Next FGASA Level 1 Course: 2 April - 2 June 2012 (bookings close 30 March 2012)

Please note that from 1 July 2011 all FGASA accredited field guide courses are now a minimum of sixty days in duration, which is applicable across the industry for all FGASA courses by accredited training providers.

This FGASA Level 1 Course was designed specifically with the prospective Field Guide in mind. It qualifies a person to take guided walks and drives in non-dangerous game areas or drives in dangerous game areas.

The course is offered partly by distance learning and partly as a direct contact session in a biodiversity-rich Big Five area within the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve...imagine being able to eat, sleep and breathe the bush for a whole month! The course is conducted at ANT’s Trails Camp in the southern section of the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, adjoining the world famous Kruger National Park (with no boundary fence in between). The reserve is 66,000 hectares in size and is recognised as having one of the highest big game densities of any reserve in Africa, including all of the Big Five. In terms of the amazing biodiversity in that area, you won’t find a better training venue.

  

Our next course is scheduled to start on 2 April - please click here to request information pertaining to this course.

Our training syllabus is aligned with the FGASA syllabus for Level 1 qualification, which is the minimum entry requirement into the workplace as a Field Guide. (Please refer to our FAQ page to learn about the difference between a Field Guide and a Game Ranger).

The following subjects are covered: Introduction to the natural environment and the Biomes, Introduction to the natural environment and the biomes, Creating a guided experience, Arthropods (insects and relatives), Geology, Amphibians, Astronomy, Reptiles, Weather and Climate, Fish, Basic Ecology, Birds, Basic Taxonomy, Mammals, Plants and Grasses, Animal Behaviour, Conservation management and historical human habitation, tracking, level 1 First Aid.

Students who wish to obtain the full FGASA Level 1 qualification are required to complete the FGASA level 1 workbook (theory and practical), pass the FGASA level 1 theory examination, complete and pass level 1 First Aid and be found competent in terms of field skills demonstrated during the practical assessment.

During the distance learning phase, you will initially be required to spend time reading and researching in order to complete assignments on Amphibians and Reptiles, Birds and Savanna Flagship Species. In addition, you will be required to spend time completing the FGASA Level 1 workbook, which should be finished before you start on the practical component of the course.

Whilst on the practical, students conduct all the game drives and walks under the supervision of our instructors.

Each subject is covered individually during the daily lecture. When participating in field activities we draw on all subjects so that you learn their practical application. You will be taught how to apply your bush craft skills so that the knowledge gained can be applied in any geographic region (i.e. we teach you about the bush, not merely how to pass an exam).

Programme Description

On this, the best of FGASA level 1 courses, an example of a typical day is as follows: early wake up (tea, coffee, rusks); educational walk; return to camp for brunch; followed by a formal lecture; rest/relax/ablutions/self-study; tea; afternoon game drive, back by dark; dinner and lights out.

Summary of What You Get

By enrolling on the FGASA Level 1 Course you will receive:

•  Tuition from highly qualified and experienced trainers.

•  Learning support from our office staff conducted via electronic media.

•  A Level 1 First Aid Course conducted by a registered trauma Casualty Nursing Sister and accredited by the Department of Labour as well as the Resuscitation Council of Southern Africa.

•  Unsurpassed bush experience conducted in prime Big Five area within the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve.

•  Maximum exposure to wild animals at all times within our unfenced trails camp.

•  About seven hours each day are spent in the bush learning about biodiversity.

•  Fascinating subjects that will provide you with insight and knowledge about the African bushveld.

•  We guarantee personalised attention and an intimate learning experience - student numbers are specifically restricted to a maximum of twelve for this reason.

•  Excellent food and camaraderie - wholesome home cooked meals, ensuring that your experience is not compromised by grumbling tummies!

•  Access to the best natural history books in South Africa at the lowest prices, guaranteed!

  

The Registration Process

•  Contact us to request an information pack.

•  Complete the enrolment form and fax it back to +27 86 610 4899 or e-mail it back to the office of Africa Nature Training.

•  Once we receive your enrolment form and proof of payment of the registration fee, we will enrol you on the course and send you information about the next step: registering with FGASA.

•  Shortly before the course starts, you will be provided with website access codes to our student download library.

•  Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have.

•  Click here to download a list of what to bring on the course.