Price
10,770 USD
* (See price tab)
Course Type
Professional
Country
Kenya
Duration
55 Nights
Dates
8 Sep 2024 — 1 Nov 2024
14 Sep 2025 — 7 Nov 2025
14 Sep 2025 — 7 Nov 2025
Location
The Masai Mara
Over the duration of fifty five days, participants on this course will traverse not one, not two but three different conservancies encompassing over 16,000 hectares, providing students access to a diverse range of biomes and elements that make this a truly sought after course in the industry. This course provides a solid foundation for many environmental careers in the wildlife, lodge and conservation sector. What makes this course so unique is its relevance to the natural environment of Kenya. Covering a broad spectrum of subjects, students also learn about the cohabitation and conflict between the community herdsmen with their livestock, crops and wildlife. Participants older than 18 years, holding a valid driver’s license and from all walks of life are invited to attend.
general information
This FGASA endorsed, CATHSSETA accredited course is the entry level qualification for field guiding which encompasses vehicle-based guiding in dangerous and non-dangerous games areas. Once qualified, the guide is able to identify and interpret biodiverse elements of the natural environment. The guide will be able to conduct game drives for guests in a limited geographical area. The syllabus covers a broad spectrum of subjects including 4×4 game drive vehicle skills specific for game viewing, species identification and tracking to mention a few.
Time on this course is spent in the vast wilderness areas of Kenya, maximizing exposure to different areas, wildlife, biomes and biodiversity. Although this course forms the foundation for a career in field guiding (and many other wildlife orientated careers), this course is suitable for those wanting to simply immerse themselves in nature, as well as build up their own personal knowledge and skills.
Upon successful completion of the course, participants can enroll for the Trails Guide course (FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide status)
Entry level requirements
- The learner needs to be able to communicate effitively in spoken and written English.
- Participants need to be older than 18 years.
- Fit and able to walk for at least 2km.
- Be in possession of a valid Driver’s license (preferred manual gear shift.)
- Current First Aid Certificate (or be prepared to obtain one)
*First Aid course –this must preferably be done before coming on the course, but you can also do it after the course. This can be done at any accredited institution in any country. First Aid is generic worldwide. FGASA will only issue your FGASA Apprentice Field Guide certificate if you have a valid first aid qualification!
about the school
Operating for 27 years, EcoTraining is the pioneer and leader in safari guide and wildlife training in Africa. EcoTraining is widely recognised by the safari industry for its credibility and standard of excellence in nature guide training. They offer accredited career courses, gap year and sabbatical programmes, nature programmes, high school and university study abroad programmes, custom courses and on-site professional guide training at safari lodges. All courses are run directly from EcoTraining’s unfenced bush camps in prime wilderness areas across South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya. To date, EcoTraining has trained over 13 000 people from 33 different countries around the world.
course content
Subjects covered on the course:
- Planning of game drives and walks
- Navigation and orientation
- Radio procedures
- Ecology
- Reptiles
- Geology and soil
- Amphibians
- Fish
- Mammals
- Weather and climate
- Anticipating animal behaviour
- Plant communities
- Career opportunities
- Plant identification and uses
- Identification and ecology of invertebrates
start dates
8 September 2024 - 1 November 2024
14 September 2025 - 7 November 2025
camps
The Mara Training Centre is situated in the heart of the Masai Mara and is the ideal place for student to fully immerse themselves into the natural world and take full advantage of the beautiful areas that surround the camp. At the “eco camp” accommodation consists of two people sharing per tent, with shared ablutions. Single requests are required to pay a double rate. Women and men do not share tents unless they are booked as a couple.
Meals:
- Early morning wake-up (tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh fruit and cereal)
- Brunch after activity (cooked breakfast and fruit salad)
- Afternoon tea (light lunch / sandwiches)
- Dinner (balanced, warm plated meal with meat, vegetables and salad)
transfers
*Please note that transfers are excluded from the course price*
Arrival:
- The Kenya transfer will take place from the Wildebeest Camp, Nairobi on the day that the course starts:
- Where: Wildebeest Camp – Meet the arranged transfer person in the reception area from 08H00.
- Time: 08h00 on the day that the course starts. Please make sure you are at the camp latest 07h30 so that departure can take place at 08h00.
- Transfer and Arrival: Transfer time is approximately 5-6 hours to Mara Training centre. Once at camp, learners will have time to settle in, unpack and be on time for lunch at 14H00; Introduction and briefing at 16H00; therefore it is important that the bus leave on time.
- International learners are advised to arrive the day before and overnight at Wildebeest Camp to ensure all passengers are on time and the bus leaves at the scheduled time. Learners can book directly or we can assist.
Departure:
- Depart Mara Training centre at 09h00.
- Arrival at Wildebeest Camp at approximately 14h00.
- Departure flights should be planned for 3 or more hours after the scheduled arrival at the hotel. We would suggest booking a flight for late evening on the day that the course ended or a next day departure.
qualifications
Participants will have the opportunity to attempt their EcoTraining Field Guide Certificate and FGASA Apprentice Field Guide / NQF2 qualification, by successfully completing a theoretical and practical assessments. These assessments will be conducted by the instructors (who are accredited Assessors, endorsed by FGASA) at the camp, during the course.
price
Price 2024/25
USD 10,770 per person
*Please note that the official price for this course is in USD as above. Any other currency price for this tour is merely indicative. The USD price will be converted to your preferred currency using the exchange rate on the date of invoice.
Price inclusive:
- Accommodation (sharing)
- All meals
- Tea/coffee and cordials
- Instructors and Training
- FGASA registration, exam fees and workbooks
- Bush walks
- Game drives and specialist trainer/s.
Price exclusive:
- Transfers/transport to and from the camp, before and after the course.
- Any accommodation before and after the course
- Beverages (beer, ciders, soft drinks)
- Kenya tourist visa (online application can be done)
- First Aid course
- Postage for FGASA-certificate
- NDT (formerly known as DEAT) registration.
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