Great Adventure Trips

South Africa

Specials / Self-drive / Family / Walking / Romance / General Tours
Horse Safaris / Camping Tours / Victoria Falls extension

Wildlife and Nature Training Courses

We offer wildlife and nature courses that give students an understanding of wildlife ecosystems and their inhabitants. We provide students with practical exposure to the diverse aspects of the natural environment in a big game area under the guidance of an experienced instructor and tracker. In addition our courses focus on guest relationship skills and the safe conducting of game drives and walks in a big game environment. A Dynamic and dedicated team of professional trainers, all experienced in their fields carry out this exciting course. The company is owned by two highly experienced guides: Lex Hes and Anton Lategan. Lex brings more than 20 years of guiding experience into the business and is also a successful wildlife photographer and author. Anton has worked as a guide in some of southern Africa’s top game lodges and has traveled widely through southern Africa, visiting most of the remote wilderness areas in the region.

All courses are based on our successful 28-day “Certificate in Game Ranging” course which includes the following aspects: plant identification and medicinal uses of vegetation; identification, ecology and behaviour of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals; animal tracks and tracking; communication skills; rifle handling; approaching dangerous game on foot; and guide-client etiquette. The emphasis is on getting practical, in-the-field experience.

Whilst our courses are aimed at people who wish to learn about guiding with a view to entering the tourism industry, they are also suitable for young people who are looking for a learning holiday with a difference, with the opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, on foot or in open 4x4 game-viewing vehicles. To partake in a course of this nature is an adventure on its own.

For those simply looking for a vacation with a difference, with the opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, on foot or in open 4x4 game-viewing vehicles, we offer shorter courses that can be tailored to the needs of the guest. These courses can vary in length from 4 days to the full 28 days and are suitable for business people, holiday-makers

To add to our two flagship courses, the 28 day Field Guide Courses, we have developed a series of shorter specialist courses for those students, travellers and workers, who have limited time yet do not want to miss out on this unique experience.

All our courses consist of one or two lectures per day in our bush classrooms and morning and evening excursions into the remote wilderness areas from our bush camps. Sleeping out around a flickering fire under a canopy of stars in the bush, dining in dry river beds and sipping on coffee at dawn serenaded by the morning chorus of Africa's bushveld birds…its an awakening for the soul.

We operate in 3 exciting wildlife areas.

1. Kruger National Park camp - Makuleke (Level 2 course): This 25 000ha Makuleke concession is situated between the Limpopo and Levuvhu Rivers. This area forms the epi-center of the Transfrontier park between Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe. The incomparable diversity of this area ranges from rivers inhabited by hippos and crocodiles, palm fringed pans, sheer gorges, fever tree forests and gigantic Baobab trees. Most of the mammal and bird species found in the Kruger National Park occur in this area. The camp will accommodate 20 people in canvas units on wooden decks, under massive Mashatu trees.

2.Formerly known as Karongwe, the Edeni Game Reserve is a 9 000 ha privately-owned game reserve situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa just north of the Olifants River at the foot of the Drakensberg mountains. There are magnificent views of the Drakensberg mountains from various parts of the reserve. We have access to the full 9 000 ha of the reserve. The camp consists of walk-in Meru-style safari tents and shared bathroom facilities with accommodation for 10 students at a time. Through Edeni flow three rivers, which are tributaries of the Olifants River, carving their way through the bedrock and dividing the reserve. The vegetation of the reserve falls within the Savanna Biome of Southern Africa with distinct vegetation zones – Mixed Lowveld and Mopane Bushveld along with grass savanna, riverine vegetation and rocky outcrops – being represented. The Edeni Game Reserve has abundant wildlife with over 60 different mammal species including lion, leopard, elephant, white rhino and cheetah.

3. Selati Camp - Selati Camp is a simple camp situated on the bank of the Selati River in the 33 000ha privately-owned Selati Game Reserve to the west of Phalaborwa in Limpopo Province. The reserve has a variety of habitats including thornveld, open plains, riverine woodland and magnificent granite hills. A wide range of animals lives here, including lions, elephants, rhinoceros and leopard as well as plains game such as eland, sable antelope, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, kudu, impala and baboons and monkeys.The camp consists of simple dome tents, shared bathroom facilities and a communal area overlooking the Selati River. Students bring their own bedding and sleep on mattresses on the floor of the tents.

Ranger Traiining Experience

Our shorter course, or as we refer to it, the Ranger Training Experience is an adventurous experience aimed at those with limited time who would like to experience the excitement of Game Ranger Training.

The course may include tracking big game, safely approaching dangerous game, 4x4 driving, basic rifle handling, basic survival skills and a night sleeping out under the stars. The course is conducted on foot and in open game drive vehicles, in a flexible format to optimize the bush experience.

Specialist courses can be arranged for groups interested in birding, tracking and tree identification.

Kruger National Park camp - The courses offered in Kruger are for a duration of 7 days, at a rate of R980.00 per person per night. This cost includes accommodation, meals, game experiences and excludes drinks. Optimal group size is between 4 - 8 people, but smaller or larger groups can be accommodated (max 20).

Karongwe Camp - These courses can be from 3 - 7 days long at a rate of R720.00 per person per night. This cost includes accommodation, meals, game experiences, excluding drinks. Optimal group size is between 4 - 8 people, but smaller or larger groups can be accommodated (max 20).

Nature Quest

This course is designed to provide a learning experience and incorporates certain aspects of the 28 Field Guide course. It is primarily aimed at those who are looking for a more in-depth bush experience, without necessarily wanting formal qualifications. This course is for students to test the waters for a career in this field or for any adventurous spirits wanting to gain a greater appreciation of nature and the environment whilst experiencing the excitement of the bush.

Subjects:
Bush navigation and orientation
Ecology
Geology & soils
Weather
Plant communities, plant identification and uses
Grasses
Animal tracks and tracking
Bird identification and behaviour
Animal behaviour
Anticipating animal behaviour
Approaching dangerous game
Bush skills and survival
Amphibians
Duration: 1 and 2 weeks
Minimum pax: 5; Maximum pax: 20
Cost: Contact us
Venue: Karongwe and Selati Camps

Dates: 2007 23 July – 5 August, 1 – 14 October, 26 November – 9 December

Price: 590 rands per person per day

Birding at its Best - Lawson's Birding Academy

These days, visitors to the African wilderness areas want to do more than simply spot the large game. Birding as a hobby has become popular and EcoTraining's courses have been designed to broaden and enrich your knowledge and skills by educating you about the fascinating world of birds and the interdependent relationships between them and other life forms.

Being based at our Makuleke wilderness camp, the learning process is 24 hours a day with the night calls of owls and nightjars overhead your tent, to the dawn chorus awakening you. Your bird knowledge will swiftly advance with the guidance of your specialist instructor, Bruce Lawson.

The Makuleke area in northern Kruger, is one of the last true wilderness areas in South Africa and a very special place. Whilst the summer months are always great for the migrants, birding in any month in this area is just awesome. There is a wonderful diversity of habitats which attract a huge variety of birds. The opportunities to learn and improve identification skills are limited only by the effort you are prepared to apply.

The Course (FGASA Accredited) has been designed to cater for anyone interested in improving their birding skills and knowledge, whether that be on a professional or personal level as well as those aiming towards the FGASA SKS Birding Qualifications. It is also an excellent training opportunity for those interested in gaining the new FGASA Birding Specialist qualifications.

Our courses incorporate theory sessions during the day and 2 (approx 3 - 4 hour) practical bird identification sessions - both early morning and late afternoon/evening. Theory sessions are held in the camp incorporating use of electronic media to add value and interest.

We are confident that any person attending our course will leave us more enriched and with greater confidence in being bale to pass on the wonders and beauty of the South African birdlife to your family, friends or clients.

Course: Lawson's Birding Academy

Subjects
Evolution
Anatomy and Physiology
Zoogeography
Habitats & Environments
Adaptations to Environments
Bird Behaviours - Personal Care, Defence, Communicaton, Mating Systems, Nesting Behaviours
Eggs, Chick Development and Caring for Young
Food and Feeding Strategies
Migration
Ethics/Conservation
Bird Identification

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights
Minimum pax: 5; Maximum pax: 18
Cost: 590 rands per person per day
Venue: Kruger Park-Makuleke Camps
Dates: 2007 10th - 16th April , 13th - 19th August , 12th - 18th November , 10th - 16th December

Animal Tracks and Tracking

This course is mostly taught using practical methods, out in the bush looking for tracks and for the animals. Walking in the bush offers the ultimate in-depth wildlife experience - encounters with all forms of nature - from minute exquisite flowers and insects to the heart-stopping elephants and endangered rhinos. One feels and interacts with African bush, not only observing.
*History and the art of tracking
*Sign identification and interpretation using spoor, diggings, clippings, territorial markings such as middens, pastings or latrines
*Sounds identification and interpretation
*Ethology and accepted procedures of guiding on foot

Duration: 3 - 7 days
Minimum pax: 5; Maximum pax: 10
Cost: 590 rands per person per day
Venue: Karongwe and Selati Camps
Dates: 11-17 June

LEVEL 1 & LEVEL 2, 28 DAY PRACTICAL COURSES

Our courses, which are accredited by FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) are each run for a 28-day period (4 weeks).

Cost: Edeni (Karongwe): R14 995.00 (per person) – 2005, R15 900.00 (per person) – 2006

Cost: Kruger National Park – R14 995.00 (per person) – 2005 (Not included is entrance fees to the Kruger National Park.), R15 900.00 (per person) – 2006 (Not included is entrance fees to the Kruger National Park.)

The above prices are inclusive of accommodation, meals, game drives and walks as well as lectures. These prices exclude transport to and from the camps, before and after the courses, as well as any accommodation before and after the courses, drinks and laundry.

Please note that should you cancel your booking within 5 weeks or more before the start date of the course, a 25% handling fee will be deducted from your deposit. If a booking is cancelled within 4 weeks before the start date of the course, the total deposit amount will be forfeited.

DEPOSIT TO BE PAID

In order to confirm a booking we require the following deposits:
Karongwe : R6000.00 – 2005, R6360.00 – 2006
Makuleke: R6000.00 – 2005, R6360.00 – 2006

The balance of the fees are payable 3 weeks before the course starts.

SUMMARY OF TOPICS COVERED ON THE 28-DAY COURSE – LEVEL 1

The course is structured to maximize the practical experience of our 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.

A typical day starts with a hot cup of coffee before we head off on a walk or drive out in the landrover at sunrise. The activity may focus on a specific subject such as birds or animal behaviour, or we may spend the time game viewing and broadly learning about the ecology. At times we encounter more dangerous game including lion and elephant on walks and drives, this allows for important exposure for trainees for the potential work that lies ahead in their future careers.

A brunch is served in the late morning comprising of fruit, cereal or porridge, toast and a cooked meal such as bacon and eggs. The study time follows which involves topical instruction and discussion on the subject of the day, followed by further reading and feedback by students. A siesta or personal time follows for a couple of hours in the early afternoon. Tea, coffee and sandwiches are served in the mid afternoon.

An evening drive in the landrover or an afternoon walk follows. Students are exposed to a world of nocturnal animals such as frogs, owls and perhaps leopards under starlight skies.

Dinner is served around the fire where we discuss the day’s experiences and wonder about tomorrow’s adventures. Our daily programme and course structure is flexible to allow for unexpected events such as a lion kill during a lecture on astronomy, or rain storm during a sleepout in the bush. These subjects are relevant to any aspiring guide or bush enthusiast.

Please note that operator reserves the right to stop any student from driving the vehicle if the instructor feels that the student is an incompetent driver, and is endangering the lives of fellow students.

We cover the following list of subjects during our 28-day course:

Welcome and Introduction
The game drive vehicle
Ecotourism and Guiding
Spotlighting
Field guiding as a profession
Basic 4x4 driving
Attributes, skills and duties of a field guide
Planning of game drives and walks
Bush navigation and orientation
Radio procedures
Ecology
Reptiles
Geology
Amphibians
Soils
Sensitivity
Weather
Anticipating animal behaviour
Plant communities
Astronomy
Plant identification and uses
Identification and ecology of invertebrates
Grasses
Bush habitat management principles
Presentation skills
Photography and binoculars
Animal tracks and tracking
Communication and facilitation skills
Bird identification and behaviour
Dealing with guests
Animal behaviour
Sustainable development and the wise use of natural resources
Approaching dangerous game
Ecotourism and local communities
Setting up a bush camp
Taxonomy
Sleepout in the bush
Working in the industry
Bush skills and survival
Career opportunities
Dangerous game / Rifle handling
Testing and evaluations

Students will be given a day off on the 14th day, to spend at their leisure.During the course, students will be expected to complete the following:

3 Written Tests
2 Presentations
Field Observation Evaluation
Game Drive Evaluation

DATES OF LEVEL 1 COURSES FOR 2007 (KARONGWE): 19 February - 18 March, 2 - 29 April, 14 May - 10 June, 25 June - 22 July, 6 August - 2 September, 17 September - 14 October, 29 October - 25 November 2007

DATES OF LEVEL 1 COURSES FOR 2007 (Selati Camp): 19 February - 18 March, 12 November - 9 December

SUMMARY OF TOPICS COVERED ON THE 28-DAY COURSE – LEVEL 2

The aim of this course is to develop and practice skills and knowledge learnt on the Level 1 course. It is conducted in a different, wilder area and is therefore more “real”. 60% Of the time is spent on foot and 40% in the vehicle. This course gives grounding to conduct bush walks in big game country and has an emphasis on safety.

Students will be expected to show leadership and decision-making skills and that they are responsible and accountable for their actions in the field. Student participation in the care of the camp, equipment and vehicle will be expected. Students will be expected to pay attention to the needs of fellow students and to work in teams at times.

We cover the following list of subjects during our 28-day course:

Introduction to Level 2 course
Guide/Guest Etiquette
Advanced Orientation
Advanced Birding
Advanced Tracking
Conservation
Survival and Bush Skills
South African Biomes
Walking in Big Game Country
Advanced Geology
Situational Awareness
Advanced Ecology
Test and Presentation
Animal Behaviour
Weapon Handling
Dangerous Animal Knowledge
Wilderness Concept
Palaeontology
Advanced Game Drive Techniques
Habitat Management
Advanced Driving Techniques
Presentations, Tests and Evaluations

2007 COURSE DATES KRUGER NATIONAL PARK (Level 2 course): 5 March - 1 April, 30 April - 27 May, 25 June - 22 July, 20 August - 16 September, 15 October - 11 November