African Conservation Experience: The Game Ranger Guide Course - A 2 Week Theory and Practical Course In the African Bush - African Conservation Experience

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Game Ranger Guide Course - Gap Year Conservation Experience

  • Tuli Conservation ProjectIn the Tuli Block of Botswana volunteers work alongside experienced rangers to establish a baseline ecology study of the wildlife in this vast and unfenced trans frontier region.
  • Zingela Predator Conservation ProjectAt Zingela, you can study some of Africa's most elusive and persecuted predators, focussing on cheetah conservation, leopard and brown hyena studies.
  • Phinda Wildlife Research ProjectAs a 'Big 5' safari reserve, Phinda offers superb wildlife viewing while you conduct field research on the populations of lions, leopards and elephants, amongst other species.
  • Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation CentreVolunteering at the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa gives you hands on experience in animal care, rehabilitation and hand rearing of wildlife. Join an experienced and dedicated team caring for injured and poisoned wildlife.
  • Khulula Wild Care
  • Game Capture TeamJoining the Game Capture Team lets you participate in the exciting work of capturing and relocating many wildlife species, including rhinos, buffalo, giraffe and large herds of antelope - this is hands-on and adrenaline fuelled work!
  • Hanchi Conservation ProjectWhile volunteering at Hanchi, you assist in the management of a 9,000 hectare reserve from horseback, which operates a breeding programme for rare antelopes as well as a cheetah sanctuary and predator study.
  • Shimongwe Wildlife Veterinary ExperienceThe Wildlife Veterinary Experience gives you the opportunity to work alongside experienced wildlife vets in South Africa, accompanying them on all wildlife cases and learning first hand and up close about this exciting work.
  • Nholwasi Community ProjectAn immensely rewarding experience, working with local children to promote sustainable and long term conservation, enrich their lives and work with the children of the future.
  • The Dolphin and Whale Research CentreAt the Dolphin and Whale Research Centre you assist renowned marine scientists studying the populations of humpback and bottlenose dolphins, byrde whales, humpback whales, and southern right whales, along South Africa’s coast.
  • Mauritius Dolphin Conservation ProjectAs a volunteer at the Mauritius Dolphin Conservation Project you assist with monitoring and controlling the impact of eco tourism on the local populations of spinner dolphins, melon headed dolphins and bottle nosed dolphins.
  • Tutuka Family Conservation ProjectWork with your family to bring your children's learning to life. Contribute to the conservation research of a Big 5 reserve and join our local community project.
  • Game Ranger Guide CourseThe Game Ranger Guide Course gives you a thorough introduction to the wildlife and habitats of South Africa and Botswana.
  • Wildlife Tracking CourseLearn advanced tracking skills and interpret animal behaviour while following wildlife through the wilderness of Botswana’s Tuli Block. This is a tough and adventurous experience.

A two-week theory and practical course in the African bush

This course is ideally suited to people wanting an introduction to conservation in southern Africa and those wishing to pursue a conservation orientated career, as well as wishing to improve their personal knowledge of wildlife. The course is also a perfect way to start or end your ACE placement, or is ideal as an unusual two-week break from the 9-5 routine. Set in a magnificent big five game reserve, most lectures take place out in the fresh air and practicals are carried out in the bushveld. The course is extensive and intensive and covers aspects of ecology such as animal identification, botany, animal behaviour and geology as well as rangering skills like 4×4 driving, dealing with dangerous game, snake identification and tracking. The course includes a sleep out in the African bush, aims to give students as much field exposure as possible and teaches a holistic view of the wilderness. It is conducted by a fully qualified and registered field guide. There is no entry level required for the course.

I wanted to know more about the wildlife that lived in South Africa and its conservation. I learnt so much more than I thought I would in just two weeks. We did a lot of tracking of the big five by foot and vehicle. The highlight of the course for me was camping out overnight watching out for the animals that may pass us; it was so exciting. I am so glad I went on the course, and I would definitely recommend it.”

Donna Calvert, ACE Student

Subjects Covered

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  • Bird, insect and tree identification
  • Introduction to mammals
  • Bushveld ecology
  • Geology of Southern Africa
  • Spoor identification of all game
  • Practical tracking down of the big five
  • Dangerous game and their behaviour
  • Sleep-out in the bushveld
  • Interpreting wildlife sounds
  • Habits of animals
  • Handling firearms
  • Basic 4 × 4 Driving skills
  • Conducting safaris and communication within the industry
  • Basic snake identification

Recognition

On completion of the course, students will be required to complete both a practical and theoretical examination. Students who pass will be awarded a certificate of success. The course is accredited by FGASA (The Field Guide Association of South Africa).

It is an introductory course for students who may want to make a career of game ranger guiding.

Accommodation

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A maximum of 10 persons can be accommodated per training course to enable the training guide to give individual attention to each student.

    Sleeping accommodation during the course:
  • Comfortable accommodation in a bush camp situated in a big five game reserve.
  • Around a camp fire under the stars in a big five game reserve.

Prices and Duration

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The cost for the course is £1095 and includes full tuition, all accommodation and meals. Food is provided and is prepared by the students on a rotational basis. Transfers to and from the course venue are not included but can be arranged for you. A non-refundable deposit of £100.00 is needed to confirm a booking with the balance due 8 weeks before commencement of the course. A reduced rate for the course is available to volunteers who are also joining a project as a volunteer. Please contact us for more information.

Start dates for 2010

  • 18th May
  • 27th July
  • 17th August
  • 7th September
  • 2nd November

Start dates for 2011

  • 22nd February
  • 5th April
  • 24th May
  • 28th June
  • 26th July
  • 16th August 
  • 6th September
  • 1st November

All students will be required to sign an indemnity before starting the course.

Read the latest News from the Game Ranger Course

Factbox! 

Duration:   2 weeks

Cost:    £1095 (2009) £1295 (2010) – includes full tuition, all meals and accommodation. We also do a package cost of £2150 (2009) £2350 (2010) which includes return flights from London and transfers from Johannesburg. As part of a split placement with a conservation project, we can offer this course at a reduced rate, please contact us for more information.

Accommodation:  Comprises dormitory style long houses with shared ablution facilities and traditional chalet like structures called Rondavels, with en-suite facilities. Electricity is available throughout the camp, with thatched open roofed areas and recreation areas.

Time of year:    Start dates throughout the year (see dates above). Courses are confirmed at least 8 weeks before departure.

 

 

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Find ACE at these domain names: www.conservationafrica.net, www.conservationafrica.co.uk

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