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Taking part in a field guide course is ideal for people who want to spend time in South Africa learning more about its history, fauna, flora and wildlife.
Project Age Limit
Minimum 18 years (21 years if you wish to register and work as a guide), maximum decided on potential participants health.
The Programme
The one-month field guide course is an entry level Nature Guiding course, 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). This ensures that you will receive a high standard of education throughout the programme. The aim of your training is to provide you with an in-depth knowledge of the fauna and flora of South Africa through comprehensive theoretical training and practical training out in the field.
Your theoretical teaching will take place at a training venue overlooking the Kruger National Park and the practical training will be carried out in a privately owned area in the South Western section of Kruger National Park.
FGASA and THETA Programme
If you wish to become qualified under the FGASA programme you can do so at an additional cost of £175. This will include membership with FGASA and you will be required to undertake theoretical and practical assessments. The FGASA programme will involve you having to write a test every weekend and complete the tasks that are required to obtain the Level 1 certificate.
If you successfully complete the one-month course you will qualify for a FGASA Level 1 certificate and THETA NQF 2 Nature Site Guide certificate and a recognised Level 1 First Aid Certificate.
You will also receive a Letter of Achievement that will mean you can register with the Department of environmental affairs and tourism (DEAT) as a legal guide. This is your choice, and if you choose not to undertake the qualification you will not have to write any tests or assessments but will still enjoy a great programme and come away with a certificate of participation.
Please remember that if you want to work as a ranger or field guide you must have the relevant THETA 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 assistance and help will all queries whilst on the programme 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
On arrival at the programme you will have an orientation covering the following topics:
- An orientation of the programme location
- Introduction to the team
- A briefing on the programme and what will be happening over the next month
- Health and safety
- Camp rules
- Completion of all documentation and registration with FGASA and THETA (if you choose to follow the FGASA and THETA programme)
Accommodation and Meals
During the course your accommodation will be at a beautiful tented camp inside the Kruger park. The camp has 25 dome tents, which you will be sharing with one other participant. The tents are made from thick canvas with mosquito gauze over the windows and door, raised on wooden platforms, containing two beds and two chairs outside on the decking.
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, BBQs, traditional Potjies and cooked dinners.
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