KRUGER FIELD GUIDE EXPERIENCE - 2 WEEKS
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 is a great opportunity for people with an adventurous spirit wanting to gain a greater understanding of nature and the environment whilst experiencing the excitement of the bush.  It would also be an ideal option for 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 9,000 hectare reserve; and/or the Kruger Park Camp, set in the remotest and most private reaches of the world famous Kruger National Park.

	Location:	KRUGER PARK, SOUTH AFRICA	Dates:	2010 Start Dates: 6 - 19 Oct (Kruger and Riverside Camps), 17 - 30 Nov (Kruger Camp) 2011 Start Dates: 16 Feb - 01 March, 5 March - 18 March, 28 Sept - 11 Oct
	Fees:	£1,175 - 2 weeks 2010 rates £1,295 - 2 weeks 2011 rates	Payment:	30% of course fee is required as a deposit at time of booking – the balance is due 12 weeks before departure
	Reference:	AA014

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 learn about the behaviour and identification of many of the insects, spiders, scorpions, other small creatures and birds in the ecosystem. As well as learning about the underlying elements that support this amazing variety of life such as the geology, soils, plants and climate, students will study how the smaller organisms interact with one another and their environment.  They will also have the opportunity to learn about identification and behaviour of the larger wild animals that roam the wilderness areas.   

Depending on which camp the course is held at, all the big predators ranging from lion, leopard, and cheetah to spotted hyena may be seen as well as their prey, which are a variety of plains game species such as kudu, impala, duiker, nyala, wildebeest, giraffe, zebra and warthog. Spending eight hours out in the bushveld every day provides countless opportunities to study the various animal tracks so that students can track and find the game on foot or by vehicle! 

A certificate of participation is awarded at the end of the 14 days by the course provider, many previous participants on this course have loved it so much that they have gone on to do our professional Field Guide qualification!

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 the vehicle 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 offered 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 to 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.

Please not that this course requires a minimum of 4 participants to run.

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.  Students are accommodated 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 under the stars 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 the last is home to the head instructor.

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 (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.

Typical Daily Itinerary

Rise before the sun for hot coffee 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 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.  The emphasis is on practical day to day experiences in the bush.  The daily outings are flexible and may focus on specific subjects such as animal tracks and tracking, birds, plant identification or animal behaviour, or may involve game viewing and learning about the ecosystem in general.

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 (please ask on of the Amanzi Travel team to confirm dates and locations).

Riverside Camp

Accommodation at the Riverside Camp is in ten shared walk-in safari style tents with 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. 

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 and beers can be purchased.   A laundry service is available at a small additional weekly charge.

Meals

Breakfast:  tea, coffee, biscuits and fresh fruit
Brunch:  fruit, cereal and a variety of cooked breakfast items
Afternoon tea:  light 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.  Accommodation at both the camps are on a 2 sharing basis and those wishing for single occupancy will be charged double rates.  Men and women do not share tents unless booked as a couple.

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.  

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 and beers can be purchased.  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

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 and Amanzi Travel can organise the road transfer for you.

Road transfers can be arranged from Johannesburg (OR Tambo) Airport to the camp if preferred, the transfer time being five and a half hours.  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 £120 return (subject to change)

Kruger Park Concession Camp

Students should arrange to fly int0 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 £245 return (suject to change).

For confirmation of the location of individual courses please contact Amanzi Travel + 44 (0) 117 904 1924

Fees

What is included

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Instructors and Training 
• Game Drives
• Walks
• Tea, coffee and cordials

What is excluded

• Transfer fee between camps
• Transfers/transport to and from the camp, before and after your course (Amanzi Travel can arrange the road transfers for you)
• 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 (R45 per week in 2009, R50 in 2010)
• Kruger National Park Entrance Fee (R35 in 2009, R50 in 2010- subject to change)
• Optional day excursion