Wildlife Ranger Course

  South Africa

• Other Cities in South Africa: 
Hoedspruit

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available throughout the year

Description: This exciting course offers volunteers an experience of a lifetime with a packed 28-day program that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the African wilderness.

A typical day on the course will see you rising early, usually before sunrise, enjoying hot coffee and biscuits while you listen to the bush waking up and then leaving the camp for an outing into the wilderness. The outings are extremely flexible and are determined by the unpredictability of what is found during the outing in combination with the subjects that have to be covered.

You could find yourself on a game drive following up on the roar of a lion heard during the night, or on a walk following fresh elephant tracks, learning how to track the animal and finding it, or it could be a game drive to a waterhole where animals come to drink.

Students return to camp in the late morning for a hearty brunch, which is followed by a lecture on the subject of the day. Study and rest time is then followed by afternoon tea and another outing into the wilderness until sunset, if walking, or until well after dark if on a game drive.

Afternoon outings could include night drives looking for nocturnal animals such as owls, bushbabies and leopards, or it could be a walk looking for and learning how to identify interesting birds. It could be time spent studying the night skies or even time for students to test their 4x4 driving skills.

It is then back to camp for dinner, stories around the campfire, discussing the day's experiences and wondering about tomorrow's adventures.

During your course you will cover a wide range of subjects including Animal behaviour, Mammals, Birds, Fish, Reptiles, Amphibians, Insects, Plants, Animal tracks & tracking, Approaching Dangerous Game, Setting up a Bush Camp, Bush Skills & Survival, Radio procedures, Weather & Climate, Geology, Astronomy, Basic Ecology and Conservation Management.

You will also enjoy additional activities including Basic 4x4 Driving, Sleepouts in the bush and Basic Rifle Handling. The course also covers Eco-Tourism related subjects which include Field Guiding as a Profession, Ecotourism & Guiding, Attributes, Skills & Duties of a Field Guide, Planning of Game Drives & Walks, Creating Photographic Opportunities for Guests, Presentation Skills and Working in the Industry.

The course is designed to build empathy with, and an understanding of, one of the planets last great natural resources. Students gain a greater appreciation of the deeper meaning of conservation in our lives and knowledge of what it really takes to become a game ranger.

The course philosophy maintains that nobody can truly experience Africa's wild places without actually spending time in the wild. That is why each course is conducted from our simple bush camps in the middle of a stunning wilderness landscape, with elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and a vast array of other wildlife as neighbours. Our students eat, sleep and breathe the wild African bush!

Students that have attended the course have returned to the 'real world' with a different outlook on life. Some have taken this new outlook into their day-to-day lives and others, inspired by their time with us, have completely changed their lives and careers.

Qualifications: No previous experience is required as all training is provided.

Cost in US$: USD 3,590 for 4 weeks

* Johannesburg Airport collection and drop-off.
* Overnight accommodation in Johannesburg before your Course.
* Return transfers between Johannesburg and the camp.
* A welcome brief and introduction with a member of the on-site team.
* Accommodation for the duration of your stay.
* All your meals during your course.
* All bedding and course related materials.
* All course lectures, practicals, game drives, bush walks etc.
* A certificate of attendance. (A pass certificate will be issued to students who pass their exams).

If you are adding the optional Cape Town Week, the following will also be included:

* Return flights between Cape Town and Johannesburg to join your course.
* Cape Town Airport collection and drop-off.
* A Welcome Pack complete with many useful items that will help you settle in, and an opportunity to let your family or friends know you have arrived safely.
* An embroidered AVIVA Fleece.
* 7 nights accommodation at AVIVA House in Cape Town with self-service breakfasts.
* A full-day Peninsula Tour which includes lunch, visits to Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak Drive, Cape Point, Simon's Town, Boulders Beach Penguin Colony and much more. An incredible day rich with history and some of the worlds most beautiful scenery.
* A half-day Cultural Tour, a fascinating introduction to South Africas recent political history before and after Apartheid, includes highlights of Khayelitsha, South Africas second largest township after Soweto.
* A full-day tour to the beautiful mountains of the Cape Winelands including the Paarl, Franschoek and Stellenbosch regions. Chocolate, Cheese & Wine tastings and lunch are included.
* Our booking service for all attractions and events.
* Advice and support from our experienced team during your stay.

If required, extra nights can be added to your stay to meet your flight dates for only R120 per night. This may help you to take advantage of any cheaper flights that arrive in Johannesburg before your planned arrival date.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A typical AVIVA volunteer... is open to experiencing new cultures and meeting people from around the world ...is tolerant and respectful of others, no matter what their beliefs or background looks forward to broadening their horizons and exploring new lands ...is flexible and adapts well to new situations and environments ...is self-disciplined with a sense of independence ...sees that volunteering provides them with a rewarding way in which to develop their own personal qualities and character while giving something back to the planet ...is pro-active and looks for opportunities to experience their new surroundings ...acknowledges that South Africa in many ways is still a developing country and thus will provide them with a wide range of new experiences

Age Range: 17+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-6

Application Process Involves:

• Other

AVIVA - Volunteering in South Africa's Mission Statement: Widely regarded to be one of the world's leading volunteer organisations, AVIVA is committed to supporting sustainable community, wildlife and conservation projects while providing international volunteers with rewarding, life changing experiences in South Africa. AVIVA provides full in-country support, all in-country transfers, accommodation, meals on most projects and a wide range of other benefits. Pre-arrival support is also second to none, with quick response to all enquiries, and expert assistance from their Cape Town based team every step of the way. AVIVA is the only volunteer organisation that provides a free personal trip planner & comprehensive fundraising assistance for volunteers. Previous experience is not required as all necessary training and supervision is provided. Since 2002, AVIVA have hosted volunteers of all ages and backgrounds from over 50 countries. So whether you are a student, taking a career break, or have retired and are looking for a way to travel & make a real difference, the AVIVA team would love to see you in South Africa. Visit AVIVA's web site to learn more, or make a no obligation application using their online booking form...

Year Founded: 2002