Requirements and Training
28-Day Kruger National Park Field Guide Course in South Africa

Skills Required

Participants MUST be able to drive a manual (shift-stick) vehicle competently, and have good observation skills. Everyone must be able to work as part of a team and have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation. Participants must also be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humour and be respectful of the host country’s environment and cultures.

Training and Qualifications

This course is designed to equip you with the necessary skills to complete the FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) Level 1 qualification. Students who have applied for the FGASA qualification that are successful will receive a certificate endorsed by FGASA. All participants receive a certificate of attendance endorsed by FGASA and THETA (The Tourism and Hospitality Sport Training Authority).

Subjects covered during 28-day course:

• Eco Tourism and Guiding
• Field guiding as a profession
• Attributes, skills and duties of a field guide
• Bush navigation and orientation
• Ecology
• Geology and soil types
• Weather
• Plant communities
• Plant identification and uses and grass types
• Presentation skills
• Animal tracks and tracking
• Bird identification and behavior
• Animal behavior and approaching dangerous game
• Setting up a bush camp, sleep-out in bush, bush skills and survival
• The Game drive vehicle, using a spotlight, basic 4X4 driving
• Planning of game drives and walks, radio procedures
• Reptiles, amphibians
• Anticipating animal behavior
• Astronomy
• Identification and ecology of Invertebrates
• Bush habitat management principles
• Photography and binoculars
• Communication and facilitation skills, dealing with guests
• Anti- poaching procedures and maneuvers
• Fresh water fish
• Sustainable development and the wise use of natural resources, eco tourism and local communities
• Taxonomy
• Working in the industry, career opportunities
• Wilderness first aid
• Snake identification