Kwando Safaris Guides Course Diary
 Urban
Survival Kit - Safari Ranger Course
" I learned new things about old things I thought I knew about, and
discovered
things I never knew I didn't know anything about. It has certainly enriched
my life and I returned home better equipped to tackle my old life with new
skills, renewed energy and great enthusiasm.
Wendy Gomersall, London - Journalist
Kwando Safaris believes in employing the best guides and then developing them
even further - what exactly does that mean? The best guide is the guide who
delivers the supreme experience for YOUR safari - not the "average"
guests safari.
Kwando Safaris (Botswana) launched the definitive safari ranger/guide course
in February 2000 at Kwando Lagoon camp. Botswana, apart from being the safest
and economically the most stable holiday destination in Africa (and probably
the world!), it is renowned for its unspoilt wilderness areas and spectacular
game. Kwando Safaris are custodians of the largest and most remote concession
area in Botswana. Kwando Safaris is truly wild at heart and was founded to give
our guests not only a true African safari but also the ultimate safari and wildlife
experience - just what you would expect - but more and beyond each of our guests
expectations...
Now for the first time a coaching / training course is being offered that enables
participants to excel, though their own skills and talents and not through a
formula and technically driven approach.
The first course attendees were diverse ranging from the UK, involved in the
food equipment supply industry, to Lodge owners from the Kalahari to Kwando
Safaris own guides and managers. Norman Galli (pictured above) led the course
and described it as "an unequivocal success" but feels then next course
will be "even better" and those who know Norman will understand the
significance of his comment.
Attendees were regaled with stories by SK Mtonga, the somewhat unconventional,
Kwando Safaris Maintenance manager who turned vehicle breakdowns into an art
form. Not to mention his fireside music skills!
Peter Gordon deciphered the amazing night skies of Africa and taught the fine
skills required for safe and enlightening safari walks. The shooting range and
some high powered rifles - well that's a story in itself …! Let's just
say practise helps …
The fireside was as always the venue for animated debate and bouts of world
problem solving but it was also the arena for slide shows and photo critiques
courtesy of Phil Aaron.
The course concentrated on the skills required for being an excellent guide
and not on pure knowledge.
The course covered among other things:
- Safety in the bush
- Weapon handling and shooting
- Bush walks
- Vernacular culture
- Animal sighting behaviour and communication
- How to anticipate animal behaviour for the best sightings
- Astronomy
- Basic photography and videography
- Taxonomy (i.e. the naming system of animals) and evolution
- Tree, bird and eco-system identification
- Basic mechanics and fault finding on vehicles
- 4X4 driving techniques
- Personality Styles
All participants agreed that the course was well worth the cost and effort.
For many the course has been an life changing experience - well done Norman.
The practical doing - combined with the understanding of why and how and your
own personality will enable anyone to walk away with a new perspective on life
and conservation - and who knows maybe even a new career. Add to this the setting
in one of Africa's most beautiful safari camps in the vast wilderness of Northern
Botswana in the company of the some of the worlds most revered safari guides
- I am sure that you will agree that attending another similar course should
occupy a high position on life's - MUST DO list.
For more information consult your agent who can tell about the investment and
the dates for 2003 and 2004.
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