Professional Safari Field Guide Course in South Africa

  South Africa

Hoedspruit

Term: Throughout the year 
Dates: Visit the GVI website for upcoming start dates.

Description: Become an accredited Safari Field Guide and spend 6 month to one year in South Africa. The course runs for 6 months, and then you have the option of spending an additional 6 months gaining experience by working at a placement. You will gain theoretical and practical training in safari field guiding, and tremendous work experience at a game lodge if the work placement option is chosen. Subjects covered include ecology, botany and taxonomy, as well as bushcraft and survival skills like tracking, identification, weapons handling and 4x4 bush driving.

This qualification is accredited by the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA), the South Africa Qualifications Board, and the Hospitality, Education and Sports Training Authority, to enable people with skill, dedication and an appreciation of the wilderness of the bush to get a career in the game lodge industry.

* You will gain the following qualifications:

- FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) national certificate - Level 1 - practical and theory.
- FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) level 2 or Trails Guide theory certificate (practical must be taken at a later date)
- FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Certificate
- SASSETA (Rifle handling, proficiency, maintaining of fire arms and shooting)
- THETA (The Hospitality, Sports, Education and Training Authority) National Qualification (Level 2) in Nature Guiding
- National First Aid Certificate
- Dangerous game experience
- 4x4 competency
- ethical guiding principles
- 6 months work experience and testimonial from a 4-5 star lodge or a research program if included.

Highlights:
* Immerse yourself in the South African bush
* Work alongside passionate professionals
* View wildlife, the big 5
* Live in a 4/5 star African lodge
* Experience a beautiful part of Africa

Cost in US$: From $9190 for 25 weeks

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to South Africa Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998