It is arguably the ideal location for training to be a an African Safari Guide (Field Guide) or simply just for expanding your knowledge about the African bush and learning about its ecosystems and diverse wildlife… whilst having one of the most incredible experiences of Africa.

The Botswana Guides Course is a theory based course with strong emphasis not only on the practical skills of guiding but also the full syllabus used by Southern African guides to qualify for the theory exams (FGASA level 1 or the Botswana equivalent – BQA – formerly BOTA).

The focus of these courses is centred around informative lectures followed by long periods in the Botswanan wilderness. Perhaps one of the more unusual aspects of training here is exploring the delta by boat and also learning about the aquatic ecology which makes the Okavango Delta so unique.

 

Activities Include:

  • Theory lectures and power point from qualified and knowledgeable trainers 
  • Game walks – including approaching big game on foot 
  • Mokoro (dug-out canoe) poling skills – depending on water levels 
  • Motor boating – depending on water levels 
  • Navigation 
  • Students conduct 4×4 vehicle game drives 
  • Stargazing & astronomy 
  • Wilderness sleepouts

Accomodation at Kwapa camp  - bush dome tents - 3×3 meter high-wall wilderness style tent with a 2×3 meter en-suite shower and bush toilet and a  similar sized verandah. Each tent is furnished with a camp bed, sheets, pillows, duvet and towels. An LED  bedside light is provided on a small bed side table. There is a wash basin with a relaxing chair on the verandah.

Kwapa Camp is situated in the Okavango Delta of Botswana which lies in the sub-tropical latitudes of southern Africa. The camp lies beneath a grove of Mangosteen trees on the banks of the crystal clear Kwapa River in the southern Okavango.

The Kwapa region is an unfenced wilderness area and is inhabited with all the diverse wildlife of the world famous Okavango Delta -lion, leopard, hippo, elephant and buffalo are resident. Wild dog, cheetah and much of the other species are present sporadically. The near-endemic Lechwe antelope along with numerous other antelope make up the most prominent species.

There is also a range of fascinating nocturnal animals such as Aardvark, Bushbaby, Small-spotted Genet, Springhare, Striped weasel, African wildcat and much more.

Kwapa Camp is a safari guide training camp. The facilities are basic and designed for those seeking a deeper knowledge of the wilderness and not luxury. That said, we do make you as comfortable as we can in our training camp. The camp consists of a kitchen area where your meals are prepared, a dining area where you take your meals, a lecture room, a sitting area around the campfire and the tents and ablutions.

The tents are 2.4m x 2.4m dome tents and furnished with a camp bed, bedding a LED bedside light on a small bed-side table. There is a stand-basin outside the front of your tent with fresh water. Toilet and showers are communal and situated a short distance from the tents. The option exists to upgrade to a larger, more spacious tent with an en-suite toilet and shower (surcharge applies).