How To Become A Game Ranger In South Africa

A game ranger is primarily responsible for the management of wildlife reserves or national parks, as well as ensuring the safety of protected areas under their management.

What do you have to study to become a game ranger?

It is necessary to study subjects such as ecology or nature conservation at a university or college to obtain a degree or diploma to become a game ranger. The practical part of the course is usually conducted in a hands-on wildlife and nature-based training programme.

What does a field ranger do?

The main duties of the field rangers are to protect and preserve the parks they operate in and all the flora and fauna that falls within these boundaries. Anti-poaching is a particularly important part of that mandate, and the new recruits add much needed weight in the war against the scourge of rhino poaching.

How much does a Ranger get paid?

Find out what the average Ranger salary is

The average ranger salary in Australia is $73,788 per year or $37.84 per hour.

How to Become a Game Ranger In South Africa

Game rangers are also referred to as conservation officers. First and foremost, a passion for wildlife and nature is required. To become a game ranger, you need to attain qualification at a tertiary education institution in South Africa. Recommended qualifications to help get your foot in the door for a career in game management would be:

A national diploma in nature conservation

A national diploma in game ranch management

A degree with natural sciences as a major

These qualifications are generally three years long and consist of two years of theory and one year of practical work. There are also other short course options out there, so be sure to do some research before choosing the best option for you!

Tertiary Institutions that Offer Game Ranger Qualifications

There are several accredited tertiary institutions that offer courses for those looking to pursue a game ranger career:

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

University of Cape Town

University of the Western Cape

University of South Africa (UNISA)

Southern African Wildlife College

Tshwane University of Technology

University of Stellenbosch

College of African Wildlife Management

How much does a game ranger earn in South Africa?

An early career Park Ranger with 1-4 years of experience earns an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of R95,865 based on 22 salaries. A mid-career Park Ranger with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of R90,000 based on 6 salaries.

What do you have to study to become a game ranger in South Africa ?

It is necessary to study subjects such as ecology or nature conservation at a university or college to obtain a degree or diploma to become a game ranger. The practical part of the course is usually conducted in a hands-on wildlife and nature-based training programme.

What does a field ranger do in South Africa ?

The main duties of the field rangers are to protect and preserve the parks they operate in and all the flora and fauna that falls within these boundaries. Anti-poaching is a particularly important part of that mandate, and the new recruits add much needed weight in the war against the scourge of rhino poaching.

How long does it take to be a game ranger in South Africa ?

These qualifications are generally three years long and consist of two years of theory and one year of practical work. There are also other short course options out there, so be sure to do some research before choosing the best option for you!

How much does a Ranger get paid?

Find out what the average Ranger salary is

The average ranger salary in Australia is $73,788 per year or $37.84 per hour.

How much do anti poaching rangers make?

A ranger typically received a base salary of R 755.65 to R 906.79 per month. Funding from conservation organizations allowed them to get a monthly bonus of $80 to R 3022.62 based on their rank and how many days of work they had missed but importantly, not on how well they did their jobs, the authors note.

How often do Rangers get deployed in South Africa ?

As the mission grew, members of the Regimental Staff, Regimental Special Troops Battalion, and the Regimental Military Intelligence Battalion joined in the fight; requiring one-third of the Regiment, to be deployed 365 days a year.