About LFGA               Not only are our courses FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) endorsed, Limpopo Field Guiding Academy - in the person of our head trainer Mark - was one of the original concerns to be formally accredited as meeting all the professional standards set by FGASA. Various training establishments that are currently FGASA endorsed have only achieved accreditation very recently. We have been implementing FGASA standards since their inception. We believe that, while working towards real, FGASA recognized qualifications, your training should at the same time be a fun adventure and build unforgettable memories – after all, you are becoming part of the wonderful, unspoilt African Bush! During Project Day students also get the opportunity to make a meaningful, practical contribution towards protecting the eco-system.	Female Glow worm   Despite their misleading names, Fireflies and Glow worms are beetles. This female Glow-Worm is wingless, but male glow worms can fly. The light producing substance is found in the last 2 segments of the abdomen. It is called Luciferin. An enzyme in the insects blood called Luciferace acts upon the Luciferin and the light produced is due to the Oxidation of the Luciferin under the action of the Luciferace. The process is reversible, therefore the Luciferin can be used over and over again. The light is a cold light, and therefore uses very little energy.	How many feathers does a bird have?       Record holders for the largest number of feathers are the swans, which have over 25 000 feathers! Small perching birds such as Robins, Sparrows Weavers have between about 2 000 and 3 500 feathers. Hummingbirds have the fewest feathers, they have around 940.
LAST COURSES FOR 2010!     3 Oct – 24 Oct 2010 / or 29 Oct 2010 7 Nov – 28 Nov 2010 / or 3 Dec 2010   Note that on every course we have an optional extra Dangerous Animal training week.   3 Week option: R11 990-00 4 Week option: R15 750-00   Also includes a FREE tracking training course, and FGASA practical assessment. Don’t miss out!		Persist   Remember, when looking for a job in the guiding industry, this is a much sought after industry, so don’t be disappointed if you meet with a few dead ends and frustrations. DON’T GIVE UP! The best approach is always in person, so a personal interview will make a big difference compared to a phone conversation. Guiding is one of the most rewarding career paths you can choose. Therefore it is worth fighting for. Also remember, as in most careers, you must be willing to start at the bottom, and with hard work and dedication, work your way up to the TOP! The view from up there is great, definitely  worth the climb!

 

Feedback from participants Dear Mark and Lientjie After our course in January 2010, we toured SA and went to Namibia to do volunteers work at Africat and Paws.                                                             The course was such a great start of our world trip and we mention it to all travellers we meet along the way.                                                            Especially the volunteers work gave us the opportunity to get some more Field Guide practice. The trip haas taken us to china right now, and we hoped to work with the Panda bears over there.                                                                              Unfortunately the panda areas are a big tourist attraction, so the local authoroties do everything to                                                                               please the tourists and make some money. The feeling was too Zoo-like and we decided not to stay there. This note is really to say thanks again for a wonderfull time at the Limpopo Field Guiding Academy.                                                                                   We learned alot, but not enough to be completely satisfied, so we will be back some time. But maybe the two of you have then moved on to making the Television shows we talked about !! Let us                                                                       know when it will be broadcatsing because we will difenintley be watching! Big hug Magriet and Ad - Netherlads 25 May 2010   Mark and Lientjie I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Mark, Lientjie and Lylian for such a fantastic experience - the entire                                                               month was the most worthwhile thing I have ever done and has had a huge influence on my future. When I                                                                     first emailed you a couple of months ago I thought at the most I would learn a little about the animals and make                                                                a few friends while camping in the Bush. However, the course was demanding, intensive and really fascinating and I really was thrilled with the entire                                                         experience. Mark and Lientjie, you were brilliant tutors and great role models, I hope to spend a lot more time                                                                   in the bush and you are to thank for giving me the opportunity and motivation. Many thanks for everything and good luck for the next course. Kind regards Hanna Elson - Scotland 11  May 2010   Mark, Lientjie and  Shani I just want to thank you for all the help. You guys have definently changed my life. I will be back for a higher Track & Sign results! Regards Jacques Beukes - South Africa 14 June 2010 - Via Facebook   Hi Mark and all other Limpopo Rangers I did my course in the beginning of 2008 and after working for a couple of lodges, have since started my own                                                       company operating in the Kruger. Your guidance, advice and training is exceptional Mark and I want to thank you for helping me get into the industry. Regards Toby Esplin - South Africa 23 May 2010 - Via Facebook