Game Ranger Training Course Abroad in South Africa, Sidbury

Game Ranger Training in South Africa
South Africa is a nation of many hidden secrets, beautiful scenery, breathtaking terrain, an astonishing array of wildlife, and arguably the best safari holiday destinations in the world. Behind the scenes of this well established reserve lurk the ever present figures of the Game Ranger Field Guides, those who are tasked with the amazing job of showing fascinated guests around, introducing them to all of the regions famous animal inhabitants. Field Guides play a key role in the running of the park, and on this 8 week course you will have the opportunity to become a Level 1 accredited FGASA (Field Guides Association of South Africa) Field Guide.

Your Game Ranger Field Guide Training Course
On your game ranger field guide training course you will be taught and instructed by qualified rangers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with the animal residents of an area that boasts the largest concentration of wildlife on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. As well as understanding what is needed to succeed when working with the animals, all of these professional ranger guides have worked with the reserves visitors for many years and are well versed in development and understanding of the need for strong interpersonal skills.

This 8 week intensive course is aimed at participants who either want to pursue a career as a Ranger Field Guide, or those who quite simply want to gain a greater understanding of the knowledge and skills required to become a game ranger in one of the world’s top safari locations.

The course will take all participants through the key elements that make up the accreditation for a Level 1 FGASA Field Guide, including studying animal behaviour, fauna and flora, level one first aid course, cloud formations and guest interaction.

Course Content
This Level 1 FGASA Game Ranger Field Guide course is split into practical and theoretical components, to ensure that all participants have an all round knowledge that will stand them in great stead for successfully passing the course.

Practical
Throughout the 60 day course all participants will take part in some fascinating practical excursions into the heart of the reserve and to surrounding areas. Practical excursions are conducted on open game viewing vehicles, or on foot, depending on the practicality of each on the day.

Theory
Participants will take part in theoretical lectures throughout the course, which are conducted either in onsite classrooms or outdoors in the local surrounding areas. All participants will be required to pass a FGASA Level 1 theoretical exam before being able to qualify for the practical assessment which is a compulsory element of the full FGASA Level 1 qualification.

Topics covered during the 8 week course:
Professional Field Guiding and Creating a Guided Nature Experience
Animal Behaviour
Mammals, Fish, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Arthropods
Botany and Grasses
Weather and Climate
Cloud Formations
Biomes of South Africa
Conservation Management and Historical Human Habitation
Geology and Ecology
Hospitality and Visitor Interaction
Safety and Security and First Aid

Upon completion of this enlightening course, you will have a wide range of new skills, including being qualified and capable of safely approaching and interpreting animal behaviour and African animal tracks and signs.

Gap Year and Career Break Game Ranger Field Guide Courses in South Africa
For those who have a passion for nature, and a keen interest in the behind the scenes activities of South Africa’s epic safaris, this course will give you the platform to develop your skills and understanding of the natural world and its inhabitants. Meet a range of like minded people and majestic animals whilst taking part on this 8 week adventure where you really will learn something new every day!

We run courses around Jan, Mar, Jun, Aug and Oct each year. Please contact us to get specific start dates.

You must arrive by 15:00 on the Monday to catch the 16:00 transfer to the reserve, which takes approx. 1.5hrs drive.

Depart on the last weekend with a Sat transfer to Port Elizabeth Airport at 9:00 or the Sun transfer at 18:00.

Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa if they intend on staying over 90 days. We recommend you research this yourself depending on what Nationality you are.

Training and Courses
Throughout your 8 week Game Ranger Field Guide course, you will be put through your paces, and given the opportunity to complete a range of courses to aid your personal development and understanding of the life of a Ranger in one of South Africa’s top safari destinations.

As this course is FGASA (Filed Guide Association of South Africa) accredited, you will cover a range of course topics and additional courses needed for you to become a Level 1 FGASA Ranger Field Guide. These include your Level 1 First Aid Training and Assessment to ensure you understand the processes for emergency medical care.

Location
This outstanding Game Ranger Field Guide course is located at a well established Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The game reserve is renowned for its huge concentration of animal inhabitants, famously the spectacular Big 5 (Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalo and Leopards).

The climate is typical of the South African’s Eastern Cape, never too harsh to visitors and providing a good environment for environmental stability in the area. With an average of 7 or 8 hours of sunlight per day, average summer temperatures of 16 º to 26º C, and winter temperatures of 7º to 20º C.

Accommodation
You will be staying in luxury dorm style accommodation in the heart of the reserve with shared rooms and communal areas for socialising and relaxing. This accommodation has all the facilities (and more) that you could want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. There is plenty on the reserve to keep you busy in your spare time including a pool table, table tennis table, darts, large screen TV and even a BBQ to relax and socialise after a days activities whilst you listen to the evening sounds of the animals around you. If you still have some energy left after the day then there are plenty of sporting facilities for you to take advantage of such as a cricket field and tennis courts.

Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give our visitors the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of social activities to bring people together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none and you will return home with some truly unforgettable memories and friends for life. Your in country coordinators will arrange excursions for the weekends to Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown or another near by destination to make sure you get the very most out of your stay.

Travel and Adventure in South Africa
South Africa is a popular destination for travellers and with its abundance and variety of exciting activities there is no wonder why. You will be able to experience all the delights of the local area, including its renowned scuba schools and friendly nightlife, as well as its 40km of golden beaches which include Nelson Mandela Bay. There is a whole assortment of extreme sports and adventurous activities for you to try out in South Africa if you can muster up the courage!

Accommodation
Based in shared luxury dorm accommodation. Upgrade options available but please contact us for charges.

Food
Three balanced and nutritious meals from Monday- Friday

Airport Transfer
You will be picked up and returned to the airport by an in country coordinator. You must arrive before 15:00 on the Monday of your start date at Port Elizabeth as the transfer to the reserve departs at 16:00. Drop off on your return will be either a Saturday (departing reserve at 09:00) or Sunday (departing reserve at 18:00).

Training
You will receive a comprehensive orientation and induction when you start your course, to help you settle in to your new surroundings. You will also receive a range of courses required for completion of the FGASA Level 1 qualification..

Registration and Course Fees
All FGASA registration and subscription fees are covered, as well as all assessment and moderation fees.

Support
You will be provided 24 hour emergency support from our in-country team who will be on hand to support you for the duration of your course.

Flights; Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; In-country travel; Soft drinks; Any activities not in itinerary/details; Spending money.

Course Duration
This is an 8 week course. All participants are required to take part for the full 8 weeks in order to complete the course.

Typical Hours
Course hours are relatively long, with early mornings. Working hours can vary as tasks are controlled by prevailing conditions and desired outcomes, not time limitations. Approx. 6 – 8 hours per day, with weekends off for travel.

Pre-Requisites
There are no specific requirements for this course, other than a passion for conservation and the natural world, an ability to interact with others and pass on knowledge, and good English language capabilities.

Ideal For
Gap Year and Career Break Conservation; Game Ranger Field Guide Training in South Africa; FGASA Level 1 Qualification; Student Holidays; Wildlife Experience in Africa.

Suitable for ages 18 to 80

Most participants are between 20 and 30, so please be aware of this.