Description

Under the guidance of experienced Instructors and Professionals in specific fields of biodiversity, you will be given exposure to Pumba Game Reserve, nestled in the Eastern Cape Province. You will relate to nature on exciting practical outings, by vehicle and on foot and through informative lectures. Every student participating in a course will get to know nature, through structured workbooks, as well as projects, which will involve teamwork.

The courses are structured in a way, which enables you as the learner, to gain as much experience in our wilderness as possible. Pumba's philosophy regarding learning is, "each day must be filled with hours of learning in the field, interpreting, researching and understanding the ecological processes of nature and its wonders.". PPGR's Field Guide Course are accredited with The Field Guides Association of South Africa (FGASA) who has accreditation with The Tourism and Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority (THETA). These two bodies are responsible for the regulation of standards within the Field Guide Training industry.

Highlights

This course is carried out on 7,000 hectares of wilderness area, under guidance of Instructors who pride themselves on their conservation ethics, personal responsibility and safety at all times. The course includes a mix of theoretical and practical based training and is conducted in nature's greatest class room ... the wild African Bush!

The subject covered during your six week Field Guide Training will cover:

* Introduction to Guiding in the Natural Environment

* Creating a Guided Nature Experience

* Basic Taxonomy

* Basic Ecology
- Fish
- Birds
- Animal Behavior
- Astronomy
- Weather and Climate
- Geology and Soil
- Botany and Grasses
- Biomes of South Africa
- Arthropods (Insects, Spiders, Reptiles and Amphibians)
- Mammals
- Conservation Management

* Advanced 4x4 driving which is certified by an endorsed company

* Bush navigation, orientation and radio procedures

* Wilderness First Aid Training Level 1 which is certified by an endorsed com

* Tests, presentations and assessments
- 2 Theory Tests + FGASA National sitting (1/2 month)
- 4 Game Drive evaluations + FGASA assessment
- 2 Field Projects
- 2 Power Point Presentations

* After successful completion of your six week Field Guide Training you will achieve:

* Module 1: FGASA Level 1: Advanced 4x4 certificate
- Wilderness First Aid Training Level 1
- FGASA Level 1 Theory (career - subject to 75% pass mark) or PPGR Level 1 (experiential)
- FGASA Level 1 Practical (career - subject to passing the theory exam, and being deemed competent in the practical)
- DEAT and THETA Registration ensuring the legal operation as a Qualified Field Guide
- Public Drivers Permit enabling the carrying of fair paying passengers
- FGASA Level 1 will be taught at a Level 2 standard, preparing candidate for the next level.
- Signs and Tracks Certification (Level 1,2 or 3)

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.

Travel Types

• Birdwatching
• Camping
• Eco Tours
• Environmental Studies
• Geology
• Nature Tours
• Photography
• Safari
• Tours
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

3,899

Program Fees Include:

* Return Transfers Port Elizabeth Airport to Amakhala Game Reserve
* Accommodation for duration of stay
* All meals
* Reserve activities
* Course and Lecture Fees

Experience Required

no

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6 - 8

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 - 7 Days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Gap Africa Projects's Mission Statement

Our aim is to offer the best in Gap Year Volunteer experiences and career breaks to continent of Africa and to continue with the sustainability and development of the volunteer projects that we support through our international volunteer recruitment.

Year Founded

2010