1-year Professional Field Guide Course
South Africa, Botswana
365 days
6-12
English
19,500
Overview
If you intend to become a Field Guide or pursue any other career in this field, as a FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) certificate is essential, then this is the course for you. The 1 year course covers a broad spectrum of subjects both out in the field and in the classroom through daily lectures. You will be continually on a learning experience exposed to the African bush and being submerged in nature.
Graduation & Certificates
FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) – Organised and delivered by an FGASA-endorsed training provider accredited by CATHSSETA. You will be registered with FGASA. FGASA will automatically register you with CATHSSETA.
PFTC (Professional Firearm Trainers Council) – Firearm proficiency training during the Rifle Handling section.
- Wilderness Medicine Level 1 and 2 Certificate
- Nature Site Guide NQF2 (CATHSSETA) qualification
- FGASA Nature Site Guide NQF2 Certificate
- Firearm Proficiency (US117705, US119651, US123519) Certificate
- FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Competency
- FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide status
- EcoTracker Track and Sign Certificate
- EcoTracker Trailing Certificate
- FGASA Tracker Certificate
Training Programme
Course Duration Outline – First Half
The course spans around five months and combines theoretical and practical training under the guidance of experienced instructors. During this period, participants will cover diverse modules and earn certifications. Following this initial phase, participants transition to the Placement Programme.
Placement Programme – Second Half
After the in-camp training, the second half of the course is dedicated to the Placement period. This phase consists of five to six months of work-integrated learning at host properties, enabling students to collaborate with industry professionals and further hone their recently acquired skills. Upon completing the course, students will not only have the potential for certifications but also valuable industry-related work experience.
Costs
The training programme costs a total of US$19,500
Included
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Drop off at Emerald Backpackers on the last day
- Pick up at Emerald Backpackers on the first day
- Entry to Kruger Park (for Makuleke Courses)
- Instructors and Training
- Wilderness Medicine Course
- Game drive
- Laundry
- Walks
- 3 x sets of uniforms (shirts and shorts)
- Tea, Coffee & cordials
- Other activities (sleep out, etc)
- All FGASA registration, examination and moderation fees and books
- PFTC (Professional Firearm Trainers Council) Proficiency Certification
Excluded
- Transfers/transport to and from the camp, before and after off times.
- Any accommodation before and after the course and during off times.
- Beverages (beers, ciders, bottled water).
- NDT (formerly known as DEAT) registration.
- Entry to Kruger Park (for Makuleke Courses); Botswana border crossing.
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).
Location
Makuleke Conservancy, Kruger National Park; Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana.
