Gregoire Blond

I sent more than 50 covering letters and CV to some private game reserves in South Africa.

Edeni Private Game Reserve accepts me for non-remunerative work placement from May 29 to August 31.

Edeni is a 10000 hectares Private Game Reserve, 45 minutes from Kruger. I invite you to have a look on its beautiful website, www.edeni.com.

I will work as a Field Guide in the 14 tents Bush Lodge!

I'm both proud and nervous, to work in a so much magnificient place.

I will sit the FGASA LEvel one exam on June 10.

You can see the syllabus on this link : http://www.fgasa.org.za/Syllabus-1.asp

I will be evaluate on :

Introduction to guiding in the natural environment/ Creating a guided experience/ Geology/ Astronomy/ Weather and Climate/ Basic Ecology/ Basic Taxonomy/ Introduction to the Biomes of Southern Africa/ Botany and Grasses/ Arthropod/ Amphibians/ Reptiles/ Fish/ Birds/ Mammals/ Animal Behaviour/ Conservation management and historical human habitation.

I'm working on these subjects at home. Even if I will re-see these knowledges during the FGASA Preparation course with Tshivingwi Bush Experience, in Ubundu Game Reserve, from May 22 to May 29.

I will choose two TSHIVINGWI BUSH EXPERIENCES courses.

From 14 to 19 May: A trail guide course in the Manyeleti Game Reserve. This famous reserve is wedged between the Timbavati Game Reserve and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve - all part of the Great Kruger Park.

This course is designed to introduce safety measures, guiding etiquettes and guiding procedures necessary while in a home of "potentially dangerous animal". The subjects are Trails Safety, Orientation, Rifle Handing, Tracking, Astronomy, Wildlife Behaviors....

In addition of this practical experience, from 22 to 29 May I will follow a FGASA Level one course in the Ubundu Game Reserve. To be ready for the FGASA exam the 11th June.

I try to have a FGASA Level one diploma, because I want to be a trainee guide during my holiday.

I don't want to be paid; I speak English, French, Spanish and a little bit of Chinese; I have my First Aid Diploma... I thing it will be possible!

I try to find a list of the directors of the Private Game Reserve in South Africa with their e mails adresse, to contact them.

I search also on specialize websites ( www.lodgestaff.com...)

I contacted more than ten FGASA trainers, some are too expensive!

I think a lot of them are not for South Africans but for rich Europeans! 80€ by day...

Don't worry, the search continue and I will find some good ones!

I decided after my exams to study in a Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA, www.fgasa.org.za ) training course.

I want to obtain the Level One (NQF3) to become "a developing guide who can conduct a limited guided nature experience". With this diploma, I wonder to become a trainee in Private Game Reserve during two or three months to obtain some practical experience.

I don't choose yet which course I will follow.

I will join a list of the FGASA training providers.