Guide Course South Africa: Timbavati Trailing Experi­ence

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in this trip. Your English skills must be good enough to communicate with others and understand instructions from your guides. You should also be fit, as you will be out and about in the South African climate for several hours a day and will be doing a lot of walking.

Airport transfer and accommodation are provided as part of the experience, and the entire program includes full-board catering. During your time in the field, you will receive training from experienced Trails Guides, and the Natucate team is on hand to offer guidance and support both before, during, and after your journey.

Prior to your departure, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for guidance on vaccinations, malaria prevention, and other medical preparations. Additionally, it is recommended to research potential travel advisories and safety information in advance, such as those provided by the Foreign Office.

Furthermore, it is advisable to bring all required medications, as local healthcare facilities may not always offer comprehensive care for specific medical conditions. Your personal first-aid kit should include medications for diarrhea, pain relief (e.g., for headaches), motion sickness, and allergic reactions (e.g., insect bites).

Certainly, travel insurance is a requirement, and we are pleased to offer our assistance in helping you choose the most suitable policy for your needs.

The key essentials for your trip are a backpack and a sleeping bag. Along with these, we recommend the following equipment: a day pack (for water and snacks), water bottles (with a capacity of 2.5 liters), a head torch (with spare batteries, as recharging isn't possible without electricity), binoculars, a notebook and pen, and tracking reference books (if you have any).

The pivotal clothing item to include in your packing list is a pair of sturdy walking shoes, preferably hiking boots, that offer ankle protection and have been properly broken in. These boots are best paired with corresponding hiking gaiters (not insulated winter gaiters) for added safeguarding. In general, opt for neutral colors like khaki, beige, and earth tones for your clothing. Don't forget to pack a sun hat and sunglasses with UV protection, and consider bringing a waterproof poncho just in case. Flip-flops can come in handy for showering or while staying in a tent camp.

Additionally, ensure you have a daypack, sleeping bag, water bottles, head torch, binoculars, notebook, pen, and any tracking reference books you might possess.

When it comes to toiletries, prioritize eco-friendly options since there is no sewage system in the "bush bathroom" and standard products can leave an unfiltered impact. Essential personal toiletries should include a first-aid kit, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent, as well as towels and a washcloth.

While meals are provided during your stay, you may want to bring your own snacks, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages if desired.

Your travel to Eastgate Airport (Hoedspruit) is not part of the package. You will need to either book a flight to Hoedspruit (with a stopover in Johannesburg) or fly to Johannesburg and then arrange for a shuttle from there.

Upon your arrival, you will convene with your fellow participants at Hoedspruit Airport and travel together to the camp by car.

Your day begins with a light breakfast at sunrise, followed by tracking and observing animal prints at a nearby waterhole, during which your guides will share their knowledge about the local wildlife and nature. Participants will carry day packs containing snacks and water.

After the morning tracking session, your group will head back to camp for lunch and some relaxation. In the afternoon, all participants will set out on another trail.

Evenings are highlighted by dinner around a campfire, followed by an outdoor shower, and an early bedtime after a day filled with physical and mental activity.

As a participant in our Trailing Experience, you will assume a pivotal role in the exploration and preservation of the African wilderness. Your primary responsibilities will encompass documentation of tracks and trails, adeptly navigating through the bush to locate animals, and conducting in-depth analysis of animal behavior for tracking purposes. In addition, you will practise mindfulness and considerate walking in the bush to uphold respect for wildlife and the environment. Through this exceptional experience, you actively contribute to the promotion and conservation of the natural beauty of the African wilderness.

There will be a minimum of four participants and a maximum of six participants in the course.

You will be accommodated in a simple tented camp. The dome tents are always shared with another student. For the duration of the course, you will not have electricity, Wi-Fi or mobile phone signal.

All meals, juice, tea & coffee are included. In the tent camp, a cook will prepare meals for you. The early breakfast (before the 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.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Please inform us about dietary requests.

You will enjoy leisure time daily following lunch and in the evening.

During your leisure time, you can read a book, listen to music (with headphones only), play card/board games, 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 can not 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 questions or concerns, your guides are readily available to assist you. Additionally, you can reach out to the Natucate team for any further support you may require.

The official currency in South Africa is the South African Rand. Smaller shops typically accept cash payments in Rand. In airports or larger towns/shops, credit cards are also accepted. We suggest you consult with your bank to inquire about payment options and regulations in South Africa. Please note that cash withdrawal is only possible at the airport or in Hoedspruit itself. There is no ATM in Tmbavati and no shops near the campsite.

There is no mobile phone reception or internet access on-site, which means you won't be able to contact friends and family during your stay. However, you will have reception at Hoedspruit Eastgate Airport upon arrival and before departure. In case of emergencies within Africa, there is a satellite phone available.

Limpopo Province experiences scorching summer weather from September to April, with temperatures occasionally soaring above 40ºC. The period from May to August brings cooler weather, with the coldest temperatures hovering around 5-6ºC and average daytime temperatures reaching approximately 25ºC. During this season, nights and early mornings can be notably chilly.

Every staff member is equipped with first aid training, ensuring that they are well-versed in safety protocols and emergency procedures. They have the capability to request medical assistance either from the tented camp or while out on a trail. Furthermore, upon your arrival, both you and your team will receive comprehensive information regarding potential risks and essential health and safety precautions.