This course during 2006 was lead by Lee and Didi, with Gary trying his hand as an assistant instructor for the month. We spent plenty of time up in the mountains, hiking and climbing, but it was very dry so we had to carry lots of water with us. We also found a grave on the reserve which seems to claim that Mrs Sithole lived from 1603 to 1930. Not a bad innings at all. 327 year life spans are not common!

We were based at the Pedi Village in army tents provided by Arrie van Deventer, and so we spent lots of time in the animal breeding centre, and also at the Rooikat Pub, which opens on a Friday night! Stephen Kapp, one of the students was destined to become a ranger at the Entabeni Private Game Reserve. The other guys Dan, Warren and Alley were all living in England so they didn’t seek employment with us.

Lectures were conducted outside in the open air, in the village. It’s always interesting to have nyala and other animals walking through the class. After this program Gary moved on to Leopard Hills game reserve in the Sabi Sands. The climb up Hanglip was a highlight on the course, with Gary nearly hurting himself with laughter when he opened up his lunch tin and saw what had happened to his hotdog and hard boiled eggs!