Game Ranger Course

Study and track the Big 5 in their natural habitat.

An ideal introduction to conservation in southern Africa, set in a magnificent game reserve, the game ranger guide course is an intensive two week course covering aspects of ecology such as animal identification, behaviour, tracking and botany alongside ranger skills such as fire arms handling, safety in the bush and an element of astronomy.

What will I do

Through guided game drives, walks and sleep outs, this course covers the theory and practical knowledge behind life as a Game Ranger and includes the following elements:

• Bushveld ecology
• Mammal biology and identification
• Geology
• Animal behaviour
• Bird identification
• Tracking and spoor identification of game
• Dangerous game and their behaviour
• Basic fire arm handling and theory of 4x4 driving
• Snake and insect identification
• Astronomy

Certification

On completion of the course an optional theoretical and practical examination can be taken. Each course participant will be awarded with a certificate recognised by FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa).

Sleep Outs

One of the highlights of the course is sleeping out in the wild African bush. You all head out into the bush by vehicle with all the required equipment for the night. Over a braii you eat your dinner and breakfast the traditional African way. When it’s time to sleep you do so in shifts as one member of the course always keeps watch with a spotlight for shining eyes in the tree tops and the sound of roaring lions in the distance.

Accommodation

Students stay in traditional rondavels. Electricity is provided as well as an area for activities such as football and volleyball.

All meals are provided and catered for. Lunch will include a choice of assorted sandwiches and dinner will be traditional fire cooking with Braais’ (barbeques) and Poitjies (cast iron pot cooking) at the camp. A vegetarian option is always provided. Students will be asked to assist with domestic duties following meals.

What support will I get

From the moment you first send us an inquiry, we are always just a phone call or email away. You can contact our office team with any question you have. We’ll be happy to help you as much as we can while you prepare for your conservation experience. Once you are in Africa, we have a dedicated team of coordinators who will look after you - whether you need help with your conservation responsibilities, are feeling poorly or need to get to a bank to get out some money.

If your family need to get hold of you in an emergency, we have a 24 hour emergency phone line, and we can always facilitate contact to you in Africa.

What's the next step

If you are ready to submit your application. You can do this online or by post. And don’t worry - you application does not commit you to anything. It is just an expression of interest on your side and it helps us prepare the best advice for you.

We will contact you after accepting your application and chat to you about the best project choice, costs and dates. Once you are happy with your choices, we will set up your very own conservation experience for you and send you all the extra information you need - from the “small print” terms and conditions to insurance information. If you definitely want to go for it, all you have to do is send us a signed confirmation and a deposit of 295 GBP - or the equivalent in US$, CA$, AU$ or Euro.