Training Course fees

Course fees are broken down as follows.

A non-refundable deposit on booking and the outstanding balance no less than 28 days prior to the start date of the course. A place on the course will be reserved for the students once the deposit has been received.

Cancellation fees are set at:
Less than 30 days prior: 20% of outstanding amount to be paid
Less than 14 days prior: 50% of outstanding amount to be paid
Less than 7 days prior: 100% of outstanding amount to be paid

Students will be required to complete an Indemnity form and a Code of Conduct form on arrival at the centre. Should students be under the age of 21, these documents will have to be completed by their parent/guardian. These fees are subject to change.

More detailed information about specific course fees can be found in the table below.

Costs include (All costs include 14% VAT.)

All course materials and related excursions, accommodation, all meals, teas, coffees and cordials, comprehensive public liability insurance cover, access to an extensive library and all training facilities.

On the 88-day course specifically: FGASA registration, first year membership subscription, one exam fee and a level 1 practical assessment to be taken during the course. Also provided will be 2 shirts as part of the Antares uniform required on the 88 day course.

Costs exclude

Transport to and from the centre, personal toiletries, any medication and telephone calls. There will be a charge of R150/person for transfers to and from Phalaborwa airport if required. Should students wish to arrive on the previous day there will also be an additional charge of R150.

School Education programme rates

Bush Awareness days:

R40/child. We can cater for between 8 and 16 children maximum, A minimum of 8 children are required before we will run this activity. There must be at least 1 adult/8 children at no extra charge

Teacher run Environmental days at Antares Training Centre

Teacher run days:-
R50/child.

Curriculum Based Environmental overnight stay at Antares Training Centre

Curriculum Based Environmental Days:-
R75/child. With every 16 children 2 adults go free. Otherwise R20/Adult

Overnight (2 Days) trips:-
We can accommodate a maximum of 18 people (16 children and 2 adult)
R200/child. With every 10 children, 2 adults go free. Otherwise R60/Adult

Accommodation rates

Single- R200/person/night

Double- R150/person/night (Single supplement R275/night)

Twin- R150/person/night (Single supplement R275/night)

Family room (4 singles)- R700/night

Children under 6 pay 50%, children under 3 are free

A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required on all confirmed bookings. The balance is payable 7 days before you arrive.

Cancellation fees are set at:
Less than 21 days prior: 20% of outstanding amount to be paid
Less than 14 days prior: 50% of outstanding amount to be paid
Less than 7 days prior: 100% of outstanding amount to be paid

Package rates

You can also choose from 3 different packages and book your accommodation and a range of activities in advance and make a saving.

Package #1
Book 2 adults for 2 nights in twin or double room. Included are 1 game drive, 1 game walk and 1 Pel's walk. The total value for this would normally be R1840. The package rate is R1540, a saving of R300.

Package #2
Book 2 adults for 2 nights in twin or double room. Included are 2 game drives, and 1 Pel's walk. The total value for this would normally be R1900. The package rate is R1600, a saving of R300.

Package #3
Book 2 adults for 2 nights in twin or double room. Included are 1 game drive, 1 sleep out and 1 Pel's walk. The total value for this would normally be R2500. The package rate is R2100, a saving of R400.

Additional activities

The following additional activities are available on request. Please take note of age limits and minimum people required before requesting a booking.

Morning or Afternoon game drives.

There are no age limits on these activities. A maximum of 9 people can be taken on the vehicle, but 7 would be more comfortable, a minimum of 4 people is required. The cost for this activity is R200/person.

Experience the bush from the back of an open land rover. There are opportunities to come close to some of the larger animal species found on the reserve. Elephant are encountered on a regular basis as to are other animals such as wildebeest, zebra, giraffe and kudu. Enjoy a sundowner on the banks of the Olifants River during the afternoon game drive and have the chance to drive home again in the dark looking for the rare nocturnal game with a spotlight.

Morning game walk

Participants must be 12 years or older. A minimum of 3 is required and a maximum of 8 people per walk. The cost for this activity is R175/person.

Get rid of those comfort zones and put yourself on a par with the animals around you. Learn about the dung beetles and other insects, the trees and how traditional uses can benefit us, track down an elephant or simply enjoy a morning stroll listening to the birds waking up.

Pel's Fishing Owl walk

Participants must be 12 years or older. A minimum of 1 is required and a maximum of 6 people per walk. The cost for this activity is R250/person

This activity is limited to 6 people plus the guide and is best done early in the morning. Spend a couple of hours on the banks of the Olifants River looking for this rare and elusive bird species. Balule has at least 18 birds recorded along a 40km stretch of the Olifants River.

Sleep out under the stars.

The cost of this special adventure is R500/person. Participants must be 16 years or older. A minimum of 4 is required and a maximum of 8 people per night.

This is an unforgettable experience. Sleep out under the stars (no tents) in the sole comfort of your sleeping bag and a fire to keep watch by. Enjoy a basic traditional braai on the coals of the fire. An armed guide will accompany you on this excursion. A minimum of 4 people are required as you will need to take turns to keep watch while the others sleep (if they can!). Elephants, Lions and hyenas often roam the reserve which keeps this an exciting adventure.

Package deal

The cost of this special adventure is R700/person. Participants must be 16 years or older. A minimum of 4 is required and a maximum of 8 people per night.

Combine an evening drive, followed by the sleep out under the stars and then go for an early morning walk to clear the cobwebs from your eyes.

There are a number of other tours that can be booked through other operators and details will be available at the centre.

Children under 12 pay 50% on all listed activities that have no age restrictions.

All rates quoted above are VAT inclusive.

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