As our 20 year anniversary approaches, we at Limpopo Field Guiding Academy have taken time out to reflect. What exactly is it about LFGA that makes the student experience so special? So life-changing? Is it our fantastic venues? Our wonderfully talented and experienced staff? Or is it simply the essence of Africa that our students are able to experience while on course with us? Lets take a closer look…
For several years it appeared that founder / owner Mark Stavrakis was the drawcard. Indeed, with more than 25 years of experience in the guiding industry in Southern Africa and beyond, Mark is vastly experienced and was the inspiration behind the Nature Immersion Method (NIM) of guide training at LFGA. Yet it is something greater than one individual that makes the experience with us so valuable. From the outset Mark knew that the work he was doing was greater than himself and systems were put in place to develop the next generation of trainers. Some have stayed with LFGA, others have gone on to do great things in the industry.
Could it be our breath-taking camp venues that make such a difference? With the overriding theme being low impact, tented accommodation in unfenced in Big 5 concession areas, this is certainly a game-changer. Dangerous game and all other species are able to walk through camp at any time, making for a thrilling, yet valuable insight into the daily habits of a myriad species. Whether it is dodging lion to get to the bathroom or having an old buffalo ‘dagga bull’ saunter past the lecture area, being immersed in nature has huge benefits.
How about the learning experience? What exactly are students with us for? Well, that question could have many valid answers and therein lies the message. It matters little what we can teach you – rather it is what you can learn from your time with us that makes the difference. Students are exposed to knowledge sharing and interpretive experiences for the entire duration of their stay at LFGA. Whether it is nature knowledge, bushcraft, 4×4 driving skills, bush cooking and culinary skills or simply just being able to exist in harmony with the African savanna bushveld – there are multiple learning and growth opportunities every day. Young people learn life-skills, career changing students learn new skills and nature enthusiasts absorb everything around them. Indeed there is something for everyone at LFGA.
The National Qualification attached to our courses certainly has a role to play, but is it a game-changer? Is it the reason that students keep on coming to our Academy? Certainly with our rates being some of the most affordable amongst role players in Southern Africa, and being one of the longest-standing training providers endorsed by the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), it is a huge attraction. Despite the economic turbulence of recent times, LFGA has kept rates as low as possible but never compromised on standards and quality, thus ensuring a product that has exceptional value for money.
No discussion of this sort would be complete without investigating the old adage ‘….location, location, location!’ Indeed, being situated a mere 90 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport in a Malaria-Free Big 5 game reserve has huge advantages for participants from anywhere in the world. Safety and accessibility cannot be overrated and LFGA have checked all the boxes in those areas. Never before has it been easier to step out of your everyday comfort zone and immerse yourself in a natural setting, jam-packed with learning opportunities. Birding, tracking and dangerous game intensive weeks during your general nature guide course make it even more special.
In summary, none of these things on its own makes the difference. Rather it is about an ethos – the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its attitudes and aspirations. That ethos, that culture, that spirit of learning, interpreting and immersing – that is what brings people back to LFGA, time and time again.
What are you waiting for? Contact us on the details below and immerse yourself today!
Limpopo Field Guiding Academy
+27(0)72 625 4709
+27(0)14 007 0621