Full Steam Ahead – Updates & Developments
It’s been a year! 2020 came in with a bang and we’re still feeling the shockwaves & aftereffects. The entire tourism industry & economy has been hard hit by COVID-19. I’m not going to dwell on the negatives but will say this to you all – hang in there and stay strong. Our industry will recover and will be back stronger than ever, with the remaining die-hard tourism staff who are ready to get stuck in again.
One of the few positive bi-products of the closure of the tourism industry is that many Guides have taken the opportunity to further their skills. I’ve been receiving lots of updates on exam passes & eagerness to start the practical components. Well done to each and every one of you for making lemonade out of the many lemons we were served when this virus hit our country.
Having spent the last year out in the Timbavati managing lodges, guiding & reserve work; retrenchments were on the cards. Taking a positive spin on an unfortunate situation, which is out of all our control – I am very excited to be going full steam ahead with my true passion, Nightjar! We’re in it for the long haul and excited to share a few new developments with you.
It’s been great to be back on the flip side of my profession in terms of guiding guests again, on a greater scale than the odd freelance job. With this, I have also discovered a somewhat ‘newfound’ interest within the niche market of upscale privately guided safaris. In 2021, I’ll be teaming up with a fellow safari guru – Shaun Taylor from Moriti Safaris ( https://moriti.co.za/ ). Watch this space!
The main focus of Nightjar will still (and always) be, Guide training for the existing guide market. As per usual, this includes FGASA assessments (all levels), trails & ARH mentorships, on-site guide training for guiding teams, head guide/ranger training, assessment preparation, etc.
We’re also offering a new social distancing friendly service, of one-on-one FGASA exam prep & self-study assistance via Zoom (or any relevant online platform to suit the learner). To be honest, I don’t know why we haven’t been offering this all along! A great platform for individuals who are struggling with modules or workbook questions and just need someone to guide them through areas of difficulty, without having to travel & incur additional costs. These sessions are offered per hour, with myself (FGASA assessor & Guide trainer for those of you who don’t know me) and can be done after hours to suit those who are working.
Finally, we’re working hard on a shiny new updated website! Keep an eye out for the reveal.
Get in touch with us if you have any queries and stay strong.
Until next time,
Charles
charles@nightjar.co.za | 082 971 7654
