Field Guide Level 1 South Africa – Linda

Profile

Name: Linda

Age: 30

Project: Field Guide Level 1 in South Africa

Locations: Pridelands and Pongola

Duration: Beginning of October until end of November 2019 – 55 days

Rating

Support from the Natucate-Team:

Arrival:

Project partner:

Accommodation:

Field Guide Level 1 in South Africa – Feedback: Seven questions for Linda

1) Could you give us a short overview of your activities in the course?
We usually got up between 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM and then went on our first game drive or walk. At 10 AM we had breakfast, followed by lessons for 2-3 hours (we often wrote a test about the lesson of the day before). Afterwards we had lunch and some free time which we used mainly for workbook tasks or studying. In the afternoon we went for the next drive or walk, then dinner and if necessary further learning. At 10 PM (at the latest) I usually fell into bed – completely tired. However, there were also days when we were able to sleep in or when there were no lessons. So sometimes we had an entire off-day.

2) What were the biggest challenges for you during the course?
To acquire lots of new knowledge in a short time! It's feasible, but you shouldn't underestimate it, and you have to keep at it – the less you have to catch up in the end before the exam.

3) Was there anything you liked in particular? Or something you remember particularly negatively?
I particularly liked the fact that you get a completely new view of nature and actually learn to become a part of it.

4) Did you have certain expectations before you travelled to the course?
I did not expect the course to be so demanding. But all the happier you are, of course, when you manage to do it anyway and learning pays off.
My expectations regarding encounters with the animals were definitely exceeded. Almost every day there were elephants in the camp, at night the hyaenas came and falling asleep to the roar of leopards or lions is simply an indescribable and priceless experience. I would do the course again any time and I am incredibly grateful that I was able to experience this!

5) Have you done anything in your free time that you can recommend to future participants?
We had the opportunity to drive into town several times. It was really great to be standing in the supermarket out of a sudden!

6) What recommendations would you give other participants?
In any case, it is worth investing in good binoculars which makes birding much easier and more interesting. The "Game Ranger in your Backpack" and a birding/ornithology book should be taken along in any case, all other books can be borrowed on site most of the time.

7) Can you estimate how many additional costs you had on site?
About 15 to 25 € per week for soft drinks etc.