Safari field guide courses, South Africa

Six month course
If you are looking for a career that will be an adventure, or a hands-on experience in the bush that you will never forget, this course is for you. This is a 6 month course which is the ideal platform for a successful career in the African game lodge industry. Over the years, field guiding has become more specialised and sophisticated. It has become a career, which is increasingly viable in larger areas of Southern Africa as tourism continues to grow, but also one which demands dedication and education.

This course has been designed to develop highly skilled professionals in this exciting area of field guiding and lodge management, by providing a well-rounded and specialised education. Students spend six months practical and academic training on campus. The curriculum includes bush skills such as shooting, 4x4 driving and bush knowledge such as conservation, reserve management, geology and animal behavior. The lodge management section includes supervisory skills and many varied aspects of how to work in lodges in the African Bush.

The academic curriculum is accredited by the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (the industries leading independent body on the training and operation of field guides throughout South Africa), the South Africa Qualifications Board and the Hospitality, Education and Sports Training Authority. The curriculum has been developed by accomplished industry experts. Unlike many other training providers, this course gives students a regular exposure to working and guiding around dangerous game, such as Elephant, Lion, Rhino, Leopard, Cheetah and Hippo.

This is invaluable experience and gives students excellent grounding for placements and possible future employment in ‘Big Five’ reserves. The course is run from two campuses in the Limpopo province in the northeastern region of South Africa, an area famous for its big game and dramatic scenery of the African bush and the Drakensberg mountains.

Four week course
Training complies with all the standards set out by the Guiding Association of South Africa and is led by renowned trainers. Subjects covered include: Ecology, Botany and Taxonomy as well as Tracking, Identification, Weapons Handling and Bush Driving. The course is structured to maximise the practical experience of students in the bush. Each day allows for hours of time spent in the field interpreting the ecology and enjoying a wildlife experience in South Africa's beautiful wilderness. It is hoped that these courses on their own, or combined with a expedition allow a greater understanding and involvement of our world's habitats. Our base is a Wilderness Camp, situated in a true wilderness area in the Kruger National Park. The entry point is Numbi Gate and the wilderness area stretches to the southern Malelane area.

This course provides wildlife enthusiasts with a thorough insight and introduction in the world of field guiding.

• 05h30 Meet in the kitchen for coffee, then depart for the morning game activity (either a walk or a drive)
• 08h00 - Return for Breakfast
• 09h00 - Lectures
• 12h00 - Lunch / Free time
• 15h30 - Depart for the afternoon game activity.