WELCOME TO
THE TRAILS GUIDE COURSE
Plunge into the untamed beauty of the Okavango Delta in Botswana with our Trails Guide Course, a perfect blend of immersive adventures and structured learning. Set in one of the planet's most remarkable natural landscapes, this course promises not just insights, but transformative experiences.
Why Choose the Okavango Delta Trails Guide Course?
- Expert-Led Adventures:
With a seasoned guide at the helm and a diverse international team alongside, embark on thrilling hikes deep into the African bush. Each day unravels a new chapter of the Delta's captivating narrative. - Holistic Training Approach:
Beyond the thrilling bushwalks, dive into a comprehensive curriculum that covers zoology, ecology, meteorology, and more. Combined with hands-on training in navigation, survival, stargazing, and tracking, you'll emerge with a well-rounded expertise in guiding and wilderness understanding. - Dynamic Field Experiences:
From Mokoro and motorboat rides that offer unique water perspectives to sleep-outs under the African sky, every activity is designed to enhance your connection with the natural world and build your guiding competencies. - Interactive Learning and Reflection:
After thrilling excursions, return to camp for in-depth debriefs, classroom sessions, and collaborative discussions. These moments of reflection and shared insights are integral to your learning journey. - Flexible Course Durations with Added Specialties:
Catering to various learning desires, the Trails Guide Course offers both two-week and four-week programs. For those keen on mastering rifle handling, the Advanced Rifle Handling Course (ARH) is a worthy addition to your itinerary.
Embark on the Trails Guide Course adventure
The Okavango Delta beckons, not just as a place to visit, but as a land to deeply connect with. Whether you're an aspiring guide, a nature enthusiast, or someone yearning for a transformative wilderness experience, this Trails Guide Course offers the adventure of a lifetime!
More insights on the Trails Guide Course
Highlights of the Trails Guide Course
- Experience a training adventure in the fascinating Okavango Delta
- Game walks including approaching big game on foot
- Game driving skills
- Mokoro (dugout canoe), poling skills – depending on water levels.
- Motorboating – depending on water levels
- Theory lectures and power point presentations on potentially dangerous animals (PDA) behavior
- Tracking, survival techniques, and navigation
- Basic weapons handling
- Practical shooting with a large caliber rifle
- Air rifle accuracy training
- Muscle memory for shooting co-ordination
- Speed shooting drills & shooting assessment
- Wilderness sleep outs
QUICK FACTS
GENERAL
- Up to 8 participants, 2 or 4 week programme (optional FGASA exam), 1 to 2 start dates/month (Fridays).
- Minimum age: 18.
TRAVEL AND TRANSFERS
- Arrive/depart at Maun International Airport (MUB) on Fridays.
- 2-hour road transfer between Maun airport and Okavango Delta camp (return) included in price.
MEALS & MORE
- Full-board meals, drinking water, coffee, tea are included.
- No Wi-Fi available; cell reception limited.
ADDITIONAL ADVENTURES
- Add an incredible mobile safari in the Okavango Delta or Kalahari to your Botswana trip. Get in touch with us for details.
Activity Overview
dive into the details
Accomodation
During your time in the Trails Guide course, the Kwapa training camp will be your home, situated in the Southern Okavango Delta, close to the Qwapa River. Your accommodation will be a high wall wilderness style tent measuring 3x3 meters, equipped with a bed, a night table, and an LED-light. While single accommodation will be provided, twin accommodation is available upon request. Ensuite-bathrooms are attached to the tents, which come with a bucket shower and a typical "bush toilet." In addition to daily meals, tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.Please note that there is no electricity available in the tents at the camp. However, there is a community charging area connected to the camp generator where you can charge small devices such as batteries, solar lamps, cell phones, etc.
Meals
Throughout the course, you will be provided with three meals a day. If you have any dietary preferences or requirements, such as allergies or a special diet, please inform us at the time of booking so that our team can prepare accordingly. While vegan and gluten-free diets are possible, an additional fee may be charged due to logistical challenges.In the camp, you will have access to water, coffee, and tea. Additionally, you can purchase soft drinks during your stay, which must be paid for in cash. If you have any special requests, or would like to consume alcohol, please provide advance notice so that we can ensure availability upon your arrival.
Communication
Internet connection is not available in the camp, and mobile phone reception is limited. However, in the event of an emergency, a satellite telephone is available for use, and the camp is equipped with a radio for communication with the office.
Dates
14 to 28 days and, please contact us for dates and availability.
Number of Participants
Each group at the Kwapa Camp will consist of a maximum of 8 participants, along with one sponsored local student. Please note that on occasion, there may be 2groups present at the camp simultaneously
Prices (2024) Per Person Sharing
2 weeks - 4,350 EUR
4 weeks – 8,700 EUR
The Price Includes:
Scheduled return transfer between Maun and Kwapa Camp.
Tented accommodation.
All meals at Kwapa Camp.
Drinking water, tea, and coffee.
All training and activities at Kwapa Camp.
The Price Does Not Include:
Unscheduled transfer to/from Kwapa Camp.
Travel insurance.
All flights.
Personal effects, including toiletries.
Drinks other than those mentioned above.
FGASA/BQA registration and exam fees.
Live ammunition for the shooting range.
Booking Form & Additional Information
After you have decided to enroll in the Trails Guide Course in Botswana, we will send you a booking form to be filled out with your personal information, contact details, medical information, and travel arrangements.You will also receive supplementary details, including a packing list and general information about the project.
Location
Nestled in a private nature reserve near the Qwapa River in Botswana's North West District is Camp Kwapa. The camp is located within the subtropical zone of Africa, south of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site since 2014. With diverse wildlife and stunning natural scenery, the camp is an ideal spot for observing the flora and fauna of the region through various game walks and drives.
Climate & Seasons
The climate of the Okavango Delta, including the Qwapa River area, can be classified as semi-arid with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season.
Rainy Season (November to April): The rainy season is characterized by hot temperatures and significant rainfall. This is also known as the "green season," as the vegetation becomes lush and green due to the rain. During this period, average daytime temperatures range between 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), while nighttime temperatures are cooler, usually between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The wettest months are typically January and February.
Dry Season (May to October): The dry season is characterized by cooler temperatures and little to no rainfall. This is when the water levels in the delta peak, as the floodwaters from the Angolan highlands finally arrive. Average daytime temperatures in the dry season range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with nighttime temperatures dropping to as low as 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F) during the coldest months of June and July.
In summary, the climate and seasons in the Qwapa River area in the Okavango Delta can be characterized by hot and wet conditions during the rainy season, and cooler, dry conditions with peak water levels during the dry season. Temperatures can vary significantly between day and night, especially during the dry season, so it is essential to pack suitable clothing for both warm and cool weather if you plan to visit the region.
Flight Itenerary
Your flight should be booked with arrival and departure from Maun airport (MUB) in Botswana. Same-day arrival and departure options are available
Arrival
To ensure a timely arrival on the course start day, you have the option to arrive a day early. Our team can assist you in making arrangements.The meeting point for the course is at "The Duck Café", located opposite the airport building. A course staff member will pick you up there and take you to the reserve gate, where your instructor will welcome you. From there, you'll be driven to Camp Kwapa, approximately a two-hour drive from Maun airport.
Departure
You can plan your flight with departure on the day the course end. On the day of your departure, you will leave camp early. After breakfast, you will store your luggage in the vehicles, say goodbye, and be taken back to Maun. Here, you will first go to the guide course’s office to take care of remaining payments and confirm your course participation. Afterwards, it is up to you whether you continue your journey or travel back home. If you would like to continue exploring Botswana, we will be happy to help organize that as well.
Vaccinations
We advise consulting your doctor to ensure that you have the necessary vaccinations for your upcoming trip. Some of the commonly recommended vaccinations for travel to Botswana include:
Hepatitis A: It is suggested for all travelers to Botswana, regardless of the duration of their stay or planned activities.
Typhoid: It is recommended for all travelers to Botswana.
Yellow fever: It is mandatory for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Tetanus: It is recommended for all travelers.
Malaria is present in some parts of Botswana, particularly in the Okavango Delta. It is advisable to seek advice from a medical professional regarding antimalarial medication options.
Visa Information
Upon arrival in Botswana, tourists from most countries are granted up to 90-day tourist visa automatically. You can check if you need a visa prior arrival here. It is important that your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon arrival and has two blank pages for entry stamp.
Travel Insurance
It is mandatory to have travel insurance that is valid for the entire duration of your trip. The insurance should provide coverage for any emergencies or incidents, including air rescue, hospital or medical costs, and flights. You can either contact your local travel insurance agent or consider our recommended provider, World Nomads.
Credit Card & Cash
The official currency used in Botswana is Pula. Kwapa does not have an ATM facility, so it is recommended to carry cash (in Pula, USD, or Euro) for purchasing additional drinks (which are sold in a six-pack), snacks, ammunition (which costs around 300 USD in total), staff tips (if desired), and additional cash as a backup.
WHY we love it
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Okavango Delta, where you'll receive hands-on guidance and training from seasoned professionals, learning to navigate and survive in one of Africa's most breathtaking wilderness areas.
Gain invaluable skills in wildlife tracking, navigation, and survival, alongside practical training in rifle handling and stargazing, preparing you to guide safari tourists safely through the African bush with confidence and expertise.
Experience the thrill of close encounters with the Delta's diverse flora and fauna through daily hikes, mokoro rides, and motorboat adventures, all while contributing to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
Immerse yourself in an intensive learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with practical outdoor skills, offering a comprehensive understanding of ecology, zoology, and meteorology, and culminating in a fulfilling career as a certified Trails Guide.
MAKE AN ENQUIRY FOR
Trails Guide Course
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.