Call: +44 (0) 207 193 7819
Email: info@gapafricaprojects.com
Call: +44 (0) 207 193 7819
Email: info@gapafricaprojects.com
Do you have a passion for wildlife and want to take your interest further into a career? If so then our Wildlife Training Guide Course is ideal for you. This programme is directed at FGASA / THETA qualified Back-up Trails Guides who are looking at gaining more exposure in viewing potentially dangerous game on foot, in order to obtain a full qualification as an Advanced / Lead Trails Guide. A wide spectrum of high profile game will be viewed on foot, with students alternating amongst themselves as Lead and Back-up Rifle.
Under the guidance of experienced Instructors and Professionals in specific fields of biodiversity, you will be given exposure at Pumba Game Reserve, nestled in the Eastern Cape Province. You will relate to nature on exciting practical outings by vehicle and on foot and through informative lectures. Every student participating in a course will get to know nature, through structured workbooks, as well as projects, which will involve teamwork.
Project Type: Game Ranger Training / Backup trails guide course, Conservation Project.
Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Pick Up Point: Port Elizabeth Airport.
Duration: 7 Weeks.
Price: from £2,749 for 7 weeks.
Accommodation: Purpose built volunteer accommodation situated on the Game Reserve.
Meals: Three meals per day included, semi participation.
Age Range: 18 Plus.
Under the guidance of experienced Instructors and Professionals in specific fields of biodiversity, you will be given exposure to this magnificent reserve, nestled in the Eastern Cape Province. Nature will be interpreted to you via informative lectures, on exciting practical outings, by vehicle and on foot. Each student participating in a course will get to know nature, through structured workbooks, as well as projects, which will involve teamwork.
The course is structured in such a way enabling, you, the learner to maximise on practical experience out in our wilderness areas. PPGR’s philosophy regarding learning is, “each day must be filled with hours of learning in the field, interpreting, researching and understanding the ecological processes of nature and its wonders.” Exposure to the wilderness areas of PPGR will be accomplished both by vehicle and on foot.
PPGR’s Field Guide Course is accredited with The Field Guides Association of South Africa (FGASA) who has accreditation with The Tourism and Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority (THETA). These two bodies are responsible for the regulation of standards within the Field Guide Training industry.
This course is carried out on 7000 hectares of wilderness area, under the guidance of Instructors who pride themselves on their conservation ethics, personal responsibility and safety at all times. The course includes a mix of theoretical and practical based training and is conducted in natures greatest class room … the wild African Bush!
The subjects covered during your seven week Field Guide Training will cover:
Introduction to Trails Guide Course
– Tracks and Tracking which is certified by an endorsed company.
– Dangerous animal knowledge and behaviour.
– Situational awareness.
– Pre-Trail briefs, checks and a trails guide backpack equipment check.
– Weapon handling, safety and ballistics.
Tests, Presentations and Assessments
– Theory tests + FGASA National sitting (3/4 month).
– Practical assessments + FGASA Advanced / Back-up Rifle Handling (ARH) and Viewing Potentially.
Dangerous Animals (VPDA) Assessment
– 2 VPDA scenarios.
– 1 Tracks and Signs Theory and Practical Test.
– 2 Bird Identification Tests (Sound and Slide).
POSLEC SASSETA Competency in use of a Company Rifle which is certified by an endorsed company (Applicable to all leading or back up walks).
On successful completion of the course, participants will gain:
– FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling (Back-up or Advanced Rifle).
– FGASA Back-up Trails Guide (If already attained FGASA Level 1 and subject to passing the Trails Guide Theory exam and the Advanced Rifle Handling component).
– Signs and Tracks Certification (Level 1,2 or 3).
– DEAT and THETA Registration ensuring the legal operation as a Qualified Field Guide.
– Mentorship walks preparing for final completion of Trails Guide Qualification.
– SASSETA POSLEC certification in the use of a Rifle for company use.
The course includes daily lectures with the emphasis being placed on practical learning. Afternoon and morning drives and walks will incorporate all the subjects. Once you have passed the required theory and practical components of the course you will be encouraged to lead walks, while being mentored and coached by an Instructor, enabling you to gain experience and confidence to walk in any bush environment.
Optional: 7 Day Mentorship Walking Programme for FGASA Back Up Trails Guide
Upon successful completion of the Backup trails guide course, students have the option to further their training with the mentorship walking programme. This programme is directed at FGASA / THETA qualified Back-up Trails Guides who are looking at gaining more exposure in viewing potentially dangerous game on foot, in order to obtain a full qualification as an Advanced / Lead Trails Guide. During the week each student will undergo a shooting evaluation, before mentoring takes place. This allows the student to familiarise him / herself with the Rifle they will be walking with and will allow the Instructor to ascertain at what stage of ARH the student is at. A wide spectrum of high profile game will be viewed on foot, with students alternating amongst themselves as Lead and Back-up Rifle. Orientation skills will be evaluated continually as well as the student’s ability to interpret signs and tracks. Adopting safe walking procedures will be carried out at all times.
Whilst conducting your Field Guide Training you will be accommodated at the Training Academy within the reserve, which comprises of a fully furnished farmstead with five double bedrooms and seven double ensuite chalets with a communal lodge area with kitchen, dining room, lounge and bar area.
There is a lecture room, a lounge with a TV and DSTV (sky equivalent), library and facility where internet can be accessed, a dining room and a fully equipped kitchen with fridge, micro-wave, cutlery, crockery and cooking utensils. The facility has a boma, which is a place for unwinding and discussing the day’s activities while enjoying a braai (BBQ) under the African stars.
Pumba Game Reserve is located in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and interesting regions on planet Earth. The Eastern Cape’s biodiversity is unmatched in Southern-Africa.
For the sun seekers, the Wild Coast and the Sunshine Coast has some of the world’s best beaches. For exquisite beaches try Bushman’s River Mouth or Kenton-on-Sea. The Sunshine Coast is also known all over the globe for its surfing waves.
Jeffreys Bay is an area with some of the country’s wildest coastline, which is backed by some of Africa’s most spectacular sub-tropical rainforest. Famous for its “supertubes”, probably South Africa’s longest and most consistently good wave, it’s charged with a surf vibe as relaxed as it is friendly, and this tends to soften the effect of the wealthy set who have made this part of the coast their own. Seal point, one of the best places to take surfing photos, is near Cape St. Francis.
Needless to say the area boasts an array of attractions among its many Game Reserves and is an ideal base to explore the wonders of South Africa during or after your experience.
7 Weeks – £2,749.
7 Day add on – £799.
£200 deposit to secure placement at time of booking, final balance due 8 weeks prior to departure.
– Pre departure support and documentation.
– Programme fee and contribution.
– Return Transfers from Port Elizabeth Airport.
– Accommodation for duration of stay.
– Housekeeping costs.
– All meals (Semi Participation).
– All transportation on project.
– 24 hour in country support.
– Laundry service once weekly.
– 3 meals per day, any additional snacks are to be provided by the learner.
– Access to tea, coffee and juice.
– Study Manual.
– DEAT and THEATA registration.
– FGASA practical assessment.
– Training, Theoretical lectures and practical training.
– FGASA weapon handling assessments (BRH).
– SASSETA rifle certificate.
– Flights.
– Travel Insurance.
– Any vaccinations as recommended by your GP.
– Internet access.
– Soft drinks and snacks.
– Any visas required.
– Any additional activities outside of project itinerary.
If you have any questions, or if you’d like to find out more about this incredible adventure and create some unforgettable memories, just fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch as soon as possible.