Description

A 2-week Practical and Theory Course In the African Bush

This course is ideally suited for 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 2-week break from the 9-5 routine. Set in a magnificent Big 5 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.

Highlights

Subjects Covered

* Bird, insect and tree identification
* Introduction to mammals
* Bushveld ecology
* Geology of Southern Africa
* Spoor identification of all game
* Practical tracking down of "Big 5"
* 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

Travel Types

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Eco Tours
• Geology
• Safari
• Camping
• Hiking
• Nature Tours
• Photography
• Birdwatching
• Volunteering
• Off Road / 4X4 Driving

Qualifications

No qualification or previous experience are necessary, just an interest and passion for the natural environment and wildlife.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

2,000

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Costs include full tuition on the course, accommodation and food.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants of this course come from a variety of backgrounds. Many are people that have been on wildlife safaris before and want to go the extra step of learning about the African Ecosystem. We also get many professionals that are looking for an exciting two-week break.

Age Range

17-70

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 8

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

African Conservation Experience's Mission Statement

African Conservation Experience organizes work placements for volunteers of all ages on wildlife conservation projects in Southern Africa. We work only with projects that we assess as having a real and beneficial contribution to conservation efforts. Volunteers get very much involved with the work, rather than sitting back and observing, and provide a valuable resource to the projects. We pride ourselves on the quiality, integrity and frendliness of the service that we provide. We ensure that volunteers understand fully what is expected of them and place particular concern on volunteers' security and safety.

Year Founded

1999