Professional field guiding course
Highlights
- Daily game drives and bush walks
- Sleep outs in Big 5 territory under the stars
- Wildlife photography & much more
Overview
The Bushwise Professional Field Guide (PFG) course is a program designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals in the field guiding, or safari guide, industry. It is specifically tailored to impart the vocational skills and qualifications that employers in Southern Africa demand.
The training takes place in the heart of Big Five territory, allowing you to observe animals in their natural habitat. Each day is a blend of immersive learning experiences, including studying, embarking on game drives, wildlife observation, skill acquisition, and hands-on application of knowledge. With guidance from expert and award-winning instructors, you will delve into subjects such as wildlife theory, hospitality, storytelling, conservation, lodge management, animal behavior, and much more.
In addition, students have the remarkable opportunity to pursue a 6-month internship with a selection of lodges and game reserves in South Africa, including Thornybush, Timbavati, Makalali Private Game Reserve, and Kapama, among others. Alternatively, internships can be arranged in international destinations like Thailand, Madagascar, and Costa Rica. The program's graduates have gained professional experience in various parts of the world, from Patagonia and the USA to Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, and Rwanda. By completing internships at luxury game lodges, animal rehabilitation centers, or wildlife research and monitoring facilities, you can establish a solid foundation for a permanent career as a safari guide, reserve manager, or conservationist on a global scale.
- Accommodation, food, uniform, books, registration, moderation, exam, game drives, bush walks, sleep outs, wildlife photograohy workshop, hospitality training, rifle handling trails guiding theory, advanced rifle handling, reptile orientation course, 4 x 4 driving skills, track & sign, trailing course, basic mechanics, basic survival skills and more
- Flights, insurance, visa costs
Important Information
Begin the biggest adventure of your career and train to become a qualified field guide in South Africa’s Big Five territory. Study under the guidance of industry experts and award winners with over 100 years of combined experience. Witness wildlife in their natural habitats as you learn about animal behaviour and ecosystem functions. You’ll earn professional certificates which will open doors for a career in conservation, wildlife, ecotourism and more.