Overview

NATUCATE invites you to Southern Africa for an unparalleled guide training experience, immersed in the heart of pure wilderness! Our Professional Field Guide course in South Africa and Botswana is perfect for anyone interested in combining active environmental conservation, personal growth, and the acquisition of invaluable nature knowledge.

This course offers an officially recognized certification and the opportunity to learn in some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife or eager to challenge yourself, this program provides a unique blend of hands-on experience and theoretical learning to help you become a skilled field guide.

Course details:

Your training as a Professional Field Guide will take place across four diverse camps – for example Selati, Karongwe, Makuleke, and Mashatu – located in South Africa and Botswana. The order in which you visit these camps will vary depending on your course start date. Each camp offers a unique setting and learning experience, allowing you to expand your knowledge and develop all the essential skills required of a field guide while being immersed in various natural reserves.

Theoretical modules will cover subjects such as geology, ecology, botany, and zoology. Hands-on lessons will teach survival strategies in the wild, rifle handling techniques, off-road vehicle driving, and the use of plants for various purposes, including medical aspects. Your training will focus on the diverse and fascinating animal and plant life of South Africa. Daily encounters with birds, fish, reptiles, and mammals will become routine as you learn to read their tracks, approach them safely, and observe their behavior. Over time, you will become increasingly attuned to your natural surroundings, sharpening all your senses.

In general, the course is roughly divided into two units – you will spend the first few months training to become a ranger in theory and practice. You will then have the opportunity to complete an internship and put your new skills into practice. Upon successful completion of the course, you will earn the officially recognized FGASA Professional Field Guide certificate, qualifying you to work as a field guide in designated wildlife areas throughout Southern Africa.

Experience an unforgettable year immersed in breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, and develop the skills to lead guests safely and confidently through the African wilderness!

Accommodation

Depending on the camp, you’ll stay in either stilt houses or dorm tents during the Professional Field Guide course. At Makuleke, you’ll have a private bathroom; other camps offer shared facilities. All camps feature a common room for training, meals, and group activities. The sites are unfenced and off-limits to tourists.

You’ll receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks daily. Camps are powered by generators, allowing limited charging of electronic devices. Solar lamps are used for lighting, and satellite phones are available for emergencies due to limited mobile reception.

Testimonial

“My expectations were definitely exceeded! I was prepared for a fantastic year and could not wait for what I was going to see, hear, feel and learn. But what I experienced in the end – I could have never imagined that.” (Anna-Katharina, 32 years)

About us

NATUCATE is a German agency, specialized in voluntary work, field guide training, nature-oriented educational courses and internships with a focus on nature and species conservation as well as animal protection. Moreover, we create and organize individual sabbaticals; commitment for nature conservation and personal development being in the centre. Sustainable and responsible traveling, so-called ecotourism, as well as nature and adventure travel are further areas of expertise.

Our projects, courses and tours, fulfilling high sustainability standards, enable people – from graduates to best agers – to make an active contribution to protecting and conserving endangered species and ecosystems and, at the same time, to broaden their personal horizon. 

Dates, Services and Cost

Visit Natucate’s website to learn about upcoming start dates.

Services

  • Placement in the course
  • Assistance with travel arrangements
  • Assistance with selecting travel insurance
  • Assistance with booking flights
  • Pre-departure information pack
  • Risk coverage certificate
  • Pick up/drop off at Emerald Guesthouse
  • Accommodation during the course
  • All meals during the course
  • Drinking water
  • 3x sets of uniforms (3x shirt, 3x short)
  • Transport between campsites
  • Game walks
  • Game drives
  • Classroom hours
  • Entrance to national park(s)
  • FGASA registration, exam fees and workbooks
  • SASSETA Competency Certification
  • DEAT registration
  • English speaking support by long-term experienced staff
  • Certificate
  • 24/7 support throughout the course

Fees

  • 335 days: 20.500 EUR
  • Note: The price stated above is an approximate value. Due to sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate of the South African Rand, the final price for this trip will be calculated at the time of enquiry based on the latest exchange rate.

Learn more and apply here