FGASA African Trails Guide Course
South Africa, Botswana
28 days
6-20
English
4,780
Overview
This FGASA-endorsed course builds the skills and knowledge needed to achieve FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide status, while strengthening competencies gained in the EcoTraining Field Guide Course. Participants enhance environmental knowledge, situational awareness, and appreciation—whether pursuing a guiding career or personal growth. The course also serves as a stepping stone toward the FGASA Lead Trails Guide qualification. Applicants aiming for Apprentice Trails Guide status must hold an FGASA Apprentice Field Guide (NQF 2) certificate prior to enrolment.
This course comprises of 28-days of theoretical and practical training with highly qualified instructors.
The course is also open to those not seeking certification but looking to experience wilderness walking, deepen environmental understanding, and develop transferable personal skills. Content is the same for all participants, regardless of prior qualifications.
Graduation & Certification
This programme will assist you by registering with FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) and CATHSSETA.
- FGASA tracker certificate
- Tracker academy full tracker certificate
Entry level requirements
- The learner needs to be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
- Participants need to be older than 18 years old.
- Fit and able to walk for at least 2km.
- Be in possession of a valid Driver’s license (preferred manual gear shift). Current First Aid Certificate (or be prepared to obtain one).
Location
Makuleke concession in the famed Kruger National Park or Mashatu Reserve in Northern Tuli Game Reserve, BotswanaPhoto Gallery
Training programme
The majority of time on this 28 day FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) Trails Guide course will be spent enjoying bush walks in big game country. You will, on foot, explore the wilderness of the majestic Makuleke concession in the famed Kruger National Park or Mashatu Reserve in Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Botswana).
Your situational awareness, wildlife knowledge and appreciation of the environment will increase exponentially as this course is conducted in a wilder, different area which provides a truly authentic experience as a Field guide. This all whether you are working towards a career guide qualification or just attending for learning and self-satisfaction. Walking in this area is very rewarding and special as the 24 ,000 ha Makuleke concession hosts 75% of the Greater Kruger National Park’s biodiversity.
Our wilderness camps are located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, abundant wildlife, a profusion of birds, diverse vegetation and a very rich archaeological heritage.
Accommodation
Tented camps with sleeping arrangements consisting of two people sharing per tent. A surcharge of 30% will be applicable for single occupancy requests. Women and men do not share tents unless booked as a couple.Costs
Arrival for this course is 14:00 hr on the first day, with departure at 9:00 hr on the last day.
Total costs: Rand 77,450 (approx. US$4780 depending on exchante rates)
Included
- Accommodation (sharing)
- Meals
- Tea / Coffee / Cordials
- Instruction and Training
- Game Walks
- All FGASA fees (exam, assessments and workbooks)
- Open vehicle game drives
Excluded
- Transfers/transport to and from the camp, before and after the course
- Any accommodation before and after the course
Beverages (beer, ciders, bottled water) - Kruger National Park entrance fee (only applicable if the course is at Makuleke Camp)
- Border crossing fee (only applicable if the course is at Mashatu Camp)
- Sleep outs/ additional activities
- In unforeseen circumstances, rates (for unpaid bookings) and venues are subject to change without notice