Trails Guide South Africa - René

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Name: René

Age: 38

Project: South Africa Trails Guide Course

Duration: November 2025, 4 weeks

1) What were your expectations before the course?

Due to the Field Guide course in 2024 and the associated positive stress, I started this course with no expectations.

2) How was the preparation with Natucate, and did you feel well prepared overall?

Daniel was, as always, available at any time and a very good point of contact, sometimes even on weekends. In this context, I would also like to mention Terry, Daniel’s colleague in South Africa, positively. She was always a GREAT help, always supportive and friendly, and especially helpful in contacting South African institutions.

3) To what extent were your initial expectations met?

I had been following the partner on Instagram for some time, so I can say that my expectations were 100% met.

4) What were the highlights of your Trails Guide Course?

I would like to distinguish between human highlights and nature highlights. It was 28 days full of joy, laughter, competence, and much more. The instructors integrated themselves into the group and did not remain outside. We were therefore one team — students and instructors alike.

The nature highlights were encounters with the animals. It was heartwarming to see how it is possible to live “eye to eye,” animal (elephant) and human, at distances sometimes less than 15 meters, without fear on either side, but with respect and acceptance!

5) Was there anything that surprised you during your course? If yes, what was it?

No.

6) How would you describe the overall quality of your course? How was the learning experience overall?

The 28 days were excellently structured, allowing us to focus gradually without losing track of the content. The first week was entirely devoted to weapons training, and from then on to training as a backup guide. The structure helped me a lot.

7) Which aspects challenged you the most, and how did you manage them?

On site, we received Track and Signs training, which is not included in every training provider, and it also prepared us for the exam. Tracking challenged me greatly, but in the end, I managed to master it.

8) How did you like the accommodation, and were you satisfied with the meals?

The accommodation followed a “down-to-earth” concept, but the camp was very well structured and situated in an excellent location along the riverbed — on one side a wide open view with sunrise and sunset on the other.

9) What would you like to see in the long term for this course or other trips?

The only thing I would wish for is to someday do a Primitive Trail in the Kalahari.

10) What should future participants know to be best prepared?

Participants should be aware that this is not a luxury camp like Makuleke, Mashatu, or Selati. However, it has its own charm in making do with what is there, and you quickly learn to live with it, also because of the team, which harmonises like its own family!

11) What do you still remember fondly today?

I will always remember the 28 days of nonstop laughter and stories around the campfire.