Overview
Professional safari field guide course in South Africa

This six month course safari field guide course (one year with placement) takes participants to gain theoretical and practical training in safari field guiding, and tremendous work experience at a game lodge if the work placement option is chosen.

This qualification is accredited by the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the South Africa Qualifications Board, and the Hospitality, Education and Sports Training Authority, to enable people with skill, dedication and an appreciation of the wilderness of the bush to get a career in the game lodge industry. Subjects covered include ecology, botany and taxonomy, as well as bushcraft and survival skills like tracking, identification, weapons handling and 4x4 bush driving.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

This was a fantastic year and I recommend it to anyone with an interest in wildlife and nature.

Susan Robertson, 2007 student

Highlights

Apart from living and working in the bush alongside passionate professionals, viewing wildlife, living in a 4/5star African lodge for 6 months and experiencing a beautiful part of Africa you will gain the following qualifications ·FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) national certificate - Level 1 - practical and theory. · FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) level 2 or Trails Guide theory certificate (practical must be taken at a later date) -·FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Certificate · SASSETA (Rifle handling, proficiency, maintaining of fire arms and shooting) · THETA (The Hospitality, Sports, Education and Training Authority) National Qualification (Level 2) in Nature Guiding · National First Aid Certificate · Dangerous game experience · 4x4 competency - ·ethical guiding principles - ·6 months work experience and testimonial from a 4-5 star lodge or a research programme if included.

Location

The courses are run from two campuses in the Limpopo province, in the north-eastern region of South Africa. Both are located in areas famous for their big game and dramatic scenery of beautiful African bush, and have the mysterious Drakensberg Mountains as a stunning backdrop. Students spend six months having practical and academic training on campus, and then spend the final six months doing work experience at one of a number of lodges located in the Lowveld of South Africa.

See Life on the course page for more information

Field Conditions

The two campuses are located in the Lowveld, approx 500km northeast of Johannesburg. The areas that the course traverses for practical training are areas of true big game territories, to show you the African bush at its best. The reserves are home to predators such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as beautiful elephants, rhinos and hippos.

Accommodation at either campus is comfortable, in an idyllic bush setting. The rooms are shared and students have access to all basic facilities, a social area and swimming pool and lecture facilities. All meals are provided and there are laundry facilities available. Uniforms and linen are washed and ironed for you weekly. The campus also has electricity.

See Life on the course page for more information

What's Included

Manuals that provide detailed notes on all topics covered during the course (FGASA & IHS approved); tuition, including guest speakers; ammunition and shooting assessments; FGASA registration and exam fees (Level One); a six-month placement at a game lodge for practical experience, with regular follow-ups by the staff.

See Book Now page for more information