Frequently Asked Questions - Limpopo Field Guide Training Academy

Are there any laundry facilities at camp?

Yes, there are options at our base camp and also at the host lodge close by.

Do I need a Visa to come to SA and do the course?

The only requirement you will need to comply with is to get a tourist visa in order to stay in the country for at least 3 months. The course will only take up just over 2 months of that time.

If you plan to stay in the country longer than 3 months, you will need an extended permit, eg: study permit or similar. While we cannot guarantee the success of each extended permit application, we do write supporting letters for your application and many students have been successful with such applications.

Average temperatures throughout the year?

Summer (September – March) is warm to hot. Night time can get a bit cooler and if there is rainfall the temperature will drop. Although hardly needed in summer, warmer clothes should be on standby. A rain jacket is essential.

Winter (April – August) is cold at night and mild during the day. It does typically warm up enough during the day out in the bush to wear shorts, but always have a jacket close at hand. Cold fronts can occur in winter, in which case it will be cold day and night.

How do I obtain Field reference books if I cannot get to a bookshop?

You are provided with course manuals on site, as part of your course. If you have registered independently with FGASA, then we do not provide you with FGASA manuals on site (you would get them directly from FGASA)

If you so choose, you can order extra field reference books through FGASA before the course starts, and they are then able to post them to your own post box. It is best to get all books required before you arrive on course.

Please note that African postal services are notoriously poor in service and long delays can be expected. It may be prudent to order well in advance or alternatively use a global service such as Amazon, for book purchases.

You also have the option to purchase the ground-breaking Pathfinder book (Recommended reading) as an optional extra on your invoice with LFGA. While not prescribed, this book is a great asset and will serve you well in your career ahead.

How do I get from OR Tambo International Airport to the Limpopo Field Guiding Academy camp?

The best option if you do not have your own transport to camp is to make use of a shuttle service to bring you through to camp. Shuttle service options:

Mr Shuttle – +27(0)827481651 info@mrshuttle.co.za.

Waterberg Transfers: Cell: +27(0)823206515 or info@waterbergtransfers.com

Other options include:

Hiring a car at the airport – all major suppliers are present. Please note that this would either involve keeping a hire car for a lengthy duration or paying for the hire company to pick it up from our base camp.
Arranging shared transport with fellow students who also arrive on that day at OR Tambo Airport – please ask Linky at our office to put you in touch with a shared email, if you would like to explore this option further.

Please note that all transport to and from our base camp is not included in course prices and is for your own account.

Is there Internet availability at the camp?

There is cellular data signal available at our base camp. The signal is a bit sporadic at times. There is also WiFi at the host lodge close by.

What can / must I do in the mid phase break that happens on the 2 month course?

Most students either go home (if SA students) or visit friends. If you are international then your options are to either travel or stay with friends.

A great option for students during the break between course phases, is to visit No Place Like Home (Check out their Facebook page). Based in St Lucia, KZN, this wonderful guesthouse is run by LFGA graduates, for LFGA students. Study for your exams and prepare for your practicals with help from past students. Experience the IOCB Biome and all it has to offer. Spectacular wildlife and scenery at affordable rates make this the ideal venue for your break

Do I need a PDP (Professional Driving Permit) in order to work as a guide in SA?

The short answer is NO, you do not NEED it. There are many jobs that do not require a PDP. It is true that all national and provincial parks require PDP and that even some private reserves require it. More than half the available jobs in the industry do not require it – as long as you are willing to start work on a smaller, low profile reserve, you CAN get a job without a PDP.

Many placement agencies will tell you that you HAVE to have a PDP, even social media will push that agenda. It is simply not true and many guides in SA work without them. Of course if you want access to the entire job market in SA, you would need a PDP.

In summary, it is not a necessity. People under 21 years can legally guide and then obtain the permit after age 21, opening up greater opportunities.

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+27(0) 72 625 4709 or +27(0) 14 007 0621

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