We are deeply committed to providing a professional service to any client or guest.
Welcome to AntaresField Guide TrainingAbout Us
Antares is perfectly suited to offer backpackers and other nature loving enthusiasts the opportunity for an affordable and relaxing breakaway in the African bush. Our accommodation is set up within the 3000Ha Big 5 Grietjie Nature Reserve and we can cater for a maximum of 12 self-catering guests at any one time, depending on gender ratios. The reserve is a member of the Balule Nature Reserve which borders onto the Kruger National Park.
Antares has also been running FGASA endorsed Field Guide training courses (also known as Game Ranger courses) since 2000 and we have seen over 240 students pass through our doors since then.
Our students, who have come from every continent in the world and a great variety of countries, spend 88 days living and learning at the field guide training centre. We accommodate a maximum of 8 students at any one time.
In the early days of guiding, we were affectionately referred to as Game Rangers and to many of the old school this name is still used. However over the past 15-20 years the guiding industry has become more professional and there are now different levels of guiding qualifications that one can aspire to.
learn morelearn more
Activities
Experience the bush from the back of an open land rover. There are opportunities to come close to some of the larger animal species found on the reserve. Elephant are encountered on a regular basis as to are other animals such as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and kudu.
Get rid of those comfort zones and put yourself on a par with the animals around you. Learn about the dung beetles and other insects, the trees and how traditional uses can benefit us, track down an elephant or simply enjoy a morning stroll listening to the birds waking up.
This activity is limited to 6 people plus the guide and is best done early in the morning. Spend a couple of hours on the banks of the Olifants River looking for this rare and elusive bird species. Balule has at least 18 birds recorded along a 40km stretch of the Olifants River.
Experience the bush from the back of an open land rover. There are opportunities to come close to some of the larger animal species found on the reserve. Elephant are encountered on a regular basis as to are other animals such as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and kudu.
Sleep out under the stars
This is an unforgettable experience. Sleep out under the stars (no tents) in the sole comfort of your sleeping bag and a fire to keep watch by. An armed guide will accompany you on this excursion. You will need to bring your own sleeping bags and roll mats for this one.
Training
Training Courses and Booking information
Get your Application Forms below
View our Rates and Booking Policy here
Check accommodation availability here
Backpackers Accommodation
We offer 4 rooms to accommodate up to 12 guests. 2 4-bed dorms and 2 twin rooms with 3 shared bathrooms available. Fully equipped kitchen with microwave, oven, fridge/freezers and outside braai facilities. An affordable option set inside a private game reserve with frequent wild animals visiting the local waterhole make this your best stop over before entering the world famous Kruger National Park
Wildlife & Birding Tours Application
Antares centre is open to self-catering groups throughout the year. We have 4 bedrooms available with a variety of combinations; 2 rooms can take 4 people, there is also 1 double room and 1 twin room. Family rooms (4 singles) are advisable for families with small two small kids thereby ensuring that you stay together.
Training Course Application
Antares offers 3 x 88-day courses annually. The dates of these vary slightly each year but will start normally in January, April and August each year. These courses are designed for those students keen to becoming fully fledged and professional guides within the stimulating world of wildlife tourism.
Back-up Trails Guide course
This course aims to combine the level 1 course with the theory aspect of the back-up Trails Guide qualification included. Over and above the standard 88 days course this slightly longer course will also include a 4×4 training module, a week long Cybertracker module, Advanced Rifle handling and Trails Guide theory sufficient for the back-up guide.
Antares in 2016We Are ExpandingGet The Info
2016 will hopefully see Antares expanding its product range. Over the past 15 years we have run very successful level 1 courses. However recent trends in the guiding industry have meant we need to keep with the times and although we will continue to offer the standard level 1 courses we have also applied to FGASA for endorsement to run a back-up trails guide course in conjunction with the level 1 course.
Antares will offer 3 courses annually, these could be 2 x 15 week courses and 1 88-day course or vice-versa depending on demand. The dates of these vary slightly each year but will start normally in January/February, May/June and August/September each year.
Antares has aligned its courses along the guidelines stipulated by FGASA and CATHSSETA. These courses are designed for those students keen to becoming fully fledged and professional guides within the stimulating world of wildlife tourism.
There is ample time on both courses for theory training and discussion as well as improving the practical skills necessary to ensure you will be considered amongst the finest trained guides in the industry.
I just wanted to let you know that I’ve been
working as a trainee guide and as a Fishing guide
for a lodge in the Lower Zambezi National Park
here in Zambia for the season.
Now I intend to do the Zambian Guides exams in
March, and I have been asked to come back and
work as a guide next season for the same lodge, if I
pass the exams.
So I'd just like to say thank you very very much for
helping me and properly introducing me into the principals of guiding.
Thanks very much.
- Daniel Nel
I thought you would like to know, I have got a job in the guiding industry!
I am currently at MalaMala, it seems to be going pretty well so far. Today
is day 21, so far I can say that my training with you has stood me in some
seriously good stead - and for that I thank you!
Often I think back to my 88 days spent at Antares, first off I miss it a
whole lot. It really was a great atmosphere, for both learning and just
enjoying yourself.
All the best
- Dave Landey
Thank you so much for the past 3
months, I will never forget it and have
enjoyed every minute!
You guys have made me feel so
welcome and safe. I never want to leave
but I know I have to – BUT I will be back
soon and keep in touch. Thanks for all
the knowledge and I can’t wait to come
back and use it!
It’s been the best time of my life!
Thank you
- Shonny/ Mrs Gnu
Before you pack for your trip to the centre, visit Africa.com for more information on our beautiful country South Africa
As well as the African bushveld you may want to visit the coast while you are here, check out Mozambique
Visit africa.com for travellers’ health information
