Learn To Be A Safari Guide In Kruger National Park
Learn To Be A Safari Guide In Kruger National Park
$1535
Learn To Be A Safari Guide In Kruger National Park
8 Days Starting and ending in Johannesburg
Visiting: Johannesburg, Kruger National Park
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DTSKA20
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Love wildlife? Always wanted to be a safari ranger? This adventure puts you in the heart of Kruger National Park, where you'll get up close and personal with the Big 5 whilst experiencing what life is like for Game Rangers. With your expert Game Ranger guides, you'll participate in game drives and walks, discovering what it's like to live life on the wild side.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Johannesburg
Location: Johannesburg
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to South Africa! An included transfer will take you to your hotel close to the airport. You have today to explore Johannesburg - head to the Apartheid museum for a dose of history, check out sprawling Soweto, or take the Gautrain to the shopping destinations of Rosebank or Sandton.
Day 2: Johannesburg To Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Accommodation Name: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Departing Johannesburg today, we'll drive to Pafuri Gate, the entrance to Kruger National Park. After meeting our guides and taking the safety briefing, we'll get acquainted with Makuleke Camp. After settling in, it's time for our first adventure, an unforgettable game drive and night drive, to get introduced to the reserve, its wildlife, and that sweeping night's sky.
Day 3: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Accommodation Name: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise and shine! Today is all about Ecology & Conservation, so after a cooked breakfast we'll head out on a game drive or bush walk. Along the way our Game Ranger guide will teach us about the area's ecology and geology, as well as how the wildlife interact with the land. Back at camp we'll enjoy an interactive discussion by our instructor about the inter-relatedness of geology and soils, weather and atmosphere, food webs and energy flows, and habitats and conservation. Clued up on all things ecology, we'll then head out on another game drive, incorporating game viewing with an emphasis on ecology and the topics covered during the lecture.
Day 4: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Accommodation Name: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's topic is tracking, an essential skill if you want to be a safari ranger! We'll take a morning bush walk and learn all about how to identify animal tracks. After living our best Aragorn lives, it's back to camp for our daily lesson, focussing on track identification and trailing skills. Then it's time to put it into practice, as we take a bush walk and try and trail some animals.
Day 5: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Accommodation Name: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Good morning! Today's topic is bird identification and behaviour, so we'll take a morning walk and learn how to spot different types of birds using reference guides. Back at camp we'll enjoy another interactive discussion, this time on Kruger's magnificent birdlife. Then it's time for our game drive, as we try to spot hornbills, storks, kingfishers, starlings and more, learning about their behaviour and conservation status.
Day 6: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Accommodation Name: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Another day, another fascinating topic - this time Navigation & Orientation. We'll take a trail from camp and learn how to use nature as a tool to navigate and orientate ourselves in the bush. Making our way to the midday picnic spot, we'll enjoy lunch in the bush, discussing everything we've learned, before heading back to camp. Here we'll take our interactive discussion around bush skills and navigation, including how to use landmarks, the sun, a compass and maps to make our way in the wild. Then it's time for another game drive, where we'll have the opportunity to take a walk and put everything we've learned into practice.
Day 7: Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Accommodation: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Accommodation Name: Glamping in Kruger National Park (Or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
One more day of lessons, and today's topic is animal identification and behaviour. We'll take our customary morning bush walk, trailing from camp and learning about the behaviour of mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish and arthropods. Then we'll enjoy another interactive discussion on how to identify and study wildlife, before another afternoon game drive, with a focus on spotting Big Game animals.
Day 8: End Kruger National Park
Location: Kruger National Park
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's our final day! But don't feel blue: we've still got time for one more unforgettable game drive to end the trip on the high... Then it's back to Johannesburg where our adventure comes to an end. But having lived life on the wild side, it's hard not to start planning our next safari...Botswana, anyone?
What's Included
What's Not Included
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Visa and Insurance
You need to check whether you need a visa and apply for one if necessary, and book your insurance.
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Transport to Start Location
You need to arrange your transport to the start location of the trip.
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Pre or Post Trip Accommodation
Pre or post trip accommodation is not offered.
Dining Summary
- 7 Breakfast (B)
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 5 Lunch (L)
FAQs
- London: What is a Detour? Our Detour trips are minibreaks packed full of unique, local-led experiences. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a short weekend trip or just wanna spend a little more time at your destination.
- London: How many people will be on my trip? You know we love social travel here. While most of our trips have large groups, the Detour trips are all about small group travel. Check out the maximum group size on the trip page above, your group will never be larger than this.
- London: What’s included? In classic Contiki style, your accommodation and transport are included in the trip. Plus, we’ll sort out some meals and activities that are outlined in the itinerary. That’s not all, though. You’ll also have an expert Local Host to give you an inside scoop at every destination.
- London: What’s not included? All you have to do is check whether you need a visa (and apply for one if you do!), book your insurance and arrange your transport to the start location of the trip. We’ll handle the rest!
- London: Can I stay for a few extra days? Our Detour trips are short & sweet (and loaded with fun activities). That’s why we don’t offer pre or post trip accommodation.
- Kruger: What are the Big 5? Lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and buffaloes make up the Big 5 AKA the most prestigious animals to spot on safari.
- Kruger: How strenuous are the activities on this trip? Not much. There’s some walking on this trip but it’s suitable for those with basic fitness.
- Kruger: Is this trip for 18-35s only? Nope, whether you’re young or just young at heart – everyone is welcome on this trip.
- Kruger: Is this trip exclusive to Contiki? This trip is your chance to make new friends from all around the world (even beyond Contiki!). You’ll find a mix of people on this trip who may have booked through other operators. Don’t worry, you’ll still get the same awesome experience, we promise.
- Kruger: Is there a Contiki Trip Manager on this trip? There won’t be a specified Contiki Trip Manager on this trip. But don’t worry. You’ll have professionally trained safari guides with you the whole time. They’re absolute experts in their field & are the perfect people to show you the Safari ropes. Plus, they’re locals too!
- Kruger: Can you cater for dietary requirements? Your Host will endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible. Vegetarianism, lactose intolerance, and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however, some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements. Please use My Contiki to notify us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your Host will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in the dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.
Host
- Head to Kruger National Park and discover what it takes to do this dream job!
Included Experience
- Kruger National Park: During this trip, you'll take take 10 guided ‘Game Drives’ or walks throughout Kruger National Park on a quest to spot the ‘Big Five’ and more. #bucketlist
- Kruger National Park: Learn all about their experiences and daily activities in this tour, which is designed to mirror actual Safari Guides training.
- Kruger National Park: Keep watch for 'The Big Five' on a full day game drive in the Kruger National Park.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the safari guide tour in Kruger National Park?
During the tour, you will experience glamping in Kruger National Park, staying in comfortable safari-style tents that offer a unique blend of adventure and comfort, with all necessary amenities provided.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, with an included transfer to your hotel upon arrival. Within the park, you will enjoy guided game drives and bush walks.
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What activities are included in the safari guide training?
The training includes 10 guided game drives or walks, interactive discussions on ecology, conservation, and wildlife behavior, learning tracking, navigation, and orientation skills, and identifying and studying Kruger's birdlife and animal behavior.
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Will I have the opportunity to see the Big Five during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes activities designed to spot the Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffaloes, especially during the full day game drive in Kruger National Park.
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Are there any specific skills I will learn during the tour?
Yes, you will learn skills such as tracking, navigation, orientation, and animal and bird identification, which are essential for becoming a safari guide.
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Is the tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The tour can cater to specific dietary requirements such as vegetarianism, lactose intolerance, and gluten intolerance in most instances. However, some meals and activities are fixed in advance and cannot be modified. It is recommended to notify dietary requirements at the time of booking.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Dec 21, 2025 - Dec 28, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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