FGASA Nature Enthusiast Course

An exciting two-week course in the African Wilderness gaining the introductory knowledge of a Professional Field Guide.

Patrice, New Caledonia

Review: “This September of 2019, I was involved in the Pathfinders Nature Enthusiast Course for 14 days. I spent a great time on the field with professional guide Clint Robertson and saw more wildlife than I have ever seen anywhere else. I have learned a lot regarding animal behaviour and plants and took a huge amount of great wildlife photographs!”

Highlights: “Camping at the river, going on a fishing trip on Clint’s boat and sunrise at Victoria Falls.”

Join us in the iconic Victoria Falls for a multi-week course covering a variety of subjects and skills in enjoyable lectures and outdoor practical activities, and earn a FGASA Nature Enthusiast Certificate.

The Enthusiast Series Courses with Pathfinders broadens your learning experience by exposing you to diverse landscapes, wildlife and scenarios, training you in a highly-immersive way. We utilise every opportunity to allow you to develop and practice your skills in exciting and enjoyable situations. You’ll be taken under wing by expert guides, who will inspire and mentor you on your journey and prepare you to pass your Enthusiast examination with ease.

Gain an in-depth understanding of the fascinating worlds of arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, fish, birds and mammals; learn safety and basic survival, navigation and tracking skills, and deepen your understanding of subjects including animal behaviour, astronomy, botany, geology, weather and climate and ecology in your Enthusiast course, and further develop your expertise beyond.

Whilst you are here to learn, we certainly appreciate the value of having fun! And although the course is well-structured and regulated, it’s also designed to be a social and enjoyable experience, and you can expect an amicable approach by your trainers and hosts.

Enjoy relaxed evenings telling stories around the fire, hearty home-cooked meals and making new friends for life.

Areas of study include:

Introduction to the natural environment
Astronomy
Weather & climate
Ecology
Taxonomy
Biomes of Southern Africa
Botany – Trees & Grasses
Arthropods
Amphibians
Reptiles
Fish
Birds
Animal behaviour
Conservation management & historical habitation
Bush Survival
Animal tracking
Navigation

You will have one day off each week to use for your leisure. The world-famous Victoria Falls is home to an incredible selection of sights and activities.

For the adventurous, you can bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge or try white water rafting on the Zambezi River.

Visit one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World – Victoria Falls, treat yourself to an unforgettable meal at one of the many local restaurants, go shopping or take advantage of the many options for seeing wildlife if you just can’t get enough of the safari lifestyle! You can even take a day trip to neighbouring Zambia or Botswana.

We would however highly recommend you add some extra time to your experience and explore the beautiful area before or after your course.

Included in your Course Fee: