How do I become a game ranger / conservation guide?

As with most jobs, skills are required and one should successfully complete the necessary theoretical and practical training. Most game ranger jobs require experience, so you may need to volunteer your services at first. Our training partner in South Africa offers a four week practical training course in Limpopo, which also has access to online theoretical training. Another option is a one-year course that includes both theoretical and practical training, throughout South Africa. Two-year (or more) diplomas / degrees in Game Ranger and Lodge Management are available from various South African universities.

Our training partner in South Africa adds, "We are in constant communication with several lodges and employment agencies that often contact us in connection with vacancies they may have and we in turn then submit any CV's we have on file. Once you have completed the course it is advisable for you to e-mail your CV to keep on file."

Also for your interest, we've included some online job centres in South Africa. The links have been provided below to assist you, but have nothing to do with Marvic Tours and Tales, you make use of them entirely at your own risk.
Best Jobs South Africa http://www.bestjobs.co.za/bt-jobs.htm
Job Mail South Africa http://www.jobmail.co.za/pub/jobseeker/browse/?_SECTION=9&_CATEGORY=73
Job Index South Africa http://www.thejobindex.co.za/main.php?doc=content.php&modMnu=0

South Africa enters High Season (and High Temperatures)

Incredible to think through our snowy and blustery weather, that South Africa is entering the festive season in 30 degrees Celcius! We've had word from our backpacker's bus operator that things are getting really busy and guests are recommended to book their seats at least three days in advance to avoid disappointment.

Speak out against the mass killings of elephants now

(Source: IFAW http://www.ifaw.org)

Thousands of elephants in South Africa’s Kruger National Park need your help. The largest land mammal on earth, elephants are extremely intelligent, social and grieve tremendously for the loss of family members. Can you imagine these majestic creatures being herded into family groups by helicopters, and then shot in the head by marksmen?

This population control measure (cull) by lethal means is exactly what is being proposed by South Africa National Parks (SANParks) in order to protect the vegetation of the park from a perceived overpopulation of elephants. But culling is a cruel, unethical and scientifically unsound practice that does not consider the welfare implications to elephant society as a whole, which is why it has been banned in South Africa since an international outcry halted the practice in 1994.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism is due to make a final decision on elephant culling by the end of the year. That’s why we need you to send South Africa a message urging the government to reject culling elephants in Kruger National Park right now.

It is said that elephants never forget. Let’s make sure South Africa doesn’t forget why it banned the culling of elephants in the first place.

See our press release: "Elephant families in the Kruger National Park are facing the gallows as South Africa's Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism appeals for national and international support of the plan to cull thousands of elephants over the next five years."