6 & 12 month safari guide course

  • Students on foot as part of the safari guide training
  • Elephant bull at the Marataba game reserve
  • Safari guide students viewing elephant from their vehicle
  • Course instructor with safari guide students
  • Safari guide students viewing rhino from their vehicle
  • Safari guide students on a walking safari looking at a giraffe

The course

The six and twelve month FGASA accredited courses are run in small groups to guarantee personal attention to each learner. As well as the FGASA syllabus students will be exposed to wildlife management as we work closely with the ecologists and vets in the park. Included in the twelve month course is a guaranteed placement at a five-star lodge.

The course is situated within the malaria-free Marakele National Park (76,000 ha), which forms part of the pristine Waterberg biosphere. Contrasting majestic mountains landscapes, grass-clad hills, plains and valleys characterize this spectacular area. The big five roam free, and the reserve is heaven to an impressive variety of wildlife and birds, including rare species like aardwolf, bat-eared foxes and pangolin.

Course aims

Our goal is to train top-professional safari guides that love nature, believe in conservation and would like to embark a career in Eco-tourism. And to give students an unforgettable, fun and adventurous experience.

Course content

The six month safari guide course contains the FGASA syllabus and other modules on top like trails guide back-up, tracks & signs, advanced rifle handling, birding, hosting and more – all provided by experts in their fields. Other key activities include astronomy, 4 x 4 driving, photography, reserve management, 5-star Hospitality, survival and navigation.

12 month safari guide course includes all of the above plus a six month practical placement in one of our five-star lodge.

Placement

The twelve month course offers a six month placement afterwards in one of our lodges. Here students will get exposure to practical experience in a 5-star environment under the guidance of a mentor. They are part of the skilled field-team on site and benefit from the company’s reputable guiding culture as a whole.

This is ideal if you wish to turn your passion for wildlife into a career or gain practical experience before university or a job. Our properties are rated amongst the most pristine wildlife destinations in South Africa and hence will be a true asset on your CV.

The camp

Situated at a beautiful dam the camp is a true hotspot for wildlife. You will fall asleep to the grunt of hippos and can watch elephants walk past whilst studying. We offer five-star training facilities and very comfortable accommodation in spacious tents on stilts, each with en-suite bathroom, electricity, cell-phone reception and a big study-deck. The camp provides free internet access.

The camp is near Thabazimbi (30 Min) with all the infrastructure needed (shops, banks, petrol stations) and has close proximity to greater metro pole of Gauteng.

Qualifications

The FGASA accreditation means that you gain a qualification that is recognised in Africa, the USA, UK and Dubai – an amazing stepping stone for a future career in Ecotourism, natural sciences or nature conservation. Of course, you can also just come for an adventurous experience, a career break, a unique gap year or simply to make your dream come true.

Formal qualifications: FGASA level I, FGASA Trails Guide Back up, Advanced Rifle Handling, and Wilderness First Aid level I and II.

Further information

For those who don’t want to go through the process of applying for a study visa shorter three month courses are available.

To book a place, request further information or if you have any specific questions then please get in contact by emailing fascinatingafrica@outlook.com