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Learn The Laws Of The Wild
Learn To Be A Game Ranger
Trainee Rangers strut their stuff on course
© ecotraining.co.za
Did you know?
South Africa's Kruger National Park, established in 1898, is home to 1187 species of wildlife
A visit to the African bush may inspire you to want to learn more about it, or maybe you want to visit to learn more about nature and wildlife. In each case, there are plenty of courses available in South African for interested people to learn to become a game ranger.
The trick with this idea is to understand fully what it is that is of interest to you. There are many varied careers available in the wildlife and environmental spheres, some of which involve direct interaction with wildlife and some that don't. So how does one learn to become a game ranger?
Many people confuse the role of a field guide with that of a game ranger for example. When you visit a game reserve, the person that takes you around the reserve, pointing out animals, helping with facts, cooking your meal at the end of the day and so on, is your field guide, and not a ranger. A game ranger is not typically involved in guiding, but is qualified to do all of that.
A ranger's job is far more oriented around the management of wildlife areas such as national parks and game reserves. Their duties include activities such as game counting, fence repairs and anti-poaching work. This is the behind-the-scenes work that a ranger does as opposed to the more public work of a guide.
However, in South Africa, courses covering both, as well as lodge management, wildlife management, racking, fauna and flora studies and many, many more are available both physically in South Africa and through online study. Courses range in length from 2 weeks to one year, depending on the level of qualification.
A decent, hands on guiding or ranging course does include a hands-on, practical aspect, so you will need to visit a reserve to see if what you have learnt can be applied. Info on being a game ranger is readily available.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Eco Training
Suite 20D
3 Louise Street
Westend Shopping Centre
Nelspruit
Tel: +27 13 745 7777
Wildlife Campus
26 Ratcliffe Drive
Morningside Manor
Sandton
Tel: +27 11 656 1601
http://www.wildlifecampus.com/
What will it cost
The cost of course varies according to the length and intensity of the subject. Beginner courses start from as little as R400.00 with prices increasing for the longer courses.
Length of stay
Your length of stay in the bush will depend on the length of the practical section of the course you elect to take
What to pack
Your course will specify all the clothing and equipment that you need to take along in order to complete your studies and coursework.
Where to stay
During the practical aspect of your course, the organisers will also set up accommodation arrangements for you
What to eat
Most courses will be fully catered
What's happening
Check with the course organisers for course starting dates and options