EcoTraining's 55 day Field Guide Level 1 course, is structured to maximize the practical experience of our learners in the bush, by exposing them to two uniquely different biomes. Each day allows for hours of time spent in the field, practically interpreting the ecology and enjoying a wildlife experience from within our camps, across two wildlife reserves.

Daily morning and evening activities, alternate between game walks and game drives. Lectures follow after a hearty brunch, which involves topical instruction and discussion, on the subject or game encounter of the day (see list below).  This is followed by personal study time and relaxation, for the learners.

Participation within the group and towards the care of the camp, its' equipment and game vehicles, will be expected and assessed. Learners will learn the importance of paying attention to one anothers needs and safety, being responsible for eachother in the wilderness, while working in teams.

Participants will have the opportunity to attempt their EcoTraining and FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) Level 1 qualification, by successfully completing a theoretical and practical assesment. These assesments will be conducted by our instructors (who are accredited FGASA assesors) at our camps, during the course.

Although this course forms the foundation for a career in Field Guiding (and many other wildlife orientated careers), many participants enrol onto this course for a gap year experience or extended bush holiday. Participants older than 18 years, hol a valid driver's license and from all walks of life are invited to enroll!

Subjects covered:
• Welcome and Introduction
• The Game Drive Vehicle
• Ecotourism and Guiding
• Spotlighting
• Field Guiding as a Profession
• Basic 4x4 Driving
• Attributes, Skills and Duties of a Field Guide
• Planning of Game Drives and Walks
• Navigation and Orientation
• Radio Procedures
• Ecology
• Reptiles
• Geology and Soil
• Amphibians
• Fish
• Mammals
• Weather and Climate
• Anticipating Animal Behaviour
• Plant Communities
• Career Opportunities
• Plant Identification and Uses
• Identification and Ecology of Invertebrates
• Grasses
• Habitat Management and Principles
• Presentation Skills
• Creating Photographic Oportunities for Guests
• Animal Tracks and Tracking
• Communication and Facilitation Skills
• Bird Identification and Behaviour
• Guest Interaction
• Animal Behaviour
• Sustainable Development
• Approaching Dangerous Game
• Ecotourism and Local Communities
• Setting up a Bush Camps
• Taxonomy
• Survival Skills
• Basic Rifle Handling 
• Fire Arm Theory
• Dangerous Game
• Using Binoculars Effectively    

Additional activities:
• Basic 4x4 skills
• 1 to 2 night sleep out in the bush
• Boma dinner
• Impromptu evening game drives
• Extended evening drive with sundowners
• Extended morning drive with breakfast
• Lecture in the field 

Tests, presentations and evaluations:
• Written tests
• Oral presentations
• Practical evaluations and field observation tests

Cost:   Please contact us for the course rate.

Venue:  Makuleke, Karongwe, Selati, Pongola and Mashatu Camps

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If this is your dream or passion, allow us to help you fulfil that dream. After all, there is no time like the present. Contact us.