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There are certain requirements for you to take the course.
- You must be 21 years and older if you are wanting to work as a guide. 18 to 20 year olds can participate in the course but not work as a guide
- You must be in possession of a work permit if you are wanting to continue working as a nature guide
- You must be in possession of a valid drivers license with a PDP (public drivers permit) if you are wanting to continue working as a nature guide
- As for the license and PDP, you will be allowed to apply for a South African learner license and driver license assessment whilst on the course.
The 1 year National Certificate in Guiding: Nature NQF 2
This is a one-year course for people wanting to work as a nature guide or field guide in a Big 5 game reserve and park. The programme is accredited with the Tourism Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority (THETA) of South Africa and endorsed by the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA). These accreditations and endorsements set a high standard of education and will make you as a graduate, highly sought after in the guiding community.
The aim of the programme is to give you an in-depth knowledge of the fauna and flora through theoretical and practical training. Also as part of the training programme you will spend time working in the Kruger National Park and the surrounding reserves so that you can gain practical work experience as a field guide.
Modules covered throughout programme
There are certain modules that are required by law to be covered in order for you to complete the National Certificate course. All of these modules are covered in your course and include:
- Operate a personal computer
- Carry out basic research
- Understand social issues
- Operate as part of a team
- Apply basic written and oral communication skills
- Money management including budgeting
- Understand and apply personal values and ethics
- Organise oneself in the workplace
- Work with people with special needs
- Communicate verbally
- Process payments
- Process incoming and outgoing telephone calls
- Handle and record refunds
- Introduce South Africa to tourists
- Understand and interpret South Africa’s natural and cultural heritage
- Participate in sustainable tourism in South Africa
- Operate in a business
- Oversee arrival and departure of customers
- Care for customers
- Maintain occupational health and safety
- Demonstrate an understanding of HIV/AIDS and its implications
- Create a guided experience for customers
- Operate within the national and international legal framework
- Conduct a guided nature experience in a limited geographical area
As part of the course, participants also complete the FGASA Level 1 Certificate Course, the modules of which are:
- Basic geology
- Basic ecology
- Elementary taxonomy
- Plants
- Insects and relatives
- Amphibians (Frogs and Toads)
- Reptiles
- Birds
- Freshwater fish
- Mammals
- Animal Behaviour
- Weather and climate
- Astronomy (Night Sky)
- Advanced Level 1 First Aid
- Guiding Legislation
- Guiding principles and techniques
- Introduction to nature guiding
- Communication skills
- Customer care
As you can see this is a thoroughly comprehensive course and at the end of it, successful learners will be awarded with the following certificates:
- FGASA Level 1
- Africa Safe-T Advanced First Aid
- National Certificate Tourism Guiding: Nature NQF 2
- Jane Goodall Institute South Africa Participation Certificate
Project Support
Throughout your stay in South Africa you will have the full support of the training department leader, lecturers and trainers. You will be provided with competent support and assistance will all queries whilst on the course as well as help with booking optional excursions.
In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
Project Orientation
You will have a welcome orientation on arrival at the project, which will include:
- An orientation of the programme location
- Visit to the privately owned area of the Kruger National Park
- Completion of all documentation and registration with FGASA and THETA
- Briefing on programme and unit standards
- Introduction to the team
Accommodation and meals
On the campsite, there is a communal bar and lounge area, a jacuzzi and a swimming pool. Bathrooms are communal and have hot and cold running water at all times. Please note that this camp does not have electricity, though a generator runs for a few hours during the day, whilst at night the paths are lit by paraffin lanterns, allowing you to enjoy the sounds and smells of the African bush.
You will drive yourself in open land rovers to and from the camp. The camp is situated on a riverbed, which attracts African game, both large and small. This affords students the opportunity to witness nature at its best! For security, the camp is surrounded by an electric fence, which keeps all unwanted visitors out.
All of your meals will be catered for by a chef who lives on site and will generally consist of:
Breakfast – A selection of fruit, cereals, toast, spreads, coffee and tea
Lunch – Light meals ranging from cold meat and salads to burgers and sandwiches
Dinner – A variety of cooked meals ranging from curries, BBQ’s, traditional Potjies and cooked dinners.
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