Get an intriguing behind the scenes look at the inner workings of a well established Game Reserve, and work towards obtaining the accredited FGASA Level 1 Game Ranger Field Guide qualification on this fantastic 60 day course set in the heart of one of the world’s top safari destinations on South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

Game Ranger Training in South Africa
South Africa is a nation of many hidden secrets, beautiful scenery, breathtaking terrain, an astonishing array of wildlife, and arguably the best safari holiday destinations in the world. Behind the scenes of this well established reserve lurk the ever present figures of the Game Ranger Field Guides, those who are tasked with the amazing job of showing fascinated guests around, introducing them to all of the regions famous animal inhabitants. Field Guides play a key role in the running of the park, and on this 8 week course you will have the opportunity to become a Level 1 accredited FGASA (Field Guides Association of South Africa) Field Guide.

Your Game Ranger Field Guide Training Course
On your game ranger field guide training course you will be taught and instructed by qualified rangers who have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with the animal residents of an area that boasts the largest concentration of wildlife on the Eastern Cape of South Africa. As well as understanding what is needed to succeed when working with the animals, all of these professional ranger guides have worked with Shamwari’s visitors for many years and are well versed in development and understanding of the need for strong interpersonal skills. 

This 8 week intensive course is aimed at participants who either want to pursue a career as a Ranger Field Guide, or those who quite simply want to gain a greater understanding of the knowledge and skills required to become a game ranger in one of the world’s top safari locations.

The course will take all participants through the key elements that make up the accreditation for a Level 1 FGASA Field Guide, including studying animal behaviour, fauna and flora, level one first aid course, cloud formations and guest interaction.

Course Content
This Level 1 FGASA Game Ranger Field Guide course is split into practical and theoretical components, to ensure that all participants have an all round knowledge that will stand them in great stead for successfully passing the course.

Practical
Throughout the 60 day course all participants will take part in some fascinating practical excursions into the heart of the reserve and to surrounding areas. Practical excursions are conducted on open game viewing vehicles, or on foot, depending on the practicality of each on the day.

Theory
Participants will take part in theoretical lectures throughout the course, which are conducted either in onsite classrooms or outdoors in the local surrounding areas. All participants will be required to pass a FGASA Level 1 theoretical exam before being able to qualify for the practical assessment which is a compulsory element of the full FGASA Level 1 qualification.

Topics covered during the 8 week course:
• Professional Field Guiding and Creating a Guided Nature Experience
• Animal Behaviour
• Mammals, Fish, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Arthropods
• Botany and Grasses
• Weather and Climate
• Cloud Formations
• Biomes of South Africa
• Conservation Management and Historical Human Habitation
• Geology and Ecology 
• Hospitality and Visitor Interaction
• Safety and Security and First Aid

Upon completion of this enlightening course, you will have a wide range of new skills, including being qualified and capable of safely approaching and interpreting animal behaviour and African animal tracks and signs. 

CRB/ DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
It is advised that participants complete a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check before joining this project. Changing Worlds can provide this service for you at an additional cost of £30. For more information on the application process please take a look at the relevant Add On tab. 

Gap Year and Career Break Game Ranger Field Guide Courses in South Africa
For those who have a passion for nature, and a keen interest in the behind the scenes activities of South Africa’s epic safaris, this course will give you the platform to develop your skills and understanding of the natural world and its inhabitants. Meet a range of like minded people and majestic animals whilst taking part on this 8 week adventure where you really will learn something new every day! 

Download the South Africa Country Info Brochure - Click Here!

Quick Facts

Trip Name

Game Ranger Training Course

Trip Code

ZAQGR1

Continent

Africa

Country

South Africa

Airport

Port Elizabeth Airport (Airport code: PLZ)

Minimum Duration

8 Weeks

Minimum Age

18

Trip Type

Courses & Qualifications

Activity

Wildlife & Conservation, Hospitality

Cost

From £3250 for 8 Weeks

Deposit

£ 250.00

Preferred Duration

This is an 8 week course. All participants are required to take part for the full 8 weeks in order to complete the course.

Pre-requisites

There are no specific requirements for this course, other than a passion for conservation and the natural world, an ability to interact with others and pass on knowledge, and good English language capabilities.

Ideal for

Gap Year and Career Break Conservation; Game Ranger Field Guide Training in South Africa; FGASA Level 1 Qualification; Student Holidays; Wildlife Experience in Africa.

• • •

Arrival Dates

We run courses in Jan, Mar, Jun, Aug and Oct each year. Please contact us to get specific start dates.

Visa
British Nationals only require a visa to enter South Africa is they intend on staying over 90 days. Click here to check your eligibility or to get a tourist visa for visit over 90 days. 

• • •

Included

Accommodation

Based in shared luxury dorm accommodation.

Food

Three balanced and nutritious meals from Monday- Friday

Airport Transfer

You will be picked up and returned to the airport by an in country coordinator. Pick up is scheduled for any time before 4pm on the Monday of your start date at Port Elizabeth and drop off on Saturday or Sunday (depending on flight times)

Training

You will receive a comprehensive orientation and induction when you start your course, to help you settle in to your new surroundings. You will also receive a range of courses required for completion of the FGASA Level 1 qualification (see Extra Info for more details).

Registration and Course Fees

All FGASA registration and subscription fees are covered, as well as all assessment and moderation fees.

Support

Changing Worlds will provide 24 hour emergency support from our UK office, and our in-country team will be on hand to support you for the duration of your placement.

Equipment and Medical Discounts

Changing Worlds customers will receive 10% off Travel Equipment, Medical Supplies and Vaccinations from Nomad Travel Store.

• • •

Not Included

Flights; Insurance; Visas; Vaccinations; In-country travel; Soft drinks; Any activities not in itinerary/details; Spending money.

• • •

Training and Courses
Throughout your 8 week Game Ranger Field Guide course, you will be put through your paces, and given the opportunity to complete a range of courses to aid your personal development and understanding of the life of a Ranger in one of South Africa’s top safari destinations. 

As this course is FGASA (Filed Guide Association of South Africa) accredited, you will cover a range of course topics and additional courses needed for you to become a Level 1 FGASA Ranger Field Guide. These include your Level 1 First Aid Training and Assessment to ensure you understand the processes for emergency medical care.

Location
This outstanding Game Ranger Field Guide course is located at a well established Game Reserve on South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The game reserve is renowned for its huge concentration of animal inhabitants, famously the spectacular Big 5 (Lions, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalo and Leopards). 

The climate is typical of the South African’s Eastern Cape, never too harsh to visitors and providing a good environment for environmental stability in the area. With an average of 7 or 8 hours of sunlight per day, average summer temperatures of 16 º to 26º C, and winter temperatures of 7º to 20º C.

Accommodation
You will be staying in luxury dorm style accommodation in the heart of the reserve with shared rooms and communal areas for socialising and relaxing. This accommodation is newly built and has all the facilities (and more) that you could want to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. There is plenty on the reserve to keep you busy in your spare time including a pool table, table tennis table, darts, large screen TV and even a BBQ to relax and socialise after a days volunteering whilst you listen to the evening sounds of the animals around you. If you still have some energy left after the day then there are plenty of sporting facilities for you to take advantage of such as a cricket field and tennis courts. 

Social Life in South Africa
We believe it is important to give our volunteers the chance to unwind and have fun while they are away. Our in-country team therefore organises a variety of social activities to bring volunteers together, to share their experiences and, above all, have a good time. The social life in South Africa really is second to none and you will return home with some truly unforgettable memories and friends for life. Your in country coordinators will arrange excursions for the weekends to Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown or another near by destination to make sure you get the very most out of your stay. 

Travel and Adventure in South Africa
South Africa is a popular destination for travellers and with its abundance and variety of exciting activities there is no wonder why. You will be able to experience all the delights of the local area, including its renowned scuba schools and friendly nightlife, as well as its 40km of golden beaches which include Nelson Mandela Bay. There is a whole assortment of extreme sports and adventurous activities for you to try out in South Africa if you can muster up the courage!

Arrival and Departure Information
You will need to arrive in Port Elizabeth on the Monday ready to begin your project the next day. You will be met at the airport by one of our friendly in country team who will then take you to Game Reserve which is approx 85km from Port Elizabeth. Please aim for your flight to arrive before 3pm as your coordinator will collect all participants from the airport at 4pm. Your transfer will leave to take you to the airport at either 9am on Saturday or 6pm Sunday.

Please note that if you are not arriving by plane on your day of arrival, please make arrangements to meet us at the following address no later than 3pm: 

Al Beit Lodge 
49 Admiralty Way 
Summerstrand 
Port Elizabeth 
Tel: +27 41 583 6415 
Email: [email protected] 

CRB/ DBS (Criminal Records Bureau) Check
Participants are advised to complete a CRB check in order to join this project. Changing Worlds has a partnership with a third party organisation that processes all CRB / DBS checks and disclosures on behalf of the Changing Worlds team. The process is extremely straight forward, making all aspects of the check as easy for the applicant as possible. Changing Worlds can provide this service for you at an additional cost of £30. For more information on the application process please take a look at the relevant Add On tab.  

With seven world heritage sites, home to the Big 5, a absolute powerhouse in international sport, and birthplace of the great Nelson Mandela, South Africa is a truly diverse and captivating country. South Africa attracts many travellers from all over the world, from the rich and famous going to have a luxury safaris at Shamwari Game Reserve, or the adventure traveller looking for their own secluded piece of natural beauty on the Garden Route, South Africa is as diverse as it is large, and has a great deal to offer.

Five times the size of the United Kingdom, South Africa’s culture and landscape will inspire and amaze you, from wildlife safaris and wine tasting tours, to breathtaking surf beaches and cosmopolitan cities. South Africa will leave a lasting impression long after you return home.

Quick Facts

Name

Republic of South Africa

Location

Africa

Bordering Countries

Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Capital City

Pretoria (official); Bloemfontein (judicial) and Cape Town (legislative).

Government

Democratic Republic

Population

53 million

Language

11 official languages; English, Afrikaans, Sesotho, Setswana, Xhosa and Zulu.

Currency

Rand (ZAR)

Name

Republic of South Africa

Poverty

50% of population below the poverty line

Main Exports

Gold, diamonds, metals and minerals, cars, machinery.

Climate

Temperate: Mostly semiarid; subtropical along east coast; sunny days, cool nights

Time Zone

UTC +2

Flag

Fun Facts
• Charlize Theron was the first South African to win an Oscar (Best Actress, Monster, 2004)
• Lekker means "cool" or "awesome"
• South Africa is the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup

Travel Highlights
• Big 5 Safari – the chance to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino
• Climb Table Mountain for spectacular views of Cape Town
• Wine Tour in the Stellenbosch Valley – find a new favourite in this famous region
• Walk in the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains
• Surf at Jeffrey's Bay - have a lesson with a professional surfer

Where is South Africa?
The Republic of South Africa lies at the very southern tip of Africa, flanked by the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The country is almost five times the size of the UK and shares southern Africa with Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
 
History of South Africa
South Africa’s turbulent history is a blend of tribal warfare, racial struggle and political activity, the legacy of which lives on in the multicultural country that you see today. The Dutch were the first European settlers to land in South Africa, way back in the 17th century. They brought a new religion (the Dutch Reformed Church) and a new language (Afrikaans) which is still widely spoken throughout South Africa. The British, however, became increasingly prominent during the late 18th century and tensions soon led to the Anglo-Boer War. The conflict saw the Boers (Dutch farmers) and the British forces locked in battle from 1899-1902. The British were victorious and finally took control of the Boer regions of Transvaal and the Orange Free State (OFS) and ruled the country until 1910 when the Union of South Africa was created.
 
The Union of South Africa installed political power to the whites and, unsurprisingly, extreme racial segregation, better known as apartheid, was soon evident across the country. The Afrikaner National Party was especially renowned for upholding its strict racial regime from 1948 onwards. Blacks established their own political parties in response to this oppression, the most notable being the African National Congress (ANC), and black-led protests were met with unfettered violence. During the 1960s, the leaders of the ANC were imprisoned, including Nelson Mandela, and the country left the Commonwealth declaring itself a republic state. Racial tensions continued for many years and it was only in 1989, when FW de Klerk came to power, that South Africa gained a new hope for peace. In 1990, Nelson Mandela was freed from prison and became the first black president, winning the 1994 general election. Soon afterwards, South Africa returned to the Commonwealth.
 
South Africa has come a long way since the days of apartheid, but the division between whites and blacks still exists today. Fortunately, as one of the most democratic and well developed nations on the continent, South Africa can now be hopeful about finally resolving its turbulent and racially-loaded past.

Climate in South Africa
South Africa has an envious climate, with sunny weather being enjoyed throughout the year, although the temperatures in winter tend to be cool and mild. South Africa’s seasons are the opposite of the northern hemisphere and the winter months are therefore spread from June to August, with temperatures ranging from around 10°C to 20°C. The summer weather blazes from November to March, with temperatures reaching about 30°C, and spring is during September and October, with autumn between April and May.

Languages of South Africa
There are 11 official languages in South Africa but English is widely spoken, especially in the main cities. If travelling through South Africa, you will undoubtedly come across this variety of language. Afrikaans speakers usually speak English well, but this is not always the case in small towns and amongst the older generations. There are several African languages spoken, of which the most common are Zulu and Xhosa which uses a variety of clicks – hard to learn but will provide a source of intrigue for listeners.
 
Music in South Africa
Many people are familiar with the African sounds and choral beauty of the Lady Smith Black Mambazo band, most notably for their collaboration with Paul Simon on the Graceland project of 1986, winning fans throughout the world. Their music has also been used on TV commercials such as the Heinz baked beans TV advert in 1999. The Mambazo’s music has a recognizable sound (known as the Iscathamiya style of singing) but there is an array of other South African music which you should try to sample while in country, including Hip Hop, Reggae, Jazz and other contemporary styles.
 
Food in South Africa
South Africa offers traditional food spanning many different cultures, from Braais (barbeques) and biltong (dried meat), to Potjiekos (cooked meat and vegetable stew) and Mielie Pap (a stiff corn meal mix).
 
Travelling in South Africa
South Africa offers a reliable and affordable bus network that makes travelling the country by coach a convenient option. The journey from Cape Town (west coast) to Johannesburg (east coast) takes around 20 hours and there are a number of reputable companies to choose from, including Greyhound and Translux, as well as other hop-on, hop-off services that are targeted at the backpacker market. Travelling by bus is also a great way to explore the Garden Route between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth – a stunning coastal landscape rich with wildlife and flora.
 
Travelling by train is another affordable option, but often slightly more expensive than bus. Travel times tend to be shorter than bus, but not in every case. For example, the train journey from Cape Town (west coast) to Johannesburg (east coast) can take up to 30 hours as opposed to 20 hours by bus.
 
Renting a car gives you flexibility and is perhaps the best way to discover the areas of South Africa that the bus and train networks do not service. The roads are well kept and a number of major car rental companies operate in South Africa which makes car rental simple. You must, however, make sure you have a valid driver’s licence and are fully insured to drive in South Africa.
 
Flying is the most convenient way to travel between South Africa’s most popular areas and cities, including Cape Town, Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. Booking early will save you money and there are a number of domestic airlines to choose from.
 
South Africa is a haven for adventure with extreme sports, varied landscapes and famous surfing destinations, namely Jeffrey's Bay. There are also fantastic golf courses, scenic hiking routes (an ideal way of getting close to the natural environment and also an inexpensive way of exploring the country), places to parachute jump, go mountain biking, scuba dive and much more. You may want to include some of the following activities while in-country: mountain biking, camping, shark diving, bungee jumping, 4x4 safaris, golf, fishing, scuba diving, parachuting, horse riding, dune boarding, boogey boards, deep sea cruises, tennis, squash, kayaking, badminton, water skiing, coastal hiking and power kiting.
 
Sport in South Africa
South Africa has long been a respected and fearsome force in international sport with its rugby, cricket and football teams providing strong competition around the globe. South Africa is therefore a perfect destination for anyone who has a passion for sport, whether playing it, coaching it or watching it. However, behind South Africa’s sporting success, lies a lack of sporting opportunities for many of the children living in the townships and poorer communities.

Gap Years and Career Breaks in South Africa
South Africa is a fantastic destination for those who want a really varied gap year or career break. With opportunities to witness sporting drive and passion on another level, the experience of free falling from a platform high above the ground on the worlds tallest bungee jump, to getting up close with wildlife, and tracking the Big 5 in some of the worlds most famed game reserves. South Africa has something for everyone, so take this opportunity to make your trip truly memorable!

When you choose to further your career and give you CV that added boost by gain qualifications and completing courses overseas, the costs incurred go towards setting up your chosen course, and giving you a great environment to live in for the duration of your time overseas. Your money goes on many benefits around your placement, to make sure you have the best experience possible.
 
Placement Assessment
Before you see a placement on our website, a lot of background work has gone on. We have met with local organisations, vetted in-country staff, conducted rigorous safety assessments and thoroughly evaluated the benefits of the placement. Only then do you get to see the placement on our website and book or apply for your place, safe in the knowledge that it is well-structured and beneficial to your career development.
 
Help Choosing Your Placement
If you are not sure which course, qualification or country to choose, our hugely informative Travel Advisors are here to help. They are a friendly bunch, have all travelled extensively and can offer lots of advice on choosing the right placement for you. This makes the task of deciding to work in a foreign country much less intimidating, and far more exciting.
 
Pre-departure Advice
Once you have booked your placement, you will be assigned a dedicated Travel Advisor to offer essential pre-departure advice on vaccinations, visas, kit lists and more. They will also be on call to answer those important last minute questions like “how many pairs of socks do I need?” and “can I take my mobile phone with me?”
 
Help with Flights and Insurance
We do not include flights and travel insurance in our placement fee. This avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. It also gives you flexibility to plan any further travel before or after you have completed your course or been awarded your qualification. We do, however, offer lots of help on this through our leading flights and insurance partners, providing you with an easy booking facility and the best prices around.
 
Arrival Orientation
We will take you through a local orientation and course induction on arrival. This will introduce you to any useful amenities and local customs, and it will also show you how to stay safe while abroad. Our team also have lots of handy travel tips and advice if you are thinking of exploring the country in your spare time.
 
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation is included in all of our placements. Our houses, lodges, hotels and hostels are comfortable and very sociable places to live while overseas. In some destinations, you may be able to upgrade to alternative accommodation. Just contact us for details. We endeavour to supply food on all of our placement’s, however in some cases this is not always be possible. Please see the Project Summary tab for further details. 
 
In-Country Staff
Your safety and enjoyment is extremely important to us. That’s why we have dedicated in-country teams to look after you throughout your placement. Our in-country staff members live nearby, can be reached 24-hours a day and will check-in with you throughout your placement to ensure everything is running smoothly, and you are happy on your chosen course.
 
24-Hour Emergency Support
In addition to our in-country staff, you will benefit from our international support network. You will be given emergency contact details before you leave which you can call in the event of a crisis. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Giving Others Similar Opportunities
In order to provide a reliable flow of participants to our courses and qualification placements overseas, we have to spend a chunk of money on giving other people like you the same opportunity to bolster their CV with a new qualification. It costs to maintain a website, an office, phone lines and a team of dedicated Travel Advisors to answer all your questions! 

There are quite a few things to consider and to organise before you travel to your chosen destination to take part in your trip or tour with us.

Flights and Insurance
Flights and insurance are not included on your placement which means you will have to arrange them before you leave. But don't panic, this is simpler than you may think! To make life much easier for you, we offer a free, personal booking service through our chosen flights and insurance partner – StudentUniverse, part of Flight Centre. They will guide you every step of the way.

Please only use this service here and do not go into one of their branches as this can complicate things for us.

Browse or book flights using our search engine. Click here to access it.

Alternatively you can call them on 03300 585032 and mention you are considering or are going away with Changing Worlds and let them do the hard work. They will also be able to provide you with adequate travel insurance.

Travelling after your trip with us? Need a round-the-world ticket? Not a problem... just discuss this with them too.

Why are flights not included?
By not including flights in our trips and tours, it avoids us having to pass on unnecessary admin charges to you. This keeps the cost of your trip lower and also means you have the freedom to search around for the lowest fares and most flexible tickets that fit your travel plans. It also means you can benefit from the expertise of our preferred partner.

What happens when flights and insurance are booked?
When you book any trip with us, you will gain access to our online Travel Centre, personalised for you. In here you will have all the information about your trip and how to plan for it, including the contact details for our in-country team and address you will be staying at.

There are also some forms we need you to complete before you depart, covering areas like your dietary requirements, next-of-kin, medical information, flight arrivals details and more.

Do I really need travel insurance?
We take the safety of our travellers very seriously. You must therefore book adequate travel insurance before you come away with us – you simply won’t be able to participate in your trip or tour if you don’t. Although policies vary, your insurance must include emergency medical expenses, personal accident cover, and repatriation. We also recommend that you book baggage, personal liability and cancellation cover.

Visas
Some of the countries where we work will require you to have a visa. We provide guidance for this against the Trip Summary tab so you can check whether your nationality requires it. If a visa is required we will provide a letter of invitation, if the embassy requests this, as well as all the relevant information you will need to complete the visa application process. This information is provided after you book with us. With all visa applications it is important that you have sufficient space available in your passport for the relevant visas required for your travels, and that your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned date of return.

Please note we have no control over the issuing of visas and this is at the embassies discretion. We will help wherever possible though.

Vaccinations
At least 6 – 8 weeks before your chosen travel date you should visit your local GP or Nomad Travel Clinic to discuss your vaccination and medication requirements. Your medical professional will be able to advise you of any recommended and required vaccinations for your chosen destination(s).You should inform your doctor of all of your destination countries, and what activities you plan on doing, and in which regions you plan to stay while you are there, as different regions and activities have different health risks in some countries.

Some destination countries will require you to produce a certificate of vaccination in order to enter the country, so be sure that you understand any vaccination requirements for your chosen destination, so that you do not have any issues when passing through customs.

Above all you should make sure you are well prepared for your travels, so that you have the best experience possible whilst overseas!

Speak To Us
If you have any questions or would like some more information, simply contact one of our friendly Travel Advisors. You can give us a call, request a call back or drop us an email and they will be able to answer any questions you might have.

Book Your Place
Once you have decided to travel with us, you can secure your place by paying a small deposit. You will then be able to pay the rest of your placement fee in easy-to-manage instalments.

Welcome Pack
Once we have received your deposit, we will send you a welcome email confirming your booking. This will contain your personal login details for your Travel Centre – an online account full of useful information about your destination, you chosen project and all the things you need to do before you depart.

Personal Information
We will ask you to provide some key information to help us create the best overseas experience for you, such as medical and dietary requirements, any previous language lessons you have done, and what you’re hoping to get out of your time abroad. We may also ask you to complete a police background check.

Flights and Insurance
You will need to book your flights and travel insurance before you leave, and then provide us with these details. We do not include flights and insurance in the project fee (to avoid passing on extra admin costs to you) but our partners will help you find the best options around.

Visas
Next you will need to get your visa for your trip. British citizens do not require visas unless they are planning to work before or after the course, in which case a Working Holiday Visa will be required. We will also provide you with lots of information to make obtaining your visa very straightforward.
 
Final Payment
We will ask you for your final payment 90 days before your scheduled departure date. Once paid, you will be ready to pack your bags, grab your passport and get on the plane!

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