Welcome to part 2 of my journey to becoming a nature guide!
In August 2024 I completed my first 2 weeks of my nature guide training and was instantly hooked. I knew that regardless of whether I would utilize these new skills or not into our offering at Routes Rediscovered that I absolutely had to complete my studies and gain my FGASA and BQA qualifications, the biggest issue was deciding when next to go!
I knew with all the excitement that I could not wait too long as the anticipation to get back was too much. I had also always wanted to go to Botswana deep in the ‘green season’ and experience the Okavango Delta alive with its migratory birds, zebra migration, flowers, grasses and a lot more green with a lot less dust. So it was with much excitement that at the end of February I packed my safari bags and headed to the Delta ready for my final few weeks and hopeful passing of my nature guide course. Below are a few snapshots of my time at Kwapa camp, and even though most of the images are shot from my cellphone I think it is easy to tell just how incredible my time was with the African Guide Academy.
If you would like to find out more about the courses or our private course happening from 1 – 8 August please be sure to get in touch!
PS I am now a big convert to travelling to Botswana in the green season, the crowds are minimal, the landscape verdant and the sightings just as good. But don’t let too many people into this secret please.
PPS Yes, I passed, and now eyeing out going back again to start my trails guide training!
Logging hours on foot with dangerous game.
Lion? Leopard? Hyena? Wild Dogs?
Quiet before the mock charge storm!
Learning about elephant teeth from our resident vet.
Part of the exam is mastering the practicals such changing a tyre in the bush.
Mastering the art of tracking on foot!
Sundowners are always best in the African bush – exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Guiding guests to lions by following the tracks and calls.
Morning coffee on the fire after a sleepout.
Studying whilst waiting for the lions to wake up!
Little did we know these lions were about to show us their tree-climbing abilities!
Reading the signs… Who am I?
Celebrating the end of the course and exam success!
A moment to pause and reflect on the month spent learning in the bush!
