Learning a new skill is an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to develop hidden talents, whether you’re thinking of changing careers or simply want to learn something new. Of course, developing a new skill is even more rewarding if you’re practising it on the African plains.

Sculpting

If you have an artistic flair and a passion for wildlife then this is the perfect conservation holiday for you. You will have the chance to develop your artistic skills under the guidance of the esteemed photographer and sculptor Bruce Little, whilst at the same time taking on welfare responsibilities at the Hopewell Game Reserve. The reserve is located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and a typical day involves going on a game drive around the reserve on the look out for majestic lions or lithe leopards to sketch and sculpt. You have the opportunity to take on wildlife conservation responsibilities whilst at the reserve, and while this isn’t mandatory nevertheless it is a rewarding way to give something back to the local community. Bruce Little, himself, is a committed conservationist and it was through his original role as a game keeper that he was given the chance to develop his artistic skills. He originally worked with clay, but after his friends and family persuaded him to show his artwork, he moved onto bronze, which has earned him his worldwide recognition.

Professional Film Maker

If you’ve ever dreamt of making your own documentary on wildlife conservation then this is the dream holiday for you. Wildlife film making is a tough industry to break and whether you’re a complete novice or already have some background experience, this month long intensive course is all you need to break into the industry. As well as a stunning location at the Southern Numbi Gate area of South Africa, the course offers renowned tutors and state-of-the-art editing equipment. There is also a focus on developing your business skills, which is ideal in order to provide you with a basic understanding of budgeting negotiations. The best thing about studying for the course here is the close proximity to wildlife and early mornings are necessary in order to film the sunrises, whilst late nights enable you to film the nocturnal creatures of the park. There is even a pride of lions that regularly roams the park and if you’re lucky they might even provide the focus for your feature-length film.

Game Ranger

Whether you plan on making game ranging a new career or simply want to develop a skill on your holiday which is completely unique, then training for your FGASA is the perfect conservation holiday experience for you. This level one training course takes place in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and whilst everyone knows the wildlife conservation side of game ranging, there is more to the role then just wildlife. Game Rangers have to be skilled in topics as diverse as astronomy and South African wines, so this six week course certainly covers a diverse range of topics. The only thing that you will need is a UK driving licence, so that you can take the 4x4 driving course. All aspects of life in the wildlife conservation and survival in the African bush are taught, so by the end of the six weeks you’ll be able to give Ray Mears a run for his money.