Field Course South Africa: EcoSavvy

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this trip. Your English skills must be good enough to communicate and understand instructions . In addition, a certain level of fitness is essential to hike for several hours straight in the South African climate.

The airport transfer is included. The entire course is catered with full board. In the field, you will receive training from experienced Wilderness Trails guides. In addition, the Natucate team is available to advise you before, during and after your trip.

Before departure, you must consult your doctor for advice on vaccinations, malaria protection and other medical preparations.

In addition, you should inform yourself in advance about possible travel and safety advisories, for example, at the Foreign Office.

Furthermore, it is advisable to bring all necessary medication, as local medical care may not always be sufficient for certain cases. Your first-aid kit should include medicines against diarrhoea, (head) pain, travel sickness and allergic reactions (e.g. insect bites).

Yes, you need to have travel insurance.

The most important equipment is a backpack (between 40 L and 60 L for the Primitive Trail) and a sleeping bag, both of which are absolutely essential to your trip
Additionally, recommended equipment includes: Day pack (for water, snacks etc.), water bottles (capacity of 2.5 L), head torch (spare batteries; recharge is not possible without electricity), binoculars, notebook and pen, and tracking reference books (if you have any)

The following additional Primitive Trail equipment will be provided:
canvas ground sheet
sleeping matt
bivvy (goretex waterproof sleeping bag protector)
cooking utensils
eating utensils
cup
gas and gas cooker adaptions
toilet paper
matches

The most crucial wardrobe item on your packing list is walking shoes (hiking boots). These should protect your ankle and be worn-in in advance. Boots are ideally combined with matching hiking ankle gaiters (not warm winter gaiters) for extra protection. In general, all of your clothing should be in neutral colours (khaki, beige, earth tones). A sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection are essential. A waterproof poncho is also recommended - just in case. Flip-flops can be handy when showering or hanging out at the tent camp.

Ensure to pack eco-friendly toiletries. Since there is no sewer system in your "bush bathroom", your toothpaste, soap etc. will end up unfiltered in nature. So make sure you leave as little traces as possible with biodegradable products. The essentials of your personal toiletries should include a first-aid kit, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Pack towels and washcloths as well.

Food is provided for the entire stay. However, if you wish to have personal snacks, soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, you must provide them yourself.

Your journey to Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) is not included. You must either book a flight to Hoedspruit (with a stopover in Johannesburg) or fly to Johannesburg and take a shuttle from there.

You will meet the other participants at the airport in Hoedspruit and be driven together to the camp.

You will spend the first eight nights and the last two nights in the tent camp with two bush walks daily. The three nights in betweenwill be spent with your team out on Primitive Trail. On the very last full day in the tent camp, you will have your final exam.

Thematically, the focus is on trails guiding skills, tracking and the associated leadership and life skills. The primary method of learning is practical experience.

There must be at least five participants for the course to take place. The maximum number of participants is eight.

You will first be accommodated in a simple tented camp. The tents are always shared with another student. You will spend a few days in the wild (without accommodation). For the duration of the course, you will not have electricity.

All meals, juice, tea & coffee are included. In the tent camp, a cook will prepare meals for you. The early breakfast (before morning activity) includes muesli, cereal, yoghurt, fruit, coffee/tea and rusks. Brunch examples would be freshly baked bread, eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, salads, fruit. At dinner, you may have a South African “braai” (meat and vegetables), stir-fry, pastas or stews. Additional personal snacks and soft drinks/beverages need to be brought along. On the Primitive Trail, you are self-sufficient. For this period muesli, maize-based porridge, nuts, dried fruit, humus, crackers and freeze-dried hiking meals are provided.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available.

The course is conducted in English.

You will have daily leisure time after lunch and in the evening.

During your leisure time, you can read a book, listen to music, play card/board games, take a nap or relax together with the other team members. Remember to pack some leisure items if you wish to use them. For safety reasons, you will not be able to go into the bush alone. This means you cannot use your off time for a walk or run in the wild.

If you have any problems or questions, there are several people you can contact. Moreover, you can always contact the Natucate team if you need help.

The national currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. Small shops usually only accept cash (Rand). At the airport or in larger towns/shops, you can also pay with credit card. We recommend you check with your bank about the payment options and regulations in South Africa.

There is no mobile phone reception and no internet on-site. You will not be able to contact friends and family during the course. Upon arrival and before your departure, you should have reception at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport.

Limpopo Province has very hot summer weather from September to April. During this time, temperatures can exceed 40ºC. Temperatures between May and August are cooler. Here, the coldest temperatures are about 5-6ºC, and the average daytime temperature is around 20ºC. In this season, it gets particularly cold at night and early morning hours.

No, there is no ban on alcohol or cigarettes. However, we ask that participants show consideration for non-consumers.

Each staff member is trained in first aid. Safety measures and emergency procedures are familiar to all of them. They are able to call on medical support from the tented camp or on trial. In addition, you and your team will be informed about the risks and health and safety measures upon arrival.