As well as training many of the top Okavango safari guides, The African Guide Academy runs a number of excellent field guide courses at Kwapa Camp for intrepid travellers looking for a deeper understanding of the wilderness. From the basic 7 day bush skills course to more detailed 28 day Nature Guide or Trails Guide Courses – all emphasise practical experience in the field with game drive, walking, boating and mokoro skills development.

As well as training many of the top Okavango safari guides, The African Guide Academy – Kwapa Camp runs a number of excellent field guide courses for intrepid travellers looking for a deeper understanding of the wilderness. From the basic 7 day bush skills course to more detailed 28 day Nature Guide or Trails Guide Courses – all emphasise practical experience in the field with game drive, walking, boating and mokoro skills development.

The African Guide Academy believes in practical experience and knowledge gained in the field above long theorical lectures, and for this reason all courses operate from their camp, Kwapa Camp, set in the private NG30 concession of the Okavango, about 2 hours from Maun.

Kwapa Camp is a simple but comfortable camp, consisting of nine tents, each 3×4 meru-style tent has an en-suite bathroom with a flush toilet and bucket shower. The tents are furnished with camp beds, duvets, pillows, sheets and towels and lighting is provided by an LED battery powered light. Accommodation is always on a shared basis unless a single supplement is paid (+15%).

These courses are aimed at curious and active travellers with a passion for nature and interest in the wilderness beyond the luxurious offerings of most safari camps. Those looking to delve deeper into the ecology of the Okavango, to learn ancient skills long forgotten by most cultures and for a better understand of all creatures great and small will enjoy these courses. You learn the art of tracking, survival skills, navigation, ecology and much more. You will learn how to conduct game drives and walking safaris, and water levels permitting you will experience boating and mokoro safaris too. Days are fluid and follow only a lose schedule, instead working best to the conditions on the ground.

African Guie Academy – Kwapa Camp is owned and operated by the Reed family, the well-known Reed brothers, Grant and Brent hosted the National Geographic Wild series ‘the safari brothers’.

The academy offers a range of courses, from short one week bush skills to complete professional guide training. The Bush Skills course is particularly suited to those with less time to spare, perhaps before a self-drive safari.
Courses include:

• Bush Skills Course– a basic 7 day course offering an overall bush experience
• Nature Guide Course – a detailed 28 day course providing students with an in depth knowledge of the African wilderness.
• Trails Guide Course – a detailed 28 day course focuses on the skills of walking safaris in the wilderness
• Specialist birding courses and private training is also available.