Apprentice Field Guide, Southern Africa

Surrounded by the pristine wilderness of the world-famous Okavango Delta, the Apprentice Field Guide course in Botswana provides participants with valuable wildlife knowledge and basic field guide skills. Students can expect a combination of theory and practical sessions covering a range of relevant topics needed for guiding in the wilderness.

The course is modular, so it can be taken for four weeks – either in one go or split – or for two weeks. The course includes theoretical and practical units where you'll learn about ecology, geology, zoology, climate, and weather, as well as skills in bush navigation, tracking, and guiding by foot, boat, Mokoro, and all-terrain vehicle.

Experienced guides will be by your side, sharing their secrets of flora and fauna through theoretical lessons and regular game walks and drives. The modular course allows you to join for two or four weeks, either consecutively or in parts.

Activities of your Field Guide Course

During your field guide training, experienced guides will teach you topics like geology, ecology, hydrology, astronomy, and the weather and climate of Botswana. You'll acquire important navigation and bush survival skills to orient yourself in the African bush. Additionally, you'll learn the ancient art of tracking and be introduced to Botswana’s flora and fauna.

Depending on the season, you'll practice navigating in a motorboat or a Mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe commonly used in the Okavango. During long game walks and drives, you'll venture deep into the African bush, expanding your knowledge and hopefully experiencing unique wildlife sightings. You'll also participate in wilderness sleep-outs under the incomparable African night sky, sharpening your senses and gaining valuable knowledge in astronomy.

Your day typically begins before sunrise: after a light breakfast, you head into Botswana’s wilderness to explore the local flora and fauna. Around noon, you return to camp for lunch and a short break, followed by theoretical lessons. In the late afternoon, you'll embark on a second game walk or drive to test your newly acquired skills before returning to camp at dusk. All students receive a certificate of attendance after the course. Students seeking to enhance their skills on a professional level can earn an official FGASA qualifications through a final exam.

Arrival and orientation

On the day your course begins, you'll arrive at Maun airport. After your arrival, you'll be picked up at the “The Duck Café” restaurant, located right across from the entrance of Maun’s small airport, and taken to Camp Kwapa. At the camp, you can settle in, meet your fellow team members, and receive an overview of the upcoming course. In the afternoon, you might participate in a first bush activity before returning to camp for dinner.

Accommodation and board

You and other course participants will stay at the Kwapa training camp, located in the southern Okavango Delta near the Qwapa River. You'll sleep in a 3x3 meter high-wall wilderness-style tent equipped with a bed, bedside table, and LED light. Typically, two participants share a tent. The tents are connected to an ensuite bathroom with a typical “bush toilet” and a bucket shower. There's also a large veranda with a washbasin and a comfortable chair. You'll be provided with three daily meals, along with coffee and tea throughout the day.

Your day starts shortly before sunrise. One of your fellow team members will wake you – unless you are on “morning duty.” After a hearty breakfast, your group meets for a safety check and receives instructions for the day before heading into the bush. During the game drive or walk, you'll discover and discuss the African flora and fauna and cover assessment-related topics. You return to camp to evaluate the morning sightings, have lunch, and enjoy a short siesta. In the early afternoon, you'll have classroom hours to learn the theories relevant to the course topics.

Afterward, you go on another excursion into the bush – either by game vehicle or on foot. Sunset is usually enjoyed near the camp. Dinner is served after discussing the afternoon activities.

Leisure time

After returning to camp in the late afternoon, you can use the rest of the day for your own activities. Spend time talking to other course students, play games, read a book, or simply enjoy the surrounding nature.

The region: Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is renowned for its uniqueness and high biodiversity. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it spans over 15,000 square kilometers, offering a variety of habitats from lush wetlands to dry savannas. The delta is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and over 400 bird species. Seasonal floods create a dynamic ecosystem, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts. Exploring the Okavango Delta on foot allows you to intimately experience its unparalleled beauty and vibrant biodiversity.

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