Trails Guide Course Highlights

Where will I sleep?

The sleeping arrangements at all our camps consist of 2 people sharing per tent. Most of the tents are large walk-in safari style tents.

And meals?
The day starts off with biscuits, fruit or cereal with tea and coffee at sunrise before the morning activity. A hearty brunch consists of fruit, cereal and a variety of cooked breakfasts. High tea before the afternoon outing consisting of sandwiches and snacks to give you energy for your afternoon activity before returning to camp in the evening for a hot plated dinner of meat, vegetables and salads.

How do I get there and travel around?

Fly into OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. Our Pathfinders Booking agent will be in communication with you about transfers to the specific camp.

What does the cost include?

Wondering what is included in your Trails Guide Course tour? Check out the list below:

• Game drives
• Accommodation
• Meals
• Tea & Coffee

• Transfers/transport to and from the camp, before and after the course
• Any accommodation before and after the course
• Beverages
• Laundry
• Kruger National Park entrance fee (for Makuleke Camp courses)
• All FGASA registration, examination and moderation fees
• All items of a personal nature, such as curios, gifts, clothing and tips
• Flights, visas, travel and medical insurance (please note that emergency air evacuation is essential)
• Email and telephone calls during your stay (charged out at cost)
• Personal insurance cover for the duration of your placement which is expected to include cover for repatriation

Do I need experience, is there orientation?

A qualifed instructor will brief you upon arrival.

And support?
Throughout your course, you will have the full support and guidance of our coordinators and professional guides, who will provide you with competent 24-hour field support and assistance.

Anything extra I need to know?

This new course has been specifically developed to cater for those learners who have completed our Level 1 course or other equivalent qualification and wish to be trained in trails guiding and logging encounters. It is also endorsed by FGASA.

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 therefore provides a more authentic Field Guide experience. The majority of the time on this Trails Guide course is spent exploring the wilderness on foot. This course gives grounding to conduct bush walks in big game country and has an emphasis on safety. Learners will be expected to show leadership and decision-making skills and that they are responsible and accountable for their actions in the field. Learner participation in the care of the camp, equipment and vehicle will be expected.Learners will be expected to pay attention to the needs of fellow learners and to work in teams at times.

Subjects covered in this course include:

• Introduction to Trails Guide course
• Advanced orientation
• Tracks and tracking
• Survival and Bush Skills
• Walking in big game country
• Situational awareness
• Approaching dangerous game
• Dangerous animal knowledge & behaviour
• Animal behaviour
• What a Trails Guide carries in a backpack
• Birding & bird identification
• Geology
• Ecology
• Historical human habitation
• Conservation ethics
• Weapon handling, safety & ballistics
• Wilderness concept
• Radio procedures
• FGASA Rifle Handling and back-up VPDA**- qualification opportunities
• Presentations, tests and evaluations