Ranger Field Guide Training

The course is an intense theory and practical outcomes based experience for participants either wanting to pursue a career in field guiding or for those who merely would like to experience a more intense learning curve in regard the various aspects of being a game ranger.

Candidates found competent after successfully completing the 60 day course will receive a FGASA level 1 (NQF 2) qualification. Several aspects including SASSETA, weapon handling, First Aid, 4X4 driving, snake handling and wine tasting will give participants a head start on all the incumbent qualifications that are required to start a successful career in field guiding.

Participation age limit is 18 years of age and participants do not require any previous experience in the field but need to be in possession of a valid driver’s license and passion for conservation all related species with an ability to interact and pass on their knowledge to fellow humans standing them in good stead.

This experience is operated over a minimum of 60 days on scheduled dates and is based out of the tented camp facility with common boma and communal tent for socialising.

Course Content

The course is divided into two main components, namely:

Practical:
Students will conduct practical excursions onto the reserve and surrounding areas on a near daily basis, which will cover several modules as set out in the FGASA manual. Excursions are conducted on open homologated game-viewing vehicles or as operationally allows, on foot.

Theory:
Lectures are done on a near daily basis and are conducted in a classroom or outdoors environment. The theory exam pass rate for FGASA Level 1 is 75 %. This is required of participants who wish to for qualify for the practical assessment which is needed to attain the full FGASA level 1 (NQF 2) qualification.

Subjects covered in the course are

• Field guiding as a profession
• Creating a guided nature experience
• Geology
• Astronomy
• Weather and Climate
• Ecology
• Taxonomy
• Biomes of South Africa
• Botany and Grasses
• Arthropods
• Amphibians
• Reptiles
• Fish
• Birds
• Mammals
• Animal behaviour
• Introduction to conservation management and historical human habitation
• Hospitality including wine tasting
• Weapon handling

Course Requirements

Recommended Packing & Reading

Inclusives, Extra Murals, Extra's & Services

FGASA Code of Conduct

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