures interact with and support the environment and teach students about the identification and behaviour of the larger animals within the area. Eight hours a day are spent abroad in the wild bush with the particular activity of the day being based flexibly on what can be observed around. There is a fantastic array of prey and predator to be observed within their natural environment and as skills are honed students will have the opportunity to observe these animals at close range be it on foot or from the vehicles.
Students will learn how to handle a 4 x 4 vehicle in the bush, how to identify the various species that surround them, how to survive in the bush and navigate their way round this breath taking environment. They will learn the tricks of the trade for approaching wild animals and positioning themselves and vehicles for perfect photographic opportunities.
Please note: a 28 day FGASA Level 1 Field Guide Course is also offered for those who have already decided to complete a Level 1 qualification.
Trail Guide FGASA – 28 days
General Subjects
- Ecology
- Geology and soils
- Common trees and shrubs
- Animal tracks and tracking
- Bird identification and behaviour
- Animal behaviour
- Astronomy
- Amphibians and reptiles
- Orientation and navigation
- Bush skills
- Using binoculars correctly and positioning for photography
Philosophy
The aim of the course is to give the students attending everything they need to further their own interests and development, be that en-route to a professional guiding career or purely to learn more about the bush that inspires them. The courses aim to foster not only the knowledge and skills essential to allow the students to become excellent guides, but also to show them something of the philosophy and approach that is an integral part of interaction with the magnificent bush environment. The course aims to give the student a new outlook on the environment and a holistic life experience. Students who have attended these courses have returned to the ‘real world’ with a different outlook on life. Some have simply applied this new outlook to their daily lives and others, inspired by their time in the bush, go on change their lives by pursuing a career in the guiding industry.
Location and Environment
The training programmes take place in South African bush camps that collectively have access to 66,000 hectares of untamed and stunning African bush. Depending on the camp at which the course is being held students will have the opportunity to view and interact with buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard as well as a huge variety of antelope and bird life.
The accommodation camps are designed to allow students to get up close and personal with their environment. The accommodation is in an uncluttered and authentic game reserve camp, and as it is completely unfenced there are occasional nocturnal visitors - hence the sounds of the bush are literally right outside the accommodation! It also provides a perfect opportunity to practice tracking skills through and around the camp each morning.
Summers in this part of Africa are warm with temperatures ranging from the mid 20's C on cloudy days to the high 30's C on clear days. Occasionally peak temperatures can exceed 40 C. Rain in the summer tends to be either heavy with short-lived thunder storms or more gentle frontal rain over a longer period. The winters tend to be dry and mild but with occasional winter showers.
Riverside Camp
The Riverside Camp is situated on the banks of the Karongwe River in the 9,000 hectare Game Reserve and is about one hour south west of the Kruger National Park. It is divided by three rivers which are tributaries of the Olifants River. The vegetation found in the park is typical of the Savanna biome of southern Africa with examples of mixed Lowveld and Mopane bushveld, grass savanna, riverine vegetation and uncovered bedrock outcroppings. The game highlights of the park include lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant and white rhino.
The camp is unfenced allowing game to roam through the camp, including the nightly patrols of hyena. The students can choose accommodation; everyone is allocated space in walk-in safari style meru tents with shared bathroom facilities. If the students wish there are mattresses available and space on the game viewing decks where they can sleep out and get even closer to nature.
The central communal area is made up of four thatched and open sided decks which form a square that encloses the central camp fire area. One of the decks is used as the open air dining area and doubles as the lecture room and study area in the evenings. Two of the decks are available for students who want sleep out and get close to nature and the last is home to the head instructor.
The camp has limited cell phone coverage and it is not possible to purchase additional air time for cell phones at the camp. Students are encouraged to use their phones for emergencies only so as not to intrude on the peace of the camp. Facilities are available to charge phones. Emergency contact can be made with the camp either via cell phone or radio communication from the Africa office.
Kruger Park Concession Camp
The concession is situated within the Pafuri region spanning 24,000 hectares. It is found in the northern part of the National Park and sits between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers. The concession itself takes its name from the people that inhabit the area. The community was removed from the area in 1968 but after lengthy efforts made a return in 1998. Members of the local community are employed in the camp and the area, which is steeped in folklore, is true wilderness and located in one of the remotest areas of the park not accessible to normal tourists. It is a very diverse area ranging from the quietly flowing Nyala tree shaded river banks, populated by plentiful hippos and crocodiles, to the breathtaking Lanner Gorge and palm fringed wetlands bordered by ancient Baobab trees. Game is varied as one would expect of the Kruger Park. Animals such as zebra, impala and kudu are resident along with lions, leopards, elephant and the rhinoceros. The area is renowned for its abundant bird life featuring rare species such as Pel’s Fishing Owl, the Wattle-eyed Flycatcher and the Grey-headed Parrot.
The camp is unfenced allowing the occasional nocturnal visitor to wander through the camp. Accommodation is in comfortable thatched, tented rooms mounted on decks with en-suite bathroom facilities. The focal point of the camp is the large open sided deck that serves as the dining and study area.
There is no cell phone coverage at the camp; the nearest area with reception is 16km away. Weekly trips are made to that area to allow students to make telephone contact. There is no facility to purchase additional airtime at the camp. Emergency calls can be made via the camp's satellite phone or the camp can be reached via the office.
Typical Daily Itinerary
Rise before the sun for a morning breakfast of coffee and biscuits and listen as the bush begins to come to life. The first activity of the day will be an outing into the bush, the format of which is very flexible and will depend on what is found or perhaps on the roar of a lion heard during the night. The programme will also take account of the subjects that need to be covered during the course. The outing may either be on foot or in the Landrover TDI safari vehicles.
Students return to camp towards the end of the morning to enjoy a hearty brunch consisting of cereal, fruit and a variety of cooked items, followed by the day’s lecture. There is study and rest time following this to allow students time to digest the information gained during the morning outing and lecture as well as the brunch! Afternoon tea is enjoyed prior to the afternoon outing. If on foot this will last until sunset; if in the vehicles until well after dark. Drives could be looking for nocturnal animals such as the leopard or bushbaby or practising identification of the local bird life. Time could also be spent practising 4x4 driving skills or new found skills in astronomy.
Following this day full of activity everyone returns to camp for dinner, which is followed by socialising around the camp fire, exchanging stories of the day's adventures and wondering about the delights that may be in store for tomorrow.
Support
Support and advice is available from the Course Leaders whilst in Africa and from the UK Amanzi Travel Team.
Find out more about Amanzi Travel support
Orientation
A comprehensive information pack will be sent to all students upon booking their course and further advice and information will be provided via telephone and email before departure. A full orientation will be provided on arrival by the course leader including familiarisation with the local surroundings.
Accommodation and Meals
This course could be held at either camp or at both. Students will be advised as to the camp at which the course will be held to facilitate tranfers from Johannesburg Airport.
Riverside Camp
Accommodation at the Riverside Camp is in ten shared walk-in style meru tents with twin beds. There are shared washing facilities and a central communal area surrounded by the four open decks. Students have the option to sleep out on the open decks if they are feeling adventurous.
There is no electricity at the camp with paraffin lamps being used for lighting. The camp has a generator to supply power for charging cameras, phones and batteries. It is recommended that students bring a torch, with headlamps and battery operated lamps recommended to help with studying.
Fresh drinking water is available from the taps and cordial fruit juices, tea and coffee are provided. The camp has a shop where soft drinks, beers and cider can be purchased. The camp only accepts cash (there are no credit/debit card/cheque facilities). If students prefer to drink wine they can either bring this with them or request in advance. A laundry service is available at a small additional weekly charge.
Meals
Breakfast: biscuits, fruit or cereal with tea and coffee at sunrise
Brunch: fruit, cereal and a variety of cooked breakfast items
Afternoon tea: sandwiches and snacks
Dinner: hot plated meal of meat, vegetables and salad
Kruger Park Concession Camp
Accommodation at the Kruger Park Concession Camp is in ten comfortable thatched, tented rooms situated on large wooden decks shaded by the Nyala trees. All rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities with a shower, wash basin and hot running water. Each room also has a verandah overlooking the bush.
There is no electricity at the camp with paraffin lamps and battery operated energy saving lights being used for lighting. The camp has a generator to supply power for charging cameras, phones and batteries. It is recommended that volunteers bring a torch, with headlamps and battery operated lamps recommended to help with studying. Fresh drinking water is available from the taps and cordial fruit juices, tea and coffee are provided. The camp has a shop where soft drinks, beers and cider can be purchased. The camp only accepts cash (there are no credit/debit card/cheque facilities). If students prefer to drink wine they will need to bring this with them (there is not sufficient refrigeration space to cool white wine). A laundry service is available at a small additional weekly charge.
Meals
Breakfast: biscuits, fruit or cereal with tea and coffee at sunrise
Brunch: fruit, cereal and a variety of cooked breakfast items
Afternoon tea: sandwiches and snacks
Dinner: hot plated meal of meat, vegetables and salad
Getting There
Riverside Camp
International students should arrange to fly into Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Airport. From here onward transfer can be made either by road or air.
Flights from Johannesburg to Eastgate Airport in Hoedspruit are offered by South African Airways with a flight time of approximately one and a quarter hours. Transfer from Eastgate Airport to the camp by road is about forty-five minutes. Road transfers can be arranged from Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Airport to the camp if preferred, the transfer time being five and a half hours. The return journey is a 7 hour trip via the scenic panoramic route. Uncovered car parking is available at the camp for those who wish to self drive. Transfers to and from Johannesburg Airport can be arranged at a cost of £85 return.
Kruger Park Concession Camp
International students should arrange to fly int Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Airport. From here onward transfer can be made either by road or air.
Flights to Pafuri in Kruger Park are offered by Sefofane Airlines from Lanseira Domestic Airport in Johannesburg. The flight time is approximately 3 hours, and students will be met by a game drive vehicle at the landing strip to transfer them to the camp. Road transfers can be arranged from Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Airport to the camp if preferred, the transfer time being between 7 and 8 hours. Uncovered car parking is available at the camp for students preferring to self drive. The cost of the transfer is £190 return.
For confirmation of the location of individual courses please contact Amanzi Travel.
Project Fees
What is included
- Transfers to and from the airport on arrival and at the end of the course
- Full orientation by local staff on arrival
- Full support by the teaching staff and guides
- Accommodation as indicated above
- Breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea and dinner
- Lectures, game drives and walks
What is excluded
- International and domestic flights including arrival and departure fees if applicable
- Travel insurance to cover the course (to include cover for repatriation)
- Tourist Visas
- Any accommodation before and after the course
- Personal items, clothes, travel goods etc
- Spending money – for drinks etc
- Laundry
- Kruger National Park Entrance Fee
- Optional day excursion