In a nutshell
The Diepkloof Bush Skills Course in Limpopo are 14 day courses and our most popular experiences. The courses accommodate 5 to 10 participants and are suitable for the person who wants a closer understanding of African Wildlife and an introduction to guiding others in the Bush.
Things you’ll do on the Diepkloof Bush Skills Course
During the course you can expect to have your days filled with activities and new experiences. Each day is different and there is a whole lot to learn in a rather short time!
We love the bush, and spend as much time “out there” as possible. The whole learning experience is covered by a syllabus which is set out in course notes – to be pored over in a hammock or beside the swimming pool on those lazy afternoons… The course is both practical and theoretical; the theory being taught during lectures back at camp. For those who wish, there is a written exam at the end of your stay and a certificate vouches for your success! You will also spend time watching wildlife documentaries – an awesome way to learn.
You will learn how to drive a 4x4 and conduct game drives once you have the knowledge to do so, and will shoot with a rifle - all great fun!
Like the tribesmen and explorers of days gone by, you will experience a short Walking Safari; This carries you along the bush trails, elephant paths and riverbeds from Elephants Drift Main Camp to Parrot Tree Tent Camp where you will spend a night or two while exploring the surrounding areas and viewing game on foot. The morning walk home again to the awaiting swimming pool is always brisk… You will also spend at least one night sleeping (and listening to the sounds of the African night) under the stars in a dry river bed. The evenings at camp are spent around the camp fire, where most of the cooking and (tall!) story telling is done.
The focus of the course will be on the Wildlife and learning how to read and understand your surroundings. You gain new and valuable insights into wild animals’ behaviour and how to read this first hand. At the end of the course our wish is that you are more relaxed, inspired and a lot wiser - with comparable knowledge to that of an entry level wildlife guide.
BACK TO TOP
Dates
Please advise us of your ideal dates and we will do our best to accommodate these as closely as possible. Courses run for 14 nights.
In 2010 we are able to run courses throughout the year except during June and July. We also have confirmed courses running from 6 to 20 March and 17 to 31 August.
Course Cost:
What’s included in the Diepkloof Bush Skills Course
- All activities
- All tuition and study materials
- Shared Accommodation
- All meals (excluding snacks, fizzy drinks and alcoholic beverages which are available for purchase)
Diepkloof Bush Skills Course Content
- Introduction to Guiding
- Principles of Game Conservation and Game Reserves
- Role of a Game Ranger / Field Guide
- Animal Behaviour
- Viewing Dangerous Game from Vehicles and on Foot
- Tracks and Tracking – tracking Africa’s BIG 5 on Foot
- How to conduct a safe Walking Safari in a BIG 5 area
- Basic Identification of Trees, Birds and Insects
- Basic Ecology, Geology and Astronomy
- Snakes and their Venom
- 4x4 Driving Skills
- Radio Procedures
- Conducting Game Drives
- Rifle Handling Skills and Practical Shooting
- Bush Survival
- Basic Bush First Aid
- Bush Sleep Outs under the Stars
- Habitat Management
- Guest Interaction and Safari Etiquette
- Introduction to the Local Culture and History
BACK TO TOP
|
