Little Karoo | western cape | tourism and hospitality courses category
The Nature College is a THETA and SASSETA accredited training provider, and CyberTracker & FGASA assessors. It operates from the 3400ha Aardvark Nature Reserve between Ladismith and Riversdale in the Little Karoo. Johan Fourie (FGASA Level 3 Field Guide SKS Dangerous Game, Track & Sign Specialist, ETDP & THETA Assessor & Moderator) is in charge of the training programmes.
Description:
This 12 month programme is designed for learners who wish to gain extensive experience before entering the job market. Candidates for the programme are accommodated on the premises of The Nature College for a period of 6 months. During this period candidates attend a total of four SAQA registered guide courses. After completing 6 months theoretical and experiential training at The Nature College, learners are placed with reputable lodges in the region to gain operational practical experience as an intern.
Description:
A 14 day short course living in at the Aardvark Nature Reserve, for guides seeking an introduction to a career in Nature Guiding.
Qualification : Nature Site Guide: Level 2
SAQA Unit Standards : 8456 “Conduct a Limited Guided Nature Experience” and 8478 “Create a Guided Experience for Customers”.
Description:
An 11 day short course living in at the Aardvark Nature Reserve , preparing Nature Guides with experience for higher level certification.
Qualification : Nature Site Guide: Level 4
SAQA Unit Standards : 8514/8458 “ Conduct a(n) (Advanced) Guided Nature Experience” and 8531, 8532 & 8533 “Conduct / Design / Interpret Guiding”.
Description:
A 7-day short course living in at the Aardvark Nature Reserve , f or guides to develop their tracking skills.
Qualification : Tracker: Level 1, 2 or 3
SAQA Unit Standards : 8460, 8518 and 8530 (Track Animals and Identify Spoor Using Easily Recognisable, Moderately Difficult and Difficult Spoor).
Description:
A 10 day short course living in at the Aardvark Nature Reserve for guides operating on horseback.
Qualification : Equestrian Nature Guide (awaiting registration).
SAQA Unit Standards : Follows recommendations for the proposed SAQA Unit Standard.
Description:
A 6-day short course living in at the Aardvark Nature Reserve , for experienced guides to qualify in the handling of Dangerous Animals.
Qualification : Add to existing guide qualification (Nature Site Guide: Level 2/4 Dangerous Animals). Practical requirements must be satisfied.
SAQA Unit Standards : 8459 (View Potentially Dangerous Animals), 117705 & 119651 (Firearms Control Act & Use of a Rifle).
Customer Reviews:
...your enthusiasm and love for nature and the veld has awakened in me the calling to a new venture in nature guiding. The course content was superbly complimented by the afternoon field experiences, thus ensuring that this combination gave one a better understanding of the day’s specific topic as well as hands on field time...I enjoyed every minute in the classroom and the field. It is my opinion that this course is not just for professional guides but all who venture into nature and need a better understanding in the veld. Riaan Roest , Senior Captain, South African Airways
It was not merely a learning experience but a memorable life experience, and one which I would heartily recommend to any fellow tourist guides. Craig Barrowman
