1-year Professional Field Guide Course
South Africa, Botswana
365 days
6-12
English
24,525
Overview
This comprehensive one-year course is designed to supply the safari industry with high-calibre FGASA and CATHSSETA qualified field guides. The Field Guide (NQF2) learns to identify key natural features and interpret them through observation and basic scientific and cultural understanding.
This course is comprised of approximately five months of theoretical and practical training with highly qualified instructors, during which participants will complete various modules and certifications.
Students live and learn in up to four wilderness camps, gaining exposure to diverse ecosystems, wildlife, climates, and landscapes. These remote camps may include the Makuleke Concession (Kruger), Karongwe, Timbavati, Pridelands, or Mashatu Reserve in Botswana. The unfenced bush settings provide a highly immersive learning environment, supported by experienced instructors with varied guiding and teaching approaches. No other course offers this level of wilderness immersion and breadth of experience.
Graduation & Certification
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
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 5 km.
- Be in possession of a valid Driver’s license (preferred manual gear shift).
Location
Makuleke Conservancy, Kruger National Park; Mashatu Game Reserve, BotswanaPhoto Gallery
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.
Accommodation
Safari LodgesCosts
The training programme costs a total of Rand 397,460 (approx. US$24,525 depending on exchange rates).
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.