The Bird Courses are run in the
Makuleke concession of Northern Kruger
National Park; one of the last true wilderness
areas in South Africa and a very special place
indeed. This camp and location is truly
spectacular! Whilst the summer months
are always great for the migrants, birding in
any month in this area is excellent.
Don't be put off by the exams & qualifications…
This trip is suitably appropriate for any person who wants to improve their bird knowledge and skills or to enhance their guiding career or
just for their own personal benefit and enjoyment.
In addition to this the camp is probably one of Kruger Park's best kept secrets!
Located with in stunningly beautiful Big 5 Game territory the area boasts a wide
range of habitats and landscapes.
Birds are abundant and so is the other wildlife. Some of Kruger National
Park's' biggest Bull Elephants roam these parts.
A typical day
(but
this can vary)
Will consist of theory sessions during the day:
held in the camp incorporating use of electronic media to add value and interest
after breakfast (after returning from morning practical walk or drive)
and then again after a midday break and prior to the afternoon practical walk or drive
Practical bird identification sessions during early morning and late afternoon drives and or walks
Note: An extensive Training Manual is provided, however we recommend participants bring notepad/book/pens; to take further notes and also your own bird field guide(s) (various bird books are provided for use during the course) and most importantly good binoculars.
The practical sessions in the field will assist you in knowing what to look for to successfully identify birds,
also to point out the differences between
certain 'difficult' species. Both sight id and
call id is discussed during the practical
sessions.
The practical sessions, will be either walking or in an open game drive vehicle or a combination of both.
Your camp is situated in the Northern area of Kruger National Park, in an area known as the Makuleke Concession. The camp itself is set in a lovely area shaded by huge Nyala trees, with each spacious tent having its own private ensuite facilities. The tents are raised on timber platforms, each with their own deck overlooking the surrounding bush.
The accommodation is 2 people sharing per tent. It is an excellent area and the birding is just awesome!
Also see the Makuleke page for further information.
Bruce Lawson is one of only a few, fully
qualified professional guides with both
FGASA Level 3, SKS
Dangerous Game and SKS National Birding (THETA
NQF6) and is also a FGASA Accredited Trainer
and Assessor.
Bruce, apart from his formal qualifications, is considered as one of the
country's top birding guides.
Where we utilize a second trainer, that person will also be a qualified SKS
Birding Guide