Field Guide Programme
This is a one-year course, in which you will gain a qualified nature field guides' license. During this year you will spend 6 months under practical instruction. After this you will be placed at a prominent lodge in South Africa to obtain an additional 6 months "on the job" experience. At the end of your working holiday in South Africa, you will be able to track and identify most African wildlife.
Your practical instruction lessons will include:
- Field research and game counts
- Game capture
- Dangerous plant and erosion control
- Patrolling
- Water point maintenance
- 4x4 Control and maintenance
The course has to be flexible because of the ever changing and uncontrollable environment. You could potentially end up on either wildlife capture or guiding tourists at a reserve for a few days. The course is kept flexible, so make the most of opportunities that might come your way.
Course Qualifications
During the first six months on this course, you will be aiming to obtain a total of four nationally registered guide qualifications, namely:
Introduction to Nature Guiding:
TGSP2 (Nature Site Guide Level 2 – SAQA 8478, 8456)
Advanced Nature Guide Course:
TGSP8 (Nature Site Guide Level 4 – SAQA 8531, 8532, 8533, 8514)
Introductory Tracker Course:
SAQA 8460 (Tracker Level 1)
Trails Guide Course:
TGSP3/9 (Nature Site Guide Level 4: Dangerous Animal Areas – SAQA 8459, 10750)
What’s Included in the Programme
- Programme orientation
- All meals and Accommodation during your six months of training
- All meals and accommodation during your six months of work experience
- Six-month Lodge Placement and work opportunity
- Basic study guides
- All study fees
- Exam fees
- All materials needed for practical learning
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- Flights and bus transfers to project
- Insurance, to include emergency repatriation
- South African 1 year study permit visa
- Membership fees of associations such as FGASA (this is optional)
- Extra qualifications, such as PDP drivers license and DEET registration
- Any personal spending, such as weekend drinks and snacks
- Any excursions not specified in the programme guide
- Additional study guides and books
Prices and Durations
Field Guide Course - 1 year £8,999
