This 2 week 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, and an ideal option for the keen student looking to give guiding a try before embarking on a career and formal qualifications.
Duration & Fees
Start Dates
2012 Start Dates: 7 sept - 20 Oct (Makuleke) | 6 Sept - 19 Sept (Mashatu) | 3 Dec - 16 Dec (Mashatu)
Payment
30% of course fee is required as a deposit at time of booking – the balance is due 12 weeks before departure
What's Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Instructors and Training
- Game Drives
- Walks
- Tea, coffee and cordials
What's not included
- 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
- Kruger National Park Entrance Fee
- Optional day excursion
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!
You will learn how to drive a 4x4 vehicle, to identify birds, plants, trees, tracks and how to track animals, as well as learning basic bush survival skills and how to navigate and orientate yourself in the bush. You will also be shown what it is like to approach dangerous game on foot and how you should handle these situations.
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 that this course requires a minimum of 4 participants to run.
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.
Karongwe Camp
The Karongwe 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.
Makuleke 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.
Mashatu Camp
The Mashatu Camp is located in the land of Giants in the Tuli reserve of Botswana bordering South Africa. It is an area of outstanding natural beauty with majestic rocks, diverse vegetation, abundant wildlife, a profusion of birds and a rich archaeological heritage.
The Northern Tuli Game Reserve, on the confluence of the Limpopo and the Shashe rivers, in the easternmost corner of Botswana, is the collective name for several privately-owned game reserves including the Mashatu, Ntani and Tuli Game Reserves, covering all the land north of the Limpopo River.
Beside elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena, general game such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland and a variety of antelope, and nocturnal species like springhares, bat eared fox, civet cat, genet cat, honey badger and mongoose, are prevalent throughout the reserve. The bird life is prolific with Mashatu Game Reserve recording over 366 different species. The 4-wheel drive safari vehicles enable the student to leave the road and provide guests with up close game viewing and fantastic photographic opportunities. Night drives, with the aid of powerful spotlights bring the bush to life.
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.
This course could be held at either camp or at both (please ask one of the Amanzi Travel team to confirm dates and locations).
Karongwe Camp
Accommodation at the Karongwe 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.
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
Makuleke Kruger Camp
Accommodation at the Makuleke Kruger Park 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.
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
Mashatu Camp
The camp consists of 10 simple dome tents and is unfenced. Situated in the Tuli Reserve of Botswana bordering South Africa, which is an area of outstanding natural beauty with majestic rocks, diverse vegetation, abundant wildlife, a profusion of birds and a rich archaeological hertitage. The ample plains range from savannah, to riverine forest, marshland and sandstone outcrops amongst giant baobab trees, a wholly preserved and untainted wilderness. Mashatu truly embodies all that defines Africa.
There are shared bathroom facilities and a central communal area overlooking the dry river bed. Students bring their own bedding. There are no mosquito nets at Mashatu. 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.
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
South Africa
Why visit South Africa?
Every country in the world displays some diversity, but South Africa, stretching from the hippos in the Limpopo River to the penguins waddling on the Cape, takes some beating. There’s the deserted Kalahari, Namakwa’s springtime symphony of wildflowers, iconic Table Mountain and Cape Point, Africa’s biggest game reserve - Kruger National Park - boasting the most mammal species of any game reserve, and the magnificent peaks and plunging valleys of the escarpment of Drakensberg.
Cape Town is widely described as one of the world's most beautiful cities. Some of its more famous landmarks include Table Mountain, Robben Island (where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for decades), Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak, Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. A combination of historical coastal charm and urbane sophistication, Cape Town has some of the finest beaches and is also the gateway to the lush Cape Winelands, famous for world-renowned wines. From here, it is an easy journey to the Whale Route, where Southern Right whales can be seen (June - November) and humpback whales, Bryde's whales, Minke whales and bottlenose dolpins can be viewed year round.
The Garden Route is renowned for its beaches, indigenous forests, nature reserves, lakes, mountain ranges, adventure opportunities and hiking trails. Plettenberg Bay is a relaxed beach paradise with spectacular walks and hikes where one can watch dolphins and whales on eco-marine cruises. With some of the world's finest beaches, the Eastern Cape's untouched and pristine coastline also has a rich social, cultural and political history. Port Elizabeth is the gateway to the Eastern Cape, and the perfect complement to the Garden Route. Cape St Francis is situated on the Indian Ocean coastline, in and around Africa's largest man made web of canals and waterways, and is renowned for its long, sandy beaches, surfing, rock fishing and tranquil lifestyle.
Kruger National Park is the flagship of South Africa's game reserves, offering an unrivalled wildlife experience over two million-hectares. Private concessions operating within and alongside Kruger National Park feature luxurious, exclusive game lodges with many exciting safari activities. Some of these lodges are unfenced, allowing for the free movement of wildlife. Madikwe Game Reserve, in the North West province, is one of South Africa's largest private Big Five game reserves and features numerous lodges and camps. The Waterberg area in the northwest is also malaria-free and is aptly named for its strong streams that flow even in dry seasons, making for excellent game viewing. Both reserves are great for those seeking an accessible malaria-free wilderness experience.
Durban is a sub-tropical city and the gateway to KwaZulu-Natal. It offers a unique mix of Zulu, Indian and colonial cultures. Visit the Anglo-Zulu battlefields, take a fascinating glimpse into Zulu culture, hike in the beautiful Drakensberg Mountains, dive the reefs, marine and coastal reserves of Maputaland, as well as experience Big Five game reserves. The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is renowned for saving the white rhino from the brink of extinction, and Phinda Private Game Reserve is well known for its award-winning lodges and conservation initiatives.
Johannesburg meaning "Place of Gold", is South Africa's economic powerhouse. This vibrant and cosmopolitan city is home to many attractions including the Apartheid Museum and Constitution Hill, and also offers shopping from world-class to atmospheric curio markets. Known as the "Jacaranda City", the state capital of Pretoria features beautiful blossoming trees, significant old buildings and fascinating museums, including the Transvaal Museum, home of Mrs Ples, the australopithecine fossil found at the Cradle of Humankind.
Highlights of South Africa
- Breathtaking scenery, quaint coastal villages, cosmopolitan cities, wine routes and exclusive bush lodges.
- Exciting Big Five safaris in unspoilt wilderness areas.
- Malaria-free game viewing and sunshine all year round.
- See Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was held in prison for 27 years.
- Go up Table Mountain by cable car for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and beautiful Cape Town.
- Whale watching and great white shark cage diving.
- Beautiful, pristine beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- The Cradle of Humankind: Sterkfontein is one of the world's most productive and important palaeoanthropological sites.
Climate
For Johannesburg:
| Seasons | Max | Min |
| Summer (September - April) |
25 °C |
10 °C |
| Winter (May - August) |
19 °C |
4 °C |
| Rainfall: October to March, with November to January heaviest |
South Africa has typical seasons of weather for the southern hemisphere, with the coldest days in July-August. The Benguela Current, a cold motion that moves from the lower South Atlantic Ocean, causes moderate temperatures on the West Coast. On the central plateau, which includes Free State and Gauteng provinces, the altitude keeps the average temperatures below 30 °C.
In winter, also due to altitude, temperatures drop to freezing point, and in some places, even lower. Heavy snows have fallen recently for the first time in decades in Johannesburg. During winter, it is warmest in the coastal regions, especially on the Eastern Indian Ocean coast and Garden Route, where it has year round mild weather with occasional rain. As winter is cooler and drier, it is more suitable for hiking and outdoor pursuits, and is also a good time for game viewing as vegetation is less dense and thirsty animals congregate around rivers and other permanent water sources.
In summer, South Africa experiences the hottest temperatures and this is generally when most rain falls, October – March. However, there is one exception - the Western Cape, which is a winter-rain area that enjoys a Mediterranean climate (average 26°C).
Christmas to mid-January, and Easter are the height of the peak season for visitors.
Autumn (April/May) and Spring (mid-Sept to November) are ideal almost everywhere.
Key Facts
Population – 50 million
Capital – Pretoria (executive), Bloemfontein (judicial), Cape Town (legislative)
Currency – Rand (ZAR)
Official Language(s) – Afrikaans, English (South African English), Southern Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Time difference – GMT +2 hours
Telephone – country code 27, international access code 00
Above all expectations. It was really one of the best and most memorable experiences in my life.
Alejandra, USA, aged 34 (Field Guide - 2 Weeks)