Nightjar Training & Safaris

17/01/2025

𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗷𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀, a natural extension of Nightjar Training & Guiding, specializes in exclusive-use safaris in the Lowveld/Greater Kruger area of South Africa. Catering to groups of family and friends, we offer personalized safari experiences on a small scale, ensuring exceptional quality and attention to detail.

🌿Many of our lodge offerings allow our guests to be personally guided by our highly experienced and qualified director and head trainer, Charles Delport, guaranteeing a tailored & elevated safari experience from start to finish.

We take the time to understand our guests' needs to match them with the perfect lodge. Both self-catered and catered options are available to suit various budgets.

Featured reserves include Timbavati PNR, Klaserie PNR, Thornybush, Sabi Sands and other Greater Kruger reserves.

Get in touch to discuss your next unique Greater Kruger safari stay! 🐾

www.nightjar.co.za | [email protected] | +27 82 971 7654

13/01/2025

Lilac-breasted Roller vs European Roller: The two most commonly spotted Roller species in the Lowveld.

ℹ️ As a family, Rollers are know for their vibrant colours. European Rollers are generally more blue overall, except for the brown on its wings, whereas Lilac-breasted boast 8 different colours!

European Rollers are summer migrants to South Africa (from Europe & Asia), whilst Lilac-breasted rollers can be found in the Lowveld year round.

While both will feed primarily on insects, Lilac-breasted has a more varied diet which also includes small vertebrates, such as rodents.

Other species of Rollers found in the Lowveld of South Africa, include Racket-tailed, Broad-Billed and Purple (the largest of the Rollers).

Have you seen all 5 species of Rollers in the Lowveld?

09/01/2025

A great find during a Trails Guide mentored walk that kicked off the new year.

Robber flies are fierce predators known for their hunting prowess. They often ambush prey, using their strong, spiny legs to grip and immobilize their victims. Once secured, they inject venom that dissolves the prey's internal tissues, making it easier to consume.

02/01/2025

Take to the skies and reach your goals in 2025, and as always, we will be right there to assist you where we can. Whether it is qualification goals in guiding or your dream safari, get in touch and let us help you achieve them!

#2025

17/12/2024

The best place to escape the current heat wave! It allows for a nice breeze to keep you cool and a nice view. It always amazes me how comfortable leopards can make the most uncomfortable branches appear.

15/12/2024

✨From the Nightjar team, we wish you a festive season filled with peace, joy, and many many sightings! 🐾🌿May the New Year bring clarity, focus, and a renewed drive to conquer all your goals & aspirations.✨

03/12/2024

Exciting news with new opportunities for guides!

New path for aspiring field guides in South Africa Posted on 3 December 2024 By Savanna Douglas Tags:FGASA, Field guides, News, South Africa, The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa, travel The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) is undergoing a significant transformation, tr...

01/12/2024

The best way to end the week, and kick off a new month of course!

18/11/2024

Apart from using scent marks on trees, dominant Wildebeest bulls will often make use of middens to indicate territory boundaries. Bulls will generally become dominant at around 4-5 years old. Territory size depends greatly on how many resources, such as food, water and mates are available.

05/11/2024

During a recent private safari, we had the privilege of observing a male Boomslang, a fascinating, and seldomly seen snake.

Boomslang, with its characteristic egg-shaped head and large, prominent eyes, possesses exceptional vision. Its coloration varies, with males typically displaying a vibrant green hue, while females are often brown. Juveniles, on the other hand, can be black.

While not inherently aggressive, the Boomslang possesses a potent haemotoxic venom, requiring utmost caution and respect.

Boomslangs are oviparous, laying eggs in tree hollows. Their incubation period is remarkably long, lasting approximately three months.

*We encourage responsible wildlife viewing and emphasize the importance of observing these magnificent creatures from a safe distance.

27/10/2024

When you're racing back to Walkers River Camp to beat the incoming storm, but the Giraffe Pride are waiting for you in front of the camp, with the sky showing off in the background. What a memorable sighting for our guests!

19/10/2024

The dynamic nature of our industry means there's always something new to learn (and sometimes old information to be remembered), even for the most seasoned bush professionals.

Just finished up another session of ongoing guide training with the incredible guiding team at Silvan Safari. Their commitment to continuous learning is evident in their regular on-site upskilling sessions with Nightjar Training, which includes bush walks, training drives, astronomy sessions, and even classroom-based activities for those scorching Lowveld days.

By consistently refreshing their skills & depth of knowledge, this team ensures they're always at the top of their game, providing exceptional experiences for their guests. Well done team!


The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

10/10/2024

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄/𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 #𝗙𝗚𝗔𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗥𝗛 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿!

Next assessment date (Hoedspruit): 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒.

Please note: Bookings are essential & space is limited.

Nightjar Training is a FGASA-endorsed specialist delivery partner.
𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟: 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐷𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡

www.nightjar.co.za | [email protected] | 082 971 7654

The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

10/10/2024

Marabou Storks, although generally described as scavengers, will predominently feed on live prey during their nesting period. This coincides with the end of the dry season, when catfish are readily available! This allows for their chicks to feed on 'gentler' food items than carrion.

Marabou also are considered to be the land based bird with the biggest wingspan, growing up to an average of 2,6m, however, individuals have been recorded to have a wingspan of up to 3,2m.

05/10/2024

𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝘄𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗶 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗷𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 🐾🐘🦏🦒

Nightjar Training & Safaris (www.nightjar.co.za) proudly introduces 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙟𝙖𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨, a dedicated division specializing in crafting exceptional, bespoke privately guided safari experiences in the Lowveld (Timbavati, Klaserie, Sabi Sands, Thornybush etc). We cater to couples, families, and friend groups seeking an unparalleled exploration of South Africa's premier safari destination.🇿🇦🌍

𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙟𝙖𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙩𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝:
𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: We collaborate with you to curate bespoke itineraries that seamlessly integrate with your group's size, interests, and preferred pace. Whether you prioritize exhilarating wildlife encounters or a rejuvenating immersion in nature, our expert team ensures an unforgettable journey.

𝗨𝗻𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲: Our highly qualified and experienced guides possess an intimate understanding of the Lowveld's diverse ecosystem. Their passion for wildlife & expert level of knowledge translates into insightful commentary and an advanced level of understanding of guest needs & safety, maximizing your safari experience.

𝗨𝗻𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀: For those seeking the ultimate in comfort and exclusivity, we offer private-use and shared luxury safari offerings within renowned Big 5 private Lowveld reserves. Immerse yourselves in unparalleled opulence while experiencing the thrill of the African wilderness.

Nightjar Safaris offers more than just a safari; it's an opportunity to reconnect with nature, create lasting memories, and experience the wonders of the Lowveld private reserves in unparalleled style.

Contact us today to discuss your dream Lowveld safari and let us craft the perfect itinerary for you: [email protected]

01/10/2024

This huge discarded dung ball, opened by a hungry honey badger, was found on a trails guide assessment yesterday. These types of finds always make for great talking points on trails!

Dung beetles create intricate dung balls with various forms of animal and plant waste, which in turn serves as both food and a nursery for their offspring.

The dung ball's structure is remarkably complex, with a tougher outer layer protecting a nutrient-rich interior. This ensures the survival of the beetle larvae (provided a honey badger doesn't interfere with the process!). By creating these balls, the dung beetles are also cleaning up decomposing waste and, as the balls are usually buried, contribute to soil health & aeration, helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem. 🪲

.guides.association.of.sa

23/09/2024

𝗟𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆! 𝗥𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘄/𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 #𝗙𝗚𝗔𝗦𝗔 𝗔𝗥𝗛 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 (𝗛𝗼𝗲𝗱𝘀𝗽𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮).

Please note: Bookings are essential & space is limited.

Nightjar Training is a FGASA-endorsed specialist delivery partner.
𝐴𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑜𝑟: 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝐷𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡

www.nightjar.co.za | [email protected] | 082 971 7654

The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

19/09/2024

What a way to start the day!

We had a truly incredible encounter with majestic White Rhino while conducting FGASA mentored trails training. As the sun peeked through the mist, we embarked on an early morning walk and stumbled upon these magnificent creatures feeding along a river.

The best part? They were completely oblivious to our presence! This is exactly how wildlife encounters should be - respectful, awe-inspiring, and unforgettable.