Game Ranger Training (Full Accredited Course)

Project Type: Game Ranger Training, Conservation Project.

Location: Eastern Cape, South Africa.

Pick Up Point: Port Elizabeth Airport.

Duration: 60 Days.

Price: from £2,999 for 60 Days.

Start Dates: 2012 – 2nd April, 18th June, 3rd September.

Accommodation: Purpose built volunteer accommodation situated on the Game Reserve.

Meals: Three meals per day included, semi participation.

Age Range: 18 Plus (Must be over 21 to complete Driving element of Course).

PDF: Click here to download a PDF on Game Ranger training.

Under the guidance of experiences instructors course participants will be given exposure to local abundance of Flaura and Fauna in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. You will relate to nature on exciting practical experiences both on foot and by vehicle and through informative theory based lectures and presentations.

Participation age limit is 18 years of age and participants do not require any previous experience in the field but need to be in possession of a valid driver’s license and passion for conservation all related species with an ability to interact and pass on their knowledge to fellow humans standing them in good stead.

The course is divided into two main components, namely:
Practical:
Students will conduct practical excursions onto the reserve and surrounding areas on a near daily basis, which will cover several modules as set out in the FGASA manual. Excursions are conducted on open homologated game-viewing vehicles or as operationally allows, on foot.

Theory:
Lectures are done on a near daily basis and are conducted in a classroom or outdoors environment.
The theory exam pass rate for FGASA Level 1 is 75 %. This is required of participants who wish to for qualify for the practical assessment which is needed to attain the full FGASA level 1 (NQF 2) qualification.

Subjects covered in the course are:
- Field guiding as a profession.
- Creating a guided nature experience.
- Geology.
- Astronomy.
- Weather and Climate.
- Ecology.
- Taxonomy.
- Biomes of South Africa.
- Botany and Grasses.
- Arthropods.
- Amphibians.
- Reptiles.
- Fish.
- Birds.
- Mammals.
- Animal behaviour.
- Introduction to conservation management and historical human habitation.
- Hospitality including wine tasting.
- Weapon handling.

To participate in the course no previous knowledge of nature, wildlife or conservation is required, although would naturally be of benefit to participants. All course participants are required to be older than 18 years of age and be in possession of a valid driver’s license for a manual or stick-shift transmission vehicle. A passion for nature, wildlife, conservation and interest in sharing your knowledge with others, will stand all course participants in good stead.

Please note:
Under current regulations, only persons over the age of 21 years of age will be eligible to qualify for a South African PrDP (Prof. driving permit), as is required to legally transport passengers who are members of the public or guest, as a qualified FGASA level 1 Field Guide.

Upon completion of the course, you will be capable of conducting game drives and interpreting the natural environment around you. Your skills will have also been developed so you are capable of sighting game on foot and it is a familiar and comfortable experience.

Field Guide Students are accommodated in purpose built tented accommodation sleeping 3 per tent with en-suite shower, toilet and wash basin facilities. Each tent has cupboard storage, desk and chair for study.

A communal tent and sitting area is available as kitchen and study area, there is also an outdoor boma area as part of the camp. The communal building located as short distance from the camp boast communal areas including a lecture theatre, swimming pool, canteen, storage fridge, lounge and entertainment area, television and DVD access, computer and internet access.

Three meals are provided on a daily basis. Meals will either be served at the facility itself or taken as a pre-packed serving, depending on planned or as result of unscheduled activities. Laundry services are provided once a week.

Shamwari 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 sunseekers, 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 very well known 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, This affluent area is charged with a friendly and relaxed surfing vibe.. Near Cape S. Francis is Seal Point and it is, one of the best places to take surfing photos, is near Cape St. Francis.

The area is an ideal base to explore the wonders of South Africa because of an array of attractions and you can choose to do this during or after your experience.

Rates
8 Weeks – £2,999

Payment
£200 deposit to secure placement at time of booking, final balance due 8 weeks prior to departure.

Included
- 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.
- Wine tasting and hospitality educational.
- Study Manual.
- FGASA practical assessment (NQF2).
- Training, Theoretical lectures and practical training.
- Snake handling training.
- First Aid level 1.
- 4X4 Driving Course.
- FGASA weapon handling assessments (BRH).
- SASSETA rifle certificate.
- FGASA membership.
- One year subscription with FGASA.
- Limited Internet time for research on presentation topic only.

Not Included
- 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.