Wildlife Practitioner

Year 2

Conservation Practitioner

Conservation Practices (Compulsory)

Conservation Ethics: Understand the ethical principles that underpin conservation efforts.
Wildlife Fencing: Gain expertise in setting up and maintaining wildlife fencing to protect natural habitats.
Veld Fire Control: Learn effective strategies for managing and preventing veld fires.
Monitoring Wildlife: Explore techniques for monitoring and tracking wildlife populations.
Infrastructure Management: Master the art of managing conservation infrastructure.
Alien & Invasive Plant Control: Develop skills in controlling and eradicating invasive plant species.
Waste, Disposal & Recycling: Understand eco-friendly waste management, disposal, and recycling practices.
Environmental Monitoring: Engage in environmental monitoring to ensure the well-being of natural ecosystems.
Mechanical Repair: Learn essential mechanical repair skills for maintaining equipment used in conservation.
Erosion Control: Discover methods to prevent and control erosion in natural environments.
Water Provision: Learn how to provide water sources for wildlife in protected areas.
Basic Ecology: Gain a foundational understanding of ecological principles.

Game Ranger – Terrestrial (Compulsory)
Protected Area Management & Wildlife Monitoring: Dive into the management of protected areas and wildlife monitoring.
Dangerous Game Guiding VPDA 2: Enhance your dangerous game guiding skills with a focus on backup strategies, including the use of a second rifle.
Bolt Action Rifle For Business Purposes – ARH (Safari Tactical): Develop proficiency in using bolt-action rifles for business purposes, with a focus on safari tactical applications.
Advanced Rifle Handling .458: Master advanced rifle handling techniques, ensuring your readiness with .458 caliber rifles. You’ll even receive 40 new cartridges for practice.
Elective VPDA 2: While not mandatory, you have the option to choose from the following:

Tracking 2: Deepen your tracking skills, focusing on tracking dangerous game and trailing.

This program offers a range of skills and knowledge to prepare you for a successful career in conservation and game ranging, with optional specializations to match your interests and goals.

ELECTIVE:

Professional Hunting – PH

(National Qualification)

Course duration: 3 Years

Course cost:

R249 000 – 10% deposit to secure your spot

R125 000

R80 000

Year 1

Safari Guide & Eco Tourism

Nature Guiding / Safari Guide (Compulsory)
Explore the captivating world of nature guiding and safari guiding with a comprehensive curriculum covering ten essential subjects: Taxonomy, Ecology, Geology, Weather and Climate, Astronomy, Botany, Birds, Mammals, Insects, and Reptiles.

Practical Guiding (Compulsory)
Hone your guiding skills with a blend of Safari Vehicle and Walking Safari/Trails training, equipping you for hands-on, real-world guiding experiences.

Wildlife Track & Sign ID (Compulsory)
Master the art of identifying wildlife tracks and signs, a fundamental skill for understanding the natural world.

Dangerous Game Guiding: Open Vehicle – VPDA1
For those seeking adventure, delve into Dangerous Game Guiding from open vehicles, with an option to enhance your knowledge further with the Kruger Park Orientation Course (available for an additional Fee).

Eco-Tourism (Compulsory)
Explore the dynamic field of eco-tourism, learning the principles of customer service and how to create and conduct memorable tourism experiences. Also, gain proficiency in Wilderness First Aid and Wildlife Photography.

Electives (Select One):
1. Field Ranger | 3-in-1 (Law Enforcement)
– Field Ranger 1: Focus on Anti-Poaching Management & Control
– Tracking 1: Develop your Wildlife Spoor Identification and Man Tracking skills
– African Bush Craft & Navigation & Survival
– PFTC Firearm Competency – Use Of A Bolt Action Rifle
– Physical Selection Field Ranger: Engage in Bushcraft, Survival, Obstacle Courses, Fitness, and Discipline

OR

2. Game Lodge Management
– Dive into the world of game lodge management, gaining insights and skills necessary for a successful career in this industry.

Our program offers a range of elective paths, ensuring you can tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals.

Year 3

Wildlife Practitioner

Wildlife Management | Custodial Management In Africa (Compulsory)
Ecology: Gain a comprehensive understanding of ecological principles.
Veld & Habitat Management: Learn effective strategies for managing and preserving natural habitats.
Parasitism and Contagious Wildlife Diseases: Explore the dynamics of parasitism and contagious diseases in wildlife.
Marketing: Understand marketing strategies in the context of wildlife conservation and management.
Finances: Master financial management in the realm of wildlife and conservation.
Human Resources: Develop skills in managing human resources within wildlife organizations.

Wildlife Animal Health Care (Compulsory)
Game Capture & Relocation (Compulsory): Learn the art of capturing and relocating wildlife species, a crucial aspect of conservation efforts.

Wildlife Rancher | Manipulative Wildlife Management (Compulsory)
Game Production: Dive into the intricacies of game production in a controlled environment.
Genetics: Explore genetic factors that play a role in wildlife management and breeding programs.
Nutrition: Understand the nutritional needs of wildlife in managed settings.
Green Economy: Discover how wildlife management contributes to a sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.

This program encompasses a broad range of essential topics in wildlife management, ensuring you have the knowledge and skills to excel in custodial management within the African context.

ELECTIVES:

Dangerous Game Guiding VPDA 3

Trial Guide / VPDA

KNP Proficiency

External Test

Unlike typical educational programs that offer a single qualification, our unique curriculum builds a comprehensive portfolio of nationally recognized credentials:

Professional Hunter Qualification (SAQA 58930) – Including specialized Dangerous Game certification
Tourism Guiding Qualification (SAQA 71549) – With nature specialization across all nine provinces
National Certificate: Accommodation Services (SAQA ID 14110) – Essential hospitality management credentials
Eco-Ranger Certification (QCTO ID SP-191213) – Conservation and protected area management
New Venture Creation (QCTO ID SP-211001) – Business management for wildlife enterprise development i.e. Hunting Outfitter.

Specialized Professional Certifications:

Dangerous Game Site Guide (This is a Nature Guiding Specialization Course and differ from the Professional Hunter Dangerous Game course) (Levels 2 and 4) – Africa’s most prestigious guiding credential
Wilderness First Aid (Levels 1-3) – Critical emergency response capabilities
Safari Club International Official Measurer – Internationally recognized credential
Advanced Rifle Handling – Specialized firearms safety and competency.