South Africa: 60 – day Safari Guide Course

Introduction

Embark on an exciting journey to the heart of the African bushveld, and experience what it’s like to be a field guide. If you’re passionate about conservation and ecotourism and have two months to spare, our 60-day Safari Guide course is perfect for you.

Based on private game reserves within a 60-kilometre radius of Kruger National Park, our program offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Greater Kruger complex. Here, you’ll get up close with the local flora and fauna, including many endangered and threatened species.

Our project partner has an excellent reputation for providing one of the most comprehensive practical courses in the safari industry. The course is designed to provide vocational skills and qualifications required by employers in the Southern African region. Additionally, the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the South Africa Qualifications Board, and the Culture Art Tourism Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) endorse and accredit our program.

Over the course of 60 days, you’ll receive hands-on practical training and classroom-based learning, where you’ll earn essential guiding certificates such as CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF 2), FGASA Apprentice Field Guide, 60-day Safari Guide Certificate, Cybertracker Track and Sign qualification, Wilderness First Aid, and Reptile Handling.

Our professional guides and instructors, many of whom have trained through us, will lead your training. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll be a fully qualified safari guide, ready to begin your career in the competitive safari industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your passion for nature into a rewarding profession.

Daily Life

Your days will be packed with excitement, starting with a morning game drive or walk after coffee and rusks. Enjoy a communal brunch and an afternoon activity, followed by dinner around an open fire.

This intensive course runs for 59 nights and 60 days, during which you’ll gain invaluable in-person experience and knowledge. Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics and activities, including lectures and classroom-based lessons.

Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to earn essential guiding certificates, such as the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide, FGASA Apprentice Field Guide, and Cybertracker Track and Sign qualification.

Get ready to become a fully qualified safari guide and enter the competitive industry as a graduate, with a comprehensive and practical education that meets the vocational skills and qualifications required by employers in the Southern African region.

Travel & Accommodation

Accommodation is in shared rooms with shared bathroom facilities at the field station 2-3 people per room – we try and keep these same sex but on the odd occasion you may need to share with someone from the opposite sex when there are odd numbers, this will be communicated with you in advance. There is hot water available for showers. Flush toilet facilities are available, and participants share general cleaning duties around the base and are responsible for their own rooms. Wifi is available at the accommodation.

Daily game drives and bush walks will take place in Big Five territory, where you’ll observe animals in their natural habitat. You’ll learn to drive a 4×4 safari vehicle and conduct a guided experience.

Requirements

• Minimum age 18
• Be keen and enthusiastic to get involved in the project
• Ability to work within a team environment
• Minimum 60 days commitment
• CRB Police check (or equivalent) showing that you have no previous criminal convictions
• Signed medical form
• Good English skills
• Necessary vaccinations
• Necessary flight & visas
• Full travel & medical insurance. Full assistance will be provided in getting everything you will need ready if you choose our Placement Support Package.

No specific skills required, participants need to be passionate about wildlife and wish to pursue a career in Field Guiding or Eco-Tourism.

Costs

Duration: 60 days

Price: £7,175 GBP

Start dates :

• 10 April 2023
• 08 July 2023
• 25 September 2023

What’s Included:

• 59 nights’ accommodation
• Meals (cereal, lunch and dinner)
• Tea/coffee and juice (freely available)
• FGASA apprentice theory exam
• FGASA assessment and moderation fees
• FGASA manuals, workbooks and study material
• Wilderness First Aid course
• Reptile Handling course
• CyberTracker Track and Sign assessment
• Game drives and bush walks
• Classroom sessions
• Dangerous game experience
• Ethical guiding principles
• Access to qualified trainers and assessors
• Laundry (conditions apply)
• Free limited internet access

Certificates:

In 60 days of hands-on practical training and classroom-based learning, you can earn these essential guiding certificates:

1. CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF 2)

2. FGASA Apprentice Field Guide

3. 60-day Safari Guide Certificate

4. Cybertracker Track and Sign qualification

5. Wilderness First Aid

6. Reptile Handling

At the end of the two months, you will become a fully qualified safari guide, ready to enter this competitive industry as a Bushwise graduate. For our international students, all you need to join this course is a visitor’s visa! This is usually issued for 90 days on arrival in South Africa. Chat to our enrollment team to learn more.

What’s Not Included:

• Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
• Transfers to and from the campus
• Uniform
• Additional reference books
• Add-on courses: Advanced Rifle Handling, Apprentice Trails Guide course and additional modules