Anti-Poaching Training Course
- join us on the frontline

Minimum requirements

The course is open to males between the ages of 18-35 who have completed high school. If you are aged between 36 and 46 and in excellent physical shape, ideally also with a military background, you may also apply.

International volunteers should have a reasonable level of English, both speaking and understanding.

Team spirit and physical fitness is a prerequisite.

You have to be physically able and mentally disciplined to complete this course. Please read the recommended fitness requirements carefully within the 6-week Course tab.

This is a full-time Anti-Poaching Ranger Training Course where you will live alongside other international volunteers and recruits from within South Africa. You will be training and living alongside participants from diverse backgrounds, many of whom are working towards paid employment, often to move out of poverty. You will be tested every step of the way.

This is not an adventure holiday, it is a military-style bootcamp run by a specialist security company.

Weeks 1 and 2: Foundation Course

This part of the course is focused on your physical fitness and training in areas such as hand-to-hand combat. It is very physically demanding. You should be prepared for a high level of activity. There is some theoretical training, but you are expected to learn using your own initiative – there is no hand-holding from the instructors. 

You will also complete your accredited subjects during this phase: weapons competency for self-loading rifles, grade E for PSIRA registration, level 2 first aid and a reptile orientation course. This part of the programme is preparation for the Advanced Level Course and upon successful completion students will advance to the next phase.

Drills and PT sessions will occur every morning of your training.

The following are exercises that we recommend you should be capable and comfortable doing. We recommend that you get to a point where you know you can do these confidently, as they will usually form part of your daily PT. 

• 20-25 full push-ups without stopping
• 50 sit-ups without stopping
• 50 weighted squats
• 50 jump squats
• 6-8 clean pull-ups without stopping

RUNNING

You will run every day, either 5km, 10km or 15km. You should be able to do all of the following comfortably and regularly.

• Run 5km in 25-30 minutes
• Run 10km in sub 1 hour with an additional weight. 
• Run 15km in less than 2 hours with an additional weight. 
• You should undertake trail runs rather than road running, as your daily runs will be in the bush over uneven ground.
• On the longer bush runs (10km+) you will run carrying 2 litres of water, wearing your battle jacket (lightweight mesh jacket).

In addition to running, you will also have daily PT, which could include obstacle courses, drills and marching.

Despite this being the foundation course, it will still be physically demanding. Discipline, mental strength and physical fitness will be of the utmost importance to prepare you for the advanced level.

If you have had recent active military experience in some or all of the following skills, you may be exempted from the initial two weeks of training (this will be decided following a telephone interview):

• Intelligence
• Hand-to-hand combat
• Medics
• Weapons experts

Weeks 3-6: Advanced Course – compulsory regardless of any previous military experience

You have to be physically able and disciplined to complete this course. The Foundation Level Course will have prepared you to some extent for this phase but this phase of the Anti-Poaching Course is EXTREMELY challenging, both physically and mentally. However, with effort, a strong will and a good mindset you can succeed.

During these four weeks, you will spend up to 7 days at a time in the bush. During these periods, you will set up camps in the bush, build bashers (temporary shelters), find water, and cook basic rations over an open fire. You will stay in basic bivvy shelters with very limited bathroom facilities. You will also learn to track humans and animals in the bush (including some of the Big 5). This will exert even the toughest recruits both mentally and physically – this phase is VERY different to the Foundation Course.

The courses strongly encourage team building. You will need to motivate team members to keep their spirits up and you will rely on others to support you.

During these four weeks, you will complete the following subjects:

• DNA autopsies,
• Ambushing,
• Night Operations,
• Tracking,
• Security Planning,
• Rhino Projects,
• Basic Survival,
• OP Posts and Observation,
• 7 Rules in the Bush,
• Setting up camps,
• Concealment

Certificates gained from the 6-week anti-poaching training course:

• Advanced Anti-Poaching Unit Course
• Accredited Grade E (PSIRA) (PSIRA security training is designed for individuals who are new to the security industry and do not have prior security experience).
• Accredited First Aid levels 1, 2, 3
• Reptile Orientation Course
• Accredited Weapons Competency: Self-Loading Rifle (SLR) for basic and business use (accredited by the Professional Firearms Training Council)

For international volunteers, this course is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to challenge yourself physically and work in the bush, alongside permanent anti-poaching staff. You may experience the unexpected, for example: dealing with harsh weather conditions, dangerous game and arresting poachers. If you are in the right place at the right time it may even be possible to observe and experience the darting of wild animals, collaring or horn treatment of rhinos or maybe the opposite: performing necropsies on a rhino carcass.

You will study, train and then work alongside South African recruits, permanent anti-poaching staff and other international volunteers. The teamwork that you will develop will sustain you through the challenging times and if you complete the course, you will graduate as part of a solid and dedicated team – vital in the fight against poaching.

International volunteers and South African citizens

After you’ve successfully completed the 6-week training course, you will have the option of volunteering on patrols for another 6 weeks (3 months in total) or for a further 4.5 months (6 months in total). You may choose to join and assist the permanent two-man teams as a third pair of eyes and ears in the field. You will conduct patrols and work and live in the bush for up to 16 days at a time.

For international volunteers:

Under South Africa’s security regulations, a person without a valid South African ID may not work in the field and earn a salary or operate a weapon. However, you can be part of the team as a volunteer. Volunteers do not get paid for their service on the patrols. You will, however, be placed on patrols with Anti-Poaching Unit rangers with firearms.

Volunteer duties will be no different from any SA citizen or anti-poaching unit employee. You are treated no differently than any South African employee and you can be dismissed at any time if your contract and the rules and regulations are broken.

South African citizens: 1 year working contract

If you sign up for the 1-year working contract, upon completing and passing the 6-week training course, you will be assigned a team and will go on active deployment as an armed anti-poaching ranger. You will be eligible for a monthly salary of around R7 500.

Certificates gained from 1-year service:

• 1 Year Service Certificate
• Working with Dangerous Game
• Specialised Rhino Protection

When can I join?

Courses are run through the year with set start dates.

2025 start dates

29th October 2025

These course dates reflect the first day of the Foundation Course. The advanced course follows straight on.

2026 start dates

14th January 2026
8th April 2026
8th July 2026
1st October 2026

Current pricing – international volunteers

6-week anti-poaching training course: $2,795
6-week anti-poaching training course + volunteer ranger (3 months in total): $3,295
6-week anti-poaching training course + volunteer ranger (6 months in total): $4,350

Pricing for international volunteers is in USD.

It is possible to complete the 6-week training course and then return at a later date for your 3 or 6-month volunteer ranger placement.

Current pricing – South African citizens

6-week anti-poaching training course: ZAR 42,000 (paid in USD)
6-week anti-poaching training course + 1-year working contract: ZAR 32,000 (paid in USD)
To be eligible for the 1 year working contract you must be a South African citizen with valid ID, aged 18-35, with no criminal record, with good fitness and in good health.

What’s included in the cost?

• Course fee: this goes straight to our project partner and contributes to their running costs – enabling them to continue funding their anti-poaching operations and support the recruitment and training of local anti-poaching scouts.
• Accommodation and three meals per day (see the accommodation tab for more details).
• Comprehensive instruction from highly qualified South African security and conservation experts.
• Certifications as outlined in the course overview.

What’s not included?

• Flights or travel to the project camp in South Africa.
• Visa fees and extensions (if applicable).
• Travel insurance (compulsory for international recruits).
• Meals before dinner on the course start date.
• Administration fee ($40).

• Personal expenses and meals as outlined in the Accommodation section.
• Pre and/or post-course accommodation (if required).
• Local SIM card and data/airtime bundles (optional).
• Visa extensions if you are staying longer than 90 days.

Accommodation and Meals – 6-week training course

On the 6-week course accommodation is included. The training camp is rustic with basic, shared accommodation and a communal, self-catering kitchen. Ablutions are separate to rooms and also communal. There is a restaurant on-site which participants are welcome to use before the course starts (at your own cost). The first meal you are provided with is dinner on the first day of the course.

During the Foundation Anti-Poaching Training Course (weeks one and two of the six-week course) you will be housed on the project premises in shared rooms and your meals will be prepared for you. You will receive three cooked meals per day over these two weeks. 

During the Advanced Course (weeks 3-6), you will stay at the camp in between bush patrols. Patrols are usually up to 7 nights. Basic rations are provided while you are out on patrol and three meals per day while you are at the training camp.

Accommodation and Meals – deployment

Once you have completed and passed your 6-week training course, you are responsible for your own food and patrol rations. You will learn how to cook, prepare rations and manage your food during the training course. There are two large supermarkets nearby and a very large cash and carry, so organising your rations and meals will not be an issue. During this time, accommodation is provided at the training camp when you are not out on patrol.

Facilities
During the 6-week training program, you will not have access to your mobile phone except for emergencies or other times agreed when you arrive. When you are on deployment, there are some reserves where cell phones are allowed, but at others, you will have to leave your phone behind for wildlife security purposes. The camp has WiFi if you choose the 1-year working option or while you are on breaks in between deployments. 

There is a pool table and dart board, smart TVs, gaming consoles, fridges, a microwave and a gym to ensure that participants have a relaxing downtime. The camp has a housekeeping team to ensure rooms and communal areas are kept clean and tidy. 

Who can join the anti-poaching training course?

The course is open to male recruits aged between 18-35. If you are aged 36-46 and in excellent physical shape, ideally with a military background, please do also apply.
All applicants must have a good understanding of English and have completed Grade 10 / Year 11 (UK)  / 10th Grade (US) of high school.
You should be of excellent fitness and be a determined and disciplined team player, passionate about wildlife.

What level of fitness is required?
The minimum recommended exercises we suggest you are confident and comfortable doing are:

• 20-25 full push-ups without stopping.
• 50 sit-ups without stopping.
• 50 weighted squats.
• 50 jump squats.
• 6-8 clean pull-ups without stopping.
• Undertake a 2.5km run in 15 minutes and a 5km run in 30 minutes.
• Be comfortable doing a 10km run in around an hour.
• Practice 15km runs in less than 2 hours.

If you cannot do the majority of the above before you join, you will not be able to keep up with the course.

Drills will occur every morning of your training and throughout the course. You will also have obstacle courses during most of these mornings, PT sessions, road runs and bush runs. 

Can I be employed as an anti-poaching ranger after this course?

Due to South Africa’s security regulations, a person without a valid South African ID may not work in the field and earn a salary or operate a weapon. However, international volunteers can be part of the team as a volunteer.

After your training is completed you may choose to join and assist the two-man teams as a third pair of eyes and ears in the field. You will conduct patrols and work and live in the bush for up to 16 days at a time. Volunteers are treated no differently than any South African employee and you can be dismissed at any time if your contract and the rules and regulations are broken.

What special equipment do I need to bring?

We will send you a full kit list once your application has been approved.

It is very important to limit the amount of different shoe treads in the areas you patrol and protect. This makes it much easier to identify a foreign track that does not belong there. Only one option of boots are allowed and we will supply the RB9 Rogue boots at a discounted rate.

How many people will there be?

Groups are usually around 20-25 people from all ethnic backgrounds and nationalities. Usually, around 15-20% are international recruits with the remainder being from South Africa.

Where is the course based?

The course is based in the eastern Limpopo region of South Africa.

When is the best time to come?

The climate of in the area is subtropical semi-arid, with a hot, quite rainy period from November to March and a relatively cool, dry period from May to August. Between September and April daytime temperatures average around 28 degrees during the day.

What animals will I encounter?

The areas you will train and patrol in will vary, but each are home to iconic African wildlife. Many reserves are Big 5 areas, containing lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants and rhinos.

Is food provided?

All meals and rations are provided during the 6-week training course. You will learn to cook, manage and plan meals.  Once you have passed, if you choose to stay on and work as a volunteer ranger, you will need to organise your own food and ration supplies. Staff will organise trips to the large local supermarkets to resupply.

Do I get some time off?

Once the course is finished, you will join patrols which are usually 16 days on followed by 4 days off.

How much spending money should I bring?

We recommend budgeting around R 800 – R 1000 per week to cover food and sundries when you are not on patrol. There is access to several supermarkets from the camp and resupply transfers can be arranged with the project team. Visa and Mastercard are both accepted in large stores and ATMs are widely available to draw cash.

Do I need a visa?

Most nationalities can obtain a visitor visa on arrival in South Africa. This will give you 90 days in the country. If you decide to do the deployment after the training course, the project will assist in getting your visa extended. We recommend you have at least four blank pages in your passport, and it must be valid for at least 6 months (ideally a year) after your planned departure date from South Africa. Please check your visitor’s visa eligibility prior to arrival.

What vaccinations do I need?

Please consult your GP or travel clinic for detailed medical advice.
Malaria – parts of the project are regarded as malaria areas, so we recommend you take suitable anti-malaria tablets over the course of your stay. Lariam is not allowed. Please consult your GP for guidance. Malaria treatment is widely available in South Africa.
All volunteers should make sure their tetanus is up to date or have a booster if you aren’t sure.

Please visit this UK government website for more details.

Background

The course was established in 1992, during a period of some of South Africa’s heaviest poaching. It provided the first private anti-poaching unit in South Africa. The programme was established with one aim in mind: to prevent the slaughter of wildlife. Today, the organisation boasts one of the largest private anti-poaching units in the country, covering more than 30 reserves and employing more than 400 people across South Africa.

Course Goals

The purpose of this Anti-Poaching Training Course is to provide specialist rural security services to conservation and wildlife areas in South Africa. Team spirit and personal discipline are the core of the business and are the main goals of the course.

Course leaders, students and staff all share a commitment towards the environment and to upholding and enforcing the laws laid down by the South African government.