This is EcoTraining's well-known 28 day Safari Guide training course aimed at those wishing to experience a bush holiday in South Africa, whilst also learning about the environment they are in – it is for those that are passionate about nature, who would like a more in-depth experience and understanding of it. The basis of this course, was first developed in 1993 and was the first of its kind in the Safari Industry.

If you are not aiming for a career as a Field Guide but, would like to learn more for your own personal growth. The knowledge you gain on this course, will take your safaris and bush holidays to the next level and give them a whole new meaning!

28 days of living and learning in nature at our wilderness camps provides you with the practical and theoretical knowledge of the natural environment. Upon completion of the course, you will be capable of conducting game drives and interpreting the natural environment around you.

Our Field training course consists of walks; one or two-daily lectures in our bush classrooms; game drives, as well as sleep-outs in the bush. Every minute of the day and night on this course is a learning experience, being constantly exposed to the bush. Our highly experienced instructors provide unique access to their vast knowledge and insight, making every lecture an inspiring experience.

Subjects covered in this course include:
• 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
• Bush navigation and orientation
• Radio procedures
• Ecology
• Reptiles
• Geology
• Amphibians
• Soils
• Sensitivity
• Weather
• Anticipating animal behaviour
• Plant communities
• Career opportunities
• Plant identification and uses
• Identification and ecology of invertebrates
• Grasses
• Bush habitat management principles
• Presentation skills
• Creating photographic opportunities for guests
• Animal tracks and tracking
• Communication and facilitation skills
• Bird identification and behaviour
• Dealing with guests
• Animal behaviour
• Sustainable development and the wise use of natural resources
• Approaching dangerous game
• Ecotourism and local communities
• Setting up a bush camp
• Taxonomy
• Sleep out in the bush
• Working in the industry
• Bush skills and survival
• Testing and evaluations
• Dangerous game / Basic rifle handling
• Using binoculars

At the end of this course, you will be awarded an EcoTraining participation certificate.

Cost: We have chosen not to put our rates here as they vary for each camp. Please contact us for the course rate
Venue: Karongwe, Selati and Mashatu Camp

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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.