Professional field guide course
Launch your career as a field guide in Southern Africa
Placement summary
Who should join us?
This course is the opportunity of a lifetime for those looking to work in the wonderful world of professional safari guiding or for those wanting an adrenaline pumping and knowledge filled travel experience.
Location: Bela Bela, Limpopo, South Africa.
Duration: 2 Month intensive course.
Small group sizes
5 - 9 students plus your instructors and mentors.
About the course
Upon completion you'll be qualified as a Level 1 FGASA Field guide as well as achieving the CATHSSETA NQF2 National Qualification. FGASA is recognised throughout Southern Africa allowing you work at private reserves, game lodges and other in wildlife roles or acting as a great career boosting qualification back home.
What you'll gain
Under the eyes of your instructors they will teach you everything a guide needs: tracking, approaching big game on foot, species identification, animal behaviour or traditional medicine and plant usage and more!
Ready to pass your practical assessments, theoretical exams and gain your qualification!
What you'll be doing
Practical: Your classroom is the outdoors! Twice a day, on foot and via safari viewers, you'll immerse yourself in nature to gain skills. Regular activities guarantees close and incredible sightings to learn from... and enjoy!
Theoretical: When not in the field, attend structured lessons, study and read to gain further knowledge.
The industry standard
Maintaining quality and professionalism with guideing
What you'll learn
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Track and Sign
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Dangerous Game Approach
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Bird identification
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Geology
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Astronomy
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Basic ecology
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Taxonomy
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Meteorology
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Plant and Grass identification
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Insect identification
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Mammalian biology
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Mammal identification
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Animal behaviour
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Conservation management
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Erosion control
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Invasive species management
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Anthropology and history
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Animal sounds and interpretation
Visit the Projects page to find out how you'll be helping. For other useful information check out our FAQs.
When do courses start?
Make a deposit
Courses operate regularly throughout the year. Contact us to find out when the next course start or view all planned courses here.
£3565 - 2 months
With flexible payment plans, secure your place from as little as £50!
Total Cost
What's included?
We have taken care of all the details so you can focus on the adventure of a lifetime!
The placement includes:
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Accommodation during your stay
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Transportation and guides/tour leaders during course and activities.
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Study guides and manuals
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Food and drink (excludes any personal extras)
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All itinerary/activity equipment is provided
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Tented accommodation with practical month
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Meet and greet event in the UK
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24-hour emergency onsite support
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100% financial security with your booking
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Certificates on completion of course
What's not included?
Please note, we do not book, manage or coordinate the following:
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Flights
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Travel insurance
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Visa and Immigration requirements
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Vaccinations and health screening/checks
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Personal travel insurance
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Optional activities (any that you book during your stay)
Requirements
In order to join us on one of our packages you'll need to:
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Be above 18
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Have valid travel insurance
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Have booked return flights
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Organise the relevant travel and immigration documents
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Undergo any relevant medical checks and vaccinations
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These are your personal responsibility. Proof that all requirements are met must be sent ahead of your arrival.
Highlights you can expect
Industry Training
Tracking
You'll gain knowledge and practical skills. Unlock your new potential and become a safari guide. Gain a complete understanding of the natural environment and how to lead groups and host guests.
You'll learn how to track and trail wildlife on foot. Search for signs of animal activity and learn to interoperate and identify foot prints, scrapings, territorial marking or droppings. An eye opening and essential skill for any guide.
Unbeatable Wildlife Interactions
Dangerous Game Approach
As a guide, it’s your job to get up close and personal with African wildlife. This will be a life changing experience where you will see magnificent wildlife via safari viewers and on foot throughout as you explore the best of South Africa.
As part of your course you'll be taught how to approach dangerous wildlife both in a vehicle and on foot. Build your confidence and understanding of animal behaviour as you get up close with animals like rhino, buffalo and more!
Extra Qualifications
Breathtaking Landscape
You'll have the opportunity to gain additional training and qualifications in other subjects. Bird identification, Cyber Tracking and even firearm usage. Build extra skills you feel are important and grow yourself and your career.
Ready For Work
Your tutors have decades of experience working as professional guides across Africa. They'll give advice and feedback as you roleplay guiding to a group of paying guests. Gain new skills and get ready to unlock this exciting career opportunity.
Prepare to be amazed by the beauty of the South African sunset, by its magical night sky, by its breathtaking natural landscapes, and the sights and sounds of this unique, wild, exotic continent.
Discover Nature
Boost your knowledge, and learn about animals from antelope to zebra, big and small; study the flora and fauna, learn about behaviour, biology and the intriguing relationships in the animal kingdom. Learn to track animals in the wild and take home a new understanding about their complex ecosystems through personal exploration and discovery.
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Here is an example of how the course is structured.
Please note: Example and may not be exact. The order of activities can vary based on factors like seasonality and weather, behaviour of animals or for logistical reasons.