Ranger Training | Beginner Course in Botswana

Course duration:

7 nights

Starting point:

The meeting point is opposite Maun Airport at 2:00 PM on the first day of the course. This time is scheduled to accommodate international arrivals.

Accommodation:

This course takes place at Kwapa Trails Camp. The Meru-style tents feature an en-suite bathroom with a bucket shower and bush toilet. Each tent is equipped with two camp beds, bed linen, pillows, a duvet, and towels. A battery-powered LED lamp is provided in each tent. There is a washbasin and camping chairs on the covered veranda.

Activities:

Although we will spend most of the course on foot in the wilderness, we will also go on nature drives and, water levels permitting, mokoro and boat excursions into various habitats.

• Practical experience in navigating the African wilderness, bush survival techniques, the ancient art of tracking, firearm handling, bird and mammal identification, and much more.
• Wilderness hikes and overnight stays
• Game drives in a 4x4 vehicle
• Wildlife viewing safaris
• Stargazing and astronomy
• Theoretical lectures and presentations by qualified and knowledgeable instructors on various topics, ranging from local geology, ecology, and hydrology to astronomy and weather/climate.

Who should take this course?

• People who want to reconnect with themselves and are looking for an authentic bush experience to help them recover, renew, and recharge.
• Experienced safari-goers who are now looking for a deeper, more holistic experience in the African wilderness.
• School and/or university graduates looking for a life-changing gap year experience.
• Adventurous individuals who want more than just a typical backpacking trip.
• Survivalists who want to acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the wilderness.
• Guides who want to learn many of the practical aspects that are often only discussed in theory.

Participant goals and qualifications:

The walking hours acquired during this course can be credited towards the BQA "Back-up Trails Guide" and the FGASA "Apprentice Trails Guide." This course is not registered on the National Qualifications and Credit Framework in Botswana.

However, there will be a practical assessment at the end of the course, and depending on your skills, you will receive a certificate of achievement.

No prior experience is required. However, you should have sufficient English language skills and be in generally good physical condition.

Itinerary:

Day one:
The African Guide Academy instructor will meet all participants at the Duck Cafe opposite Maun Airport at 2:00 PM. This allows students to arrive on international flights on the first day of the course (flights usually land at 1:15 PM). To ensure we have enough time to reach Kwapa Training Camp while it is still light, we can only allow a grace period until 3:30 PM in the event of flight delays.
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Daily activities:
The daily routine involves setting out at daybreak and returning to camp between 10:00 and 11:00 AM. Although we will drive to different parts of the concession, we will spend most of our time on foot. During the heat of the day, we will have free time or hold short, informal lectures. In the afternoon, as it cools down, we will head out again and return to camp in the evening.

While we will hold informal lectures on tracking theory and conduct some digital quizzes, the majority of the course is focused on what nature presents to us.

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Last day:
We will be driven back to Maun, arriving at the Duck Café at approximately 11:00 AM.

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Please note that this is only a rough overview, which can and will change depending on the needs of the guests and external factors - and on some days, it may not be followed at all! We leave it to the wilderness to determine the best possible experiences.

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