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Participant, CLF 2022-2023 Director, CLF 2023-2025 Harvard College Class of 2029
June 19, 2025
June 7, 2025
Safari ranger training for teens
Learn what it takes to become a safari guide in this journey across South Africa. Begin by exploring the Cradle of Humankind. This UNESCO World Heritage site has the world’s largest concentration of human ancestral remains and is where the earliest primate was discovered. Explore areas with active fossil digs and see why life blossomed in this part of the globe. Then travel to a game reserve to begin your junior ranger program. Study the local ecosystem at the expansive Karongwe Game Reserve. Trek through safari areas looking for lions, elephants, white rhinos and more. See the importance of local plants, water sources and other environmental elements. By program’s end, you’ll have learned the basics of being a ranger and have a newfound appreciation for the magnificence of the animal kingdom.
“I didn’t think seeing an animal in person would be that different from going to the zoo or looking at a picture of them. But it definitely was a totally different experience… Seeing animals roll around in the mud like water buffalo was almost hypnotizing.”
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Meet up with your group at a pre-selected location at your home airport. Once everyone has arrived, check your bags and go through security as a group. From here you will board your flight and depart for your international flight to South Africa. This first day is counted as a full day of travel because the standard travel time to this destination exceeds 12 hours. This may change depending on your departure location.
Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.
Arrive at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg and meet your program leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Head to your game reserve accommodations at the Cradle of Humankind and settle in. Join the group for an orientation discussion and an introduction to the local culture. Have dinner and get some sleep for a big day tomorrow.
Overnight: Cradle Boutique Hotel (or similar)
Hop aboard an open air vehicle for a trek to two active fossil dig sites – Gladysvale and Malapa. Learn about the ancient origins of the human race and see what geological factors helped this area become a famed repository of hominin fossils. Keep an eye out for animals ranging from rock eating termites to antelopes. Enjoy views of the grasslands across the reserve’s more than 22,000 acres. Return to the hotel for dinner and downtime.
Start the day with a hearty breakfast and then pack up for a scenic five-hour drive to the Karongwe Game Reserve in South Africa’s Lowveld region. Settle in and then go on a sunset game drive in open safari vehicles. Wrap up the day with dinner around the campfire.
Overnight: Glamping Tents, Karongwe Game Reserve
Get an early morning start to your training. Spend three days learning about African wildlife, the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation. Enjoy game drives, bush walks and wildlife lectures and discussions. See the skills rangers need to master, including wilderness medicine, animal tracking, and safety measures. Learn about the environment from experts from leading wilderness guide organizations. Count how many animal species you see as you search for leopards, elephants, and birds. Wrap up your adventure with our traditional Rustic Ties ceremony when you’ll reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply those lessons at home.
Get up early this morning and head back to Johannesburg where your Program Leaders will take you to the airport for your departure as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.
Arrive at your home airport and reunite with your family and friends. Thank you for joining us on this adventure!