Trails Guide - 28 Dayfrom £2,045 (28 days)

Duration & Fees

• £2,045 - 28 days
  Mashatu (Botswana)
• £2,275 - 28 days

Start Dates

2012 Start Date: 6 Jan - 2 Feb (Mashatu) | 9 Feb - 6 Mar (Makuleke) | 25 Apr - 22 May (Makuleke) | 19 May - 15 Jun (Mashatu) | 19 Jul - 15 Aug (Mashatu) 13 Aug - 9 Sept (Makuleke) | 10 Sep - 7 Oct (Makuleke) | 16 Oct - 12 Nov (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

• Instructors and training
• Accommodation
• Walks
• Game drives
• Meals, tea, coffee and cordials
• Lectures, game drives and walks

What's not included

• International and domestic flights including arrival and departure fees if applicable
• Transfers to and from Johannesburg airport on arrival and at the end of the project - Amanzi Travel can arrange return transfers for you
• Travel insurance to cover your project (to include cover for repatriation)
• Accommodation before and after the course
• Tourist Visas
• Personal items, clothes, travel goods etc
• Laundry
• Kruger National Park Entrance Fee
• FGASA registration, examination, moderation and annual membership fees
• Optional day excursions
• Beverages (beer, ciders, bottled water)

The aim of this month long course is to further develop the skills and knowledge of those that have already undertaken a FGASA Level 1 or equivalent course. The course is conducted in a different, wilder area providing a genuine and exhilarating Field Guide experience. A larger proportion of this course is spent on foot in the bush, teaching you the skills necessary to conduct bush walks yourself in big game country. The emphasis at all times is on the safety of the individual and group and the student will have the opportunity to observe and learn from extremely experienced guides. The students are expected to demonstrate decision making skills in the field and to adopt leadership roles.

As part of the developing role of the student towards a professional guiding career, the student will be expected to participate actively in care of the camp environment, guiding equipment and the safari vehicles. As part of the leadership roles, the student will need to be sensitive to and appreciate the needs of other students and work as part of a team to achieve their goals.

Please note that this course needs a minimum of 4 participants to run. We also offer a 28 day FGASA Level 1 Fields Guide Course for those that have not already completed an equivalent level guiding course: Field Guide FGASA – 28 days. 

Lecture Subjects

• Introduction to the Trails Guide Course
• Advanced Orientation
• Tracks and Tracking
• Survival and Bush Skills
• Walking in Big Game Country
• Situational Awareness
• Approaching Dangerous Game
• Dangerous Animal Knowledge & Behaviour
• Animal behaviour
• What a Trails Guide carries in a Backpack
• The role of the back-up
• Post incident management
• Birding & Bird Identification
• Geology
• Ecology
• Historical Human Habitation
• Conservation Ethics
• Weapon Handling, Safety and Ballistics
• Wilderness Concept
• Radio Procedures
• FGASA Rifle Handling & VPDA Qualification Opportunities
• Possible 2 day navigational hike and sleep-out

Tests, Presentations and Evaluations

• 2 x Theory test
• 1 x Presentation
• 1 x Field Observation
• 2 x Scenarios (approaching dangerous game)
• 1 x Practical Assessment

Philosophy

The aim of the course is to give the students that attend it 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 allowing the students to become excellent guides but also to show them something of the philosophy and approach that is an integral part of our interaction with the magnificent bush environment. The course aims to give the student a new outlook on the environment and perhaps even life. It is recognised that by inspiring the students that attend the course, they can go on to pass on their enthusiasm and attitudes to those they meet after returning home or to careers in the guiding industry.

Location and Environment

The training programmes will either take place in a South African bush camp that accesses 24,000 hectares of untamed and stunning African bush or in the Tuli Reserve of Botswana, also known as the land of giants due to the vast open space, majestic skies and array of wildlife. On the camps course 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 is designed to allow students to get up close and personal with their environment. The accommodation are in an uncluttered and authentic game reserve camp, and they are completely unfenced there are occasional nocturnal visitors - hence the sounds of the bush are literally right outside the accommodation!   Guests may overhear elephants browsing on leaves and nightjars calling right outside their tents!  It also provides a perfect opportunity to practice tracking skills through and around the camps 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.

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.

Certification and Accreditation

The Trails Guide Course is endorsed by the FGASA. The FGASA offer a Trails Guide certification for those that have achieved Level 1 already. The theoretical examination can be sat once the Level 1 has been achieved (FGASA pass mark is 75%). After a certain amount of experience has been achieved the candidate can apply for the practical evaluation. Please contact us for further details. The examination fee is currently approximately £15.00.

Typical Daily Itinerary

Rise before sunrise to a morning breakfast of coffee whilst you listen to the bush begin to come to life around you. Your first activity of the day will be an outing into the bush. The format of these outings is very flexible and will depend on what is found on the outing as well as maybe 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 brunch followed by the day’s lecture. There is study and rest time following this for you 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 bushbabies or practicing indentifying the local bird life. Time could be spent practicing your 4x4 driving skills or demonstrating your new found astronomy skills.

Following this full day of activities everyone returns to camp for dinner followed by socializing around the camp fire, exchanging stories of the day’s adventures and wondering about the delights that may be in store tomorrow.

A little bit of luxury?

Have you thought about treating yourself to a night or two of luxury at the end of your course? We can provide a perfect haven to unwind and indulge yourself before heading home. Take a look at the spectacular Kirkman's Kamp to see if you're tempted.

Support and Orientation

Support and advice is available from Amanzi Travel office staff and project/trip leaders. Upon booking, you will receive a comprehensive pre-departure pack that provides all the details you will need to prepare for your trip to Africa.  This document includes information on accommodation, staff, visas, optional activities, packing checklist and medical advice and if you have any questions that are not answered in the pack we are always on hand to help and advise. We will do all we can to ensure that you are well prepared and looking forward to your trip to Africa. You will also receive an in country orientation on arrival.

A 24 hours a day, 7 days a week emergency contact number is provided for everyone who travels with us.

Amanzi Travel holds an ATOL licence (9401) and is able to arrange your flights on request giving you financial protection for your flight and trip costs. We also offer advice on personal travel insurance for your trip.

Makuleke Kruger Park Concession Camp

Accommodation at the Makuleke 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 unit also has a verandah overlooking the bush.

The camp consists of 2 people sharing per tent.  Single requests are required to pay double rates.  Women and men do not share 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.  The camp is unfenced to allow for free movement of the animals in their natural environment.

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 with tea and coffee at sunrise
Brunch:  fruit, cereal and a variety of cooked breakfast items
Afternoon tea:  light 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. 

Please note that Mashatu camp has sleeping arrangements for 2 people sharing.  Single occupancy requires double payment.  Sharing is on a sigle sex basis unless booked as a couple.  There is no electricity, pearaffin lamps are used for all lighting and a generator.

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

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