South Africa game ranger course (8 weeks)

Seeing the Big 5 in South Africa is a must: but why not go deeper into your love for wildlife by actually living alongside them? This 8 week game ranger course opens you up to life in a Big 5 Game Reserve. From game counts to relocation, from fence patrols to vegetation rehabilitation, all of the skills that you develop give you experience of life as a game ranger.

Not only does the course give you an insight into the running of a park, it also sets you up for your FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) level 1 qualification, recognised across Africa. As part of this course, local rangers will give you insight into astronomy, geology, weather, ecology, animal identification and animal behaviour. Working alongside the local rangers, you can help with the introduction of African mammal species, tagging and relocating animals, as well as educating others about the amazing creatures that you will come into contact with.
At the end of this diverse 8 week programme, living in the heart of a Big 5 Reserve, you can take your field guide exams to get your qualification.
The reserve is home to many other species outside of the Big 5 (lions, African elephants, cape buffalo, leopard and rhino). An average day could see you helping with conservation efforts in the reserve with a giraffe standing by. Zebras roam freely across the area- a perfect sight to see in the South African sunset.

South Africa game ranger course >>
Location: Port Elizabeth area, Eastern Cape (South Africa)
Dates 2013: 05 August & 07 October 2013
Dates: 2014: 27 Jan, 31 Mar, 9 Jun, 11 Aug, 13 Oct (inquire for dates in 2015 >>)
Price: From £2779 (8 weeks) excluding flights
[Price includes game ranger programme including FGASA registration and fees, exams, course materials and training for the course. Accommodation, airport transfers and 3 delicious meals a day are provided in the reserve. Optional weekend trips are also laid on.]

Game ranger course in South Africa

country: South Africa
location: Kruger National Park, South Africa wildlife reserves
start: Please enquire for departure details. A minimum number of four people is required to run this course
price: From ZAR 24,660 (28 days) excluding flights.



This course has been planned for visitors who want more than the regular safari experience, and will offer an introduction to a variety of topics and give insights into African wildlife, the environment and survival skills. Highly experienced instructions will give you an understanding of wildlife ecosystems and their inhabitants. You will have the opportunity of experiencing the African "bush" first-hand, on foot or in open 4x4 safari vehicles. To take a course such as this one, is an adventure all of its own.
The course will be held in a large reserve in the Kruger Park area. Through the reserve flows three rivers, carving their way through the bedrock and dividing the reserve. The vegetation of this reserve falls within the Savannah Biome. The reserve has abundant wildlife with over 60 different species of mammals, including lion, leopard, elephant, white rhino, wild dog and cheetah. The camp where you will be staying consists of large, walk-in style tents with twin beds (2 guests share each tent). There are shared shower / WC facilities and a central recreation area. Linen will be supplied. This will be an experience of a life-time, you have watched "game rangers" on TV and in films - come and join this course for a real-life experience of a "day in the life of a game ranger". A totally unique experience!
The course is structured to maximise the practical experience of the students in the bush. Each day allows for hours of time spent in the field interpreting the ecology and enjoying a wildlife experience. During the first week, the morning and late afternoon excursions are conducted on foot, whereas the remainder of the course alternates between walks and driving. [...]

more info & booking >>
flights to South Africa >>
Kruger National Park info >>
South Africa country guide >>