What does it cost and how do I pay for my course, etc... ?
Both South Africa and Kwa Motlhose offer excellent value for
money and with a currently favorable exchange rate of approximately R14
to £1 is a great opportunity.
All courses and holidays start with an initial deposit payment of £250.
This shall be payable to Kwa Motlhose, immediately on receipt of the
confirmation of booking. The full amount must be paid ten weeks
prior to the start date. If the student /guest wishes to cancel their
Course /Holiday, the deposit payment less £100 to cover costs is returnable
up to eight weeks before the start date, together with any
other monies paid. If for any reason the guest/student doesn't make
full payment by this date, then we reserve the right to offer the
placement/accommodation to someone else, without any refund. The
total payment (i.e. the deposit and remaining sum paid) is
non-returnable after eight weeks or less prior to the start
date and the placement shall be cancelled, without
liability on the part of Kwa Motlhose
1. Its easy to reach........
Flights take approx 10-11 hours from the UK/Europe and most are overnight,
so you can sleep through most of the journey. If you don't then the
minimal time difference means no jet lag.
2.You're made very welcome........
Just about everyone you meet as a visitor smiles, is helpful and
goes out of their way to make you feel valued. This is partly a
result of a heritage of a country where traveller's have usually come
from afar, and partly because of the result of a new South Africa (
The rainbow nation).
3. Five-star living at three-star
prices......... Prices are excellent in comparison (like
for like) to many other parts of the world, in many cases exceeding
expectations with a hugely favorable
exchange rate, great weather and an opulent quality of life.
4. The food and wines are great........
Incredible value, and you can always eat outside. With such a
massive cultural mix it means you can find an array of dishes from
hot curries, delicate Cape Malay lamb to meaty braii barbeques and
seafood feasts. As for the wines , South Africa is fast becoming
famous for its Cape wines from a Vergelegen (Bordeaux Blend) 2000 to
Kanu Chenin Blanc 2002 and this can only add to the delights of the
connoisseur.
5. The continents best-run national
parks....... Apart from private game parks and reserves,
there are numerous national parks which you can explore by car,
foot, horseback or even by boat. They nearly all have well-equipped
campsites or self-catering cottages to rent and of a great feeling
of independence and freedom for the down to earth traveller.
6. Story tellers and raconteurs at every
turn.... Sit around a camp fire on a game drive and start
chatting to your guide or chat to the staff in the lodges and you'll
be absorbed in minutes.
7. Home grown music.......
Rhythmic tribal music and choral songs make this an unsurpassed
pleasure and tribute to the people and the country.
8. Beautiful night skies......
Lay under a crystal clear skies filled with twinkling stars and see
planets and other great wonders of our world.
9. Gold and Diamonds........
The jewel capital of the world!!!!! - what more does anyone want.
10. Completely un-spoilt.....
Clean, fresh and still in its infancy, South Africa's unsurpassed
beauty with the best game viewing in the
world makes it an absolute must.
The Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) is a
non-profit organization that represents individuals and
organizations involved in offering professional field guiding
services to members of the public. FGASA sets standards for field
guides throughout South Africa in the form of a training syllabus,
strict codes of ethics and an assessment system for field guides.
The exams take place in various locations around South Africa
three time a year, usually March, June and October. We can advice
you on booking when and where its best to sit the exam.
"Kwa Motlhose" was founded in 2001 by
Chris Edwards an Englishman who
after spending many years of traveling throughout South Africa
was so inspired by the country he decided to invest in his own farm.
Initially it was to be a specialist breeding farm but after many
requests from people to visit, he opened it up to the general public
offering guests the opportunity to get to a better understanding of
nature and its fascinating inhabitants.
You will need to have an up-to-date passport. Whilst visas are
not required for British /European nationals it is recommended to
check with your local embassy just to make sure as things do change,
especially in light of recent events.
It would be advisable to bring a small amount of local
currency with you as most currencies are not widely accepted
although can be changed at banks. Credit cards and
travelers cheque's are accepted nearly everywhere.
Mobile phones can be rented at most airports and there is wide
coverage throughout the country for international users. These
cannot be used whilst out in the bush or on game drives for obvious
reasons. South Africa uses 220/240 voltage power. Converters will be
required for overseas visitors.
For anyone on a course or planning to go on any game viewing
activities, take light, khaki-coloured clothing and something warm
to wear in the evenings. A stout pair of comfortable walking
shoes or boots would also be advisable. Bring plenty of high factor
sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and swimming costume. A water bottle and a small
rucksack would also be useful
For all course attendees a sleeping bag is required. Binoculars
and a good torch if possible.
There is no best time as such mainly due to the fact that all
seasons offer a different variety of activity. But for the most
picturesque time for game viewing we recommend after the summer
rains that usually fall in November and December. this is the time
of plenty when the animals tend to begin having their young. On the
other hand June /July can be equally as good due to the water
becoming scarce and the game concentrating around the waterholes.
For birdwatchers the best time has to be mid to late summer when the
majority of migrant species are present. Unlike our good
selves wildlife is unpredictable and nothing is ever guaranteed, one
day sightings may be prolific and another nothing, there lies the
secret and pleasures of nature.
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