Antares Field Guide Training Centre was established in 2000 and is an owner-run facility. With over 30 years guiding experience and 18 years of guide training, Ian Owtram will inspire all students to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams.
The facilities are based on the Grietjie Nature Reserve, part of the Balule Nature Reserve and incorporated into the Greater Kruger National Park.
- 30.986597° E
- 24.099067° S
Closest main airport
- Phalaborwa Hendrik van Eck airport (40km)
- Hoedspruit Eastgate airport (80 km)
Closest major city
- Phalaborwa – 40 minutes
- Hoedspruit – 1 hour
- Johannesburg – 6-7 hours

COURSES OFFERED
6-month NQF2 and Back-up Trails Guide course
Course Overview
This course will run over 6 months, split into 5 semesters of one-month each and a week break in between. The initial section will prepare the student for the NQF2 assessment while introducing some more specialist subjects required for later on.
There are a number of additional certified courses included such as tracking, specialist birding, Advanced Rifle Handling and others which will give the student the best possible start to opening doors in the tourism industry.
All course materials and related excursions, access to an extensive library and all training facilities, accommodation, free Wi-Fi throughout the centre, all meals, teas, coffees and cordials, and comprehensive public liability insurance cover.
6-month NQF2 and Back-up Trails Guide course R163 875.00/person
- A Trails Guide theory exam and practical assessment is also included as well as all the NQF 2 inclusions as above.
In addition to the above inclusions on the 6-month course will be:
- A pair of 10 x 42 Vortex binoculars valued at over R3500
- A comprehensive clothing issue as part of the Antares uniform.
- A comprehensive issue of recommended books valued at over R2000
- A 4×4 driving course
- 1st aid wilderness level 1 & 2
- FGASA endorsed Snake awareness and reptile handling course
- 4-day Photographic course
- Track and sign course
- ARH training and assessment, including SASSETA competence
- Marketing, hosting and Business skills
- Wine tasting
- A 4-day mentorship trail
Course Dates
- 6-month NQF2 and Back-up Trails Guide course starts 14th January 2019
60-day NQF2 course
Course Overview
This course will cover the basic NQF2 syllabus only. The course will run over 5 days/week, with students having the weekend to relax or catch up on any required study and workbook assignments.
All course materials and related excursions, access to an extensive library and all training facilities, accommodation, free Wi-Fi throughout the centre, all meals, teas, coffees and cordials, and comprehensive public liability insurance cover.
60-day NQF2 course R64 975.00/person
- FGASA registration, first year membership subscription, one exam fee and a level 1 practical assessment to be taken during the course.
- 1st aid wilderness level 1,
- A basic clothing issue as part of the Antares uniform will be supplied.
- A basic set of recommended books valued at just under R1000.
Course Dates
60-day NQF2 course starts 5th August 2019




GENERAL
Venues
- Grietjie Nature Reserve, near Phalaborwa, Limpopo
Student Accommodation
The kitchen is fully equipped and the dining area and lounge are open plan. The centre is fully electrified but we also have gas geysers as a start towards a more eco-friendly future. Laundry facilities are available.
The classroom is air-conditioned and each student has individual desks.
A small plunge pool is available for those hot summer days.
What Students should bring
- Personal toiletries, sunscreen and any medication
- Malaria medication (ask your GP for further advice)
- Torch and/or head torch
- Good walking shoes
- Neutral coloured clothing
- Waterproof coats
- Swimming towels
- Stationary
- As many reference books as you would like (Antares will supply a number of essential reference books to each student on the 6-month course)
- Binoculars (Antares will issue binoculars to students on the 6-month course)
- Cameras and laptops (Wi-Fi available throughout the facilities)with associated chargers
- A sturdy rucksack
- Sleeping bag, roll mat and hiking tent for use on a wilderness trail.
Important Information students should be aware of
The facilities are within a big 5 reserve and are fenced off against elephant but all other animals can and do move through the area frequently.
ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone: +27 (0) 83 286 8281
Email: : ian@antares.co.za or info@antares.co.za
Website: www.antares.co.za