Bli safariguide i Sydafrika

Några av er kanske redan har uppmärksammat att vi har ett helt nytt volontärprojekt att presentera för er. Nu har man möjlighet att tillsammans med vår samarbetspartner GVI åka iväg och utbilda sig till en äkta safariguide i Sydafrika under sex månaders tid på programmet Safari Field Guide.

Det är en unik upplevelse, och klarar man av utbildningen har man dessutom möjlighet att stanna kvar och göra praktik i ytterligare sex månader.

Det här är ett fantastiskt projekt, och vi tänkte ta tillfället i akt att berätta hur en dag på projektet kan se ut. Nedan hittar du en text från GVI:s information om projektet.

Läs – njut – och dröm dig bort!

Typically the day will start early at around 5.30 – 6am. You will usually grab a cup of tea before heading out into the bush for a morning of practical training laden with reference books of the African bush and a pair of good binoculars. Each week you will be focusing on a different module such as birds, mammals, 4 X 4 skills etc.

On your practical sessions in the bush, either a walk or a drive, you will concentrate on these modules and put all the theory you have learnt in the classroom into practice in the field. For example, you might have collected some specimens that morning which you will bring back to the classroom for identification before the afternoon practical.

At the end of each week all the students are tested on that weeks module before moving onto the next one. However, learning of each topic is continuous as while you are out in the bush nature is all around you so you cannot help but increase your knowledge and skills as the weeks progress.

Bushwise follows the curriculum of FGASA and we use the manuals as a reference tool as you will be taught by experienced guides and instructors.

After the morning activity you will be welcomed with a hearty brunch. By midday you will be pretty tired and the African heat will certainly make you drowsy so all the students have a break to relax, rest or study….remember you have a test at the end of the week! After a break you will be ready to get some more fresh air and head out for an afternoon practical session building on your skills and knowledge gained in the morning session. All the teams return for an evening meal sat around the camp fire discussing their experiences that day.

The course runs for 4 weeks and then you will have 1 week off to relax, either at camp or you are welcome to go off exploring. This might change at certain times but will basically follow this timeline. There is plenty to do here with Kruger National Park on our doorstep, visits to the Blyde River canyon, whitewater rafting, microlighting, horse back safaris – the list is endless! Please note that during time off, students are welcome to stay at the campus but please note that food, laundry, transport etc is NOT included during this time as the kitchen and cleaning staff will also be having time off.

The course is fun but be warned this is no holiday – days are long and to reach the standard required to pass you need to be dedicated and focused.