Safari School South Africa 4 Weeks

  South Africa

Hoedspruit

Dates: 14 Jan to 10 Feb 2009, 18 Feb to 17 Mar 2009, 25 Mar to 21 Apr 2009, 29 Apr to 26 May 2009, 03 Jun to 30 Jun 2009, 08 Jul to 04 Aug 2009, 12 Aug to 08 Sep 2009, 16 Sep to 13 Oct 2009, 21 Oct to 17 Nov 2009, 25 Nov to 22 Dec 2009...

Description: Learn how to survive in the African bush, be taught the art of tracking wildlife, drive 4x4's, sleep out in the bush, learn to shoot a rifle, see the 'big five', see a variety of birds, identify plant species, successfully qualify as a FGASA field guide!

Highlights: The dramatic landscape, and stunning wildlife makes the South African bush one of the best places for a safari. But what makes this safari guide course stand out from other safaris is that it requires you to immerse yourself into the wilds of the bush and get closer to nature than you could ever dream!

The course is run in partnership with the most prestigious and respected safari guide training school in South Africa. This four week course covers the subjects needed to complete level one of the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa certification. Renowned trainers will safely guide you through training that complies with government standards to cover practical and theoretical programmes within Big 5 areas.

Each morning we will walk with our instructors in the bush, learning all the skills required to navigate our way around the reserve and discover the flora and fauna and maybe see some large animals such as rhino as well as well as the small things. To learn how to track animals we will follow our instructor on the trails of lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and birds, utilising tracking techniques from following footprints, to analysing animal dung for freshness. Constant vigilance is required to learn the variety of signs that animals leave behind them, which if followed will lead us to animals that you will learn how to approach safely and that will be unaware of our presence.

Before lunch there will be lectures that cover a range of subjects including geology, weapons, animal biology, and working in the safari business. We will then have time to ourselves to relax, read or have a game of volleyball down by the river bed, before heading out once more into the South African bush.

The afternoons will be spent going on drives in the 4x4 game viewer to look for the more dangerous wildlife including the big five. We will be taking it in turns to drive, or sit in the special tracker seat located on the front bull bar of the vehicle looking for animal tracks. We will master the art of driving 4x4 vehicles in the terrain they were designed for and we will be required to drive off-road sensitively without eroding the environment. Those not in the drivers seat will keep a watchful eye for animal tracks.

Our instructor will show us how to safely drive into dangerous game sightings, teach you how close you can get to the animals, and demonstrate how to be aware of escape routes that may be required. Our cook will have dinner prepared ready for us when we return, which we can enjoy under the stars before we fall to sleep to the sounds of the bush. This Safari School Special will test you beyond your known limits, but the sights and memories will be taken home and all the hard work will be worth it and provide you with stories to tell the family for years to come.

Cost in US$: 2898

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Year Founded: 2006