Guide Course Namibia: Field Guide

You must be able to speak and write fluently in English, as all course materials as well as the exam are in English. You must be at least 18 years old and preferably have a valid driver’s license. A driver’s license is not mandatory, but it does enhance the overall experience to be able to lead game drives. If you cannot drive, you will be assessed via bush walk for the final exam. You must also have a valid first aid qualification. This is a compulsory requirement for FGASA and, ideally, would be completed before beginning the course. You can also do it after the course, but FGASA will only issue your qualification once you have a valid first aid qualification. This can be done at any accredited institution in your home country.

The price covers your year-long online theory course as well as the five-week practical portion of the course in Namibia. It includes your shared 2-person tent and board during the five-week course, all course and exam fees (for one year and one exam attempt—further attempts may be made at an additional fee), all learning materials, and reliable support and supervision by your trainer.

Not included in the fee are your flights, insurance, flight transfers, and accommodation in Windhoek if your flight arrives after 2 p.m. or departs before 8 p.m.

Travel and medical insurance are very important, especially with a repatriation service. You will be in a malaria-free area, so no treatment is needed (malaria prophylaxis is only advisable for the north of Namibia during the summer months). Vaccinations are not compulsory, but it is always important to make sure your polio and tetanus protection is up-to-date.

Appropriate walking shoes are important (hiking boots are better than sport shoes because of the thorns), comfortable closed-toed shoes for the evenings, and a pair of sandals for around the camp. Khaki (or neutral-colored) clothing for game walks and drives is advised. Since the reserve is at an altitude of 1500 meters, nights can get chilly; therefore, a warm sweater or two for the evenings is recommended. A sunhat and glasses, a raincoat, a headlamp, a notepad and pens, any guide or reference books (see list below), binoculars, adaptors, personal medication and a mini first-aid kit, and some cash (NAD or ZAR Rands) are necessary as you will be in a remote location without access to a pharmacy or ATM during the course. You will receive a complete packing list upon booking the course.

Your 5-week practical training in Namibia follows your completion of the comprehensive online theory course, so your background knowledge will already be quite strong. To enhance your understanding further, we have curated a list of supplementary reading materials focusing on Namibia and its wildlife:
 

• Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, Warwick Tarboton
• The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals - Richard Estes
• Game Ranger in Your Backpack -  Megan Emmet and Sean Patrick
• Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa - Braam van Wyk & Piet van Wyk
• Photographic Guide to Tracks and Tracking of Southern Africa - Louis Liebenberg
• Pathfinder - Janesta Pulella
• Tracks and Signs - Lee Gutteridge
• Wildflowers of the Central Highlands of Namibia - Coleen Mannheimer
• Reptiles of Namibia - Alfred Schleicher
• Insectopedia - Erik Holm
• Atlas of Namibia, its Land, Water and Life - Atlas of Namibia Team (available for free online)
   
  Please be aware that none of these books are available for purchase on site, but the majority can be downloaded online.

We recommend that you take out travel cancellation insurance in advance in case you are unable to attend the course. There are also options for insurance if you have to end your stay early.

You will fly into Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, where a staff member will greet you at the arrival hall. Your driver will transport you directly to the reserve. It should be noted that if multiple participants arrive on the same day on different flights, you may have to wait a little longer so that everyone can take the same transfer. It is important for our partner to maximize the number of people per transfer to limit fuel consumption and, thereby, carbon emissions.

The group will gather for an early cup of tea or coffee before heading out into the bush for the day’s first activity, which will last for about 2–2.5 hours. Breakfast will be provided once the participants return to the camp, and then there will be a little break. After the break, a lecture period is scheduled to go over all the subjects covered during the online course. The lunch break and downtime following the lectures will be the ideal times to take in the tranquility of the wilderness or to continue your studies on your own.

All participants will venture out on the bush in the late afternoon for another 2.5–3 hour-long activity. At the end of the day, students will reconvene for dinner and a chance to unwind by the fire before heading back to their tent for a well-deserved rest. Time spent in the bush includes a variety of activities, from game drives to bush walks, as well as game viewing, birding at waterholes, tracking, control of invasive vegetation, and learning about conservation practices.

The number of participants is limited to six students to ensure optimal quality and personal attention.

The camp consists of fully furnished safari tents equipped with two single beds, an en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet, and a terrace overlooking the surrounding bush. Tents are generally occupied by two participants of the same gender, but a private tent can be arranged for an added fee. There is a central communal area serving as a dining area, lecture room, and study area, and Wi-Fi is available but subject to occasional outages.

If you would like to join the course with your partner or friend, our partner will happily arrange for you to be accommodated together.

You will be served three healthy and filling meals per day, and drinks are always available to participants. Please be aware that the reserve has no store on-site and that the closest town is 1.5 hours away.

Our partner can accommodate vegetarian meals, but unfortunately, a strict vegan diet cannot be accommodated. The reason for this is the scarce availability of vegan products in Namibia. Participants must be aware that the vegetarian menu might be less diverse than what they are used to at home for this same reason.

The 5-week course is quite intense and has a lot of study and activity requirements. Early in the morning and late in the afternoon are the prime times for bush activities since the temperatures are generally more comfortable.  The hottest time of the day (between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.) is considered free time for the participants to eat lunch, relax, and study for the FGASA certifying exam.

The camp is located in the middle of a wildlife reserve, and participants are invited to explore on their own. The absence of lions, elephants, and rhinos ensures a safe environment for solitary walks, allowing individuals to fully appreciate the natural allure of the bush. The serenity and hushed ambiance of the Namibian wilderness create an optimal setting for unwinding, engaging in reading, or practicing meditation. Your free time will also prove to be valuable study time if obtaining the FGASA certification is your goal.

Last but not least, gathering around an evening campfire to share life experiences, stories, and passion for nature is one of the biggest traditions and pleasures of life in the bush.

Yes, an instructor will always be available on site as your contact person.

There are no ATMs near the camp; the closest one is 100 kilometers away. Except for perhaps purchasing souvenirs, there is no opportunity to spend money during the training. If you do wish to purchase souvenirs or drinks other than soft drinks and use the laundry service, you may wish to carry cash; however, credit cards are accepted.

There is no cellphone reception at the camp, but the internet is quite reliable. In case of an internet problem that cannot be easily resolved, our partner can arrange transport to a landline so that participants can reach family and friends.

The course is held in Namibia's summer, from January to February. The temperature averages around 35°C, which is warm but manageable thanks to frequent rainfall. This period is a wonderful time to experience Namibia as the landscape transforms into lush greenery, welcoming back migratory birds and baby antelopes. While storms are frequent during this season, they are typically short-lived, and full-day rainfall is rare.

All students who complete the course will get a certificate of participation from the Wildlife College. Concerning the official FGASA Apprentice Field Guide qualification, participants must first successfully complete both the theory and practical exams in order to receive a certificate.

Yes, of course! Everyone is welcome to engage in this experience, and we especially encourage those who simply wish to learn more about nature to do so. The FGASA qualification can be seen as a career starter or a personal challenge, but it does not have to be the goal of the course. If you do aim for the FGASA certification, please note that this takes a high level of dedication to your studies and will occupy quite a bit of your free time.

FGASA is the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa. This body is responsible for regulating the standard of guiding in South Africa and providing standardized learning material. Our partner institution is a FGASA-endorsed training provider for the Apprentice Field Guide qualification.

This accreditation is the initial stage for those who want to start a career in the guiding sector in Southern Africa. It will provide participants with an extensive understanding of Namibia's animals, plants, biomes, geology, weather, and conservation challenges. This training also highlights the importance of guiding skills and how to transmit knowledge to your guests. FGASA guides are specialists in teaching their guests about the natural environment and making material accessible and engaging while also being relevant to the target audience. They not only become guides but also ambassadors for Namibian nature!

Nevertheless, achieving certification is not the sole objective of this course. Tailored for individuals with a profound curiosity for Namibian wildlife, the program offers a unique opportunity to gain extensive knowledge about the fauna and their habitat. Moreover, it promises immersive encounters and thrilling experiences with the animals within our unspoiled reserve, ensuring an unforgettable journey of exploration.

Acquiring FGASA certification is essential for securing job opportunities within the guiding sector. Graduates can find employment in lodges, serve as tour guides, or operate as independent guides for tour operators. The qualification is generally recognized throughout Southern Africa, offering diverse prospects.

The Apprentice Field Guide qualification marks the first step in a guiding career. After a year of apprenticeship, individuals can choose to elevate their status to FGASA Field Guide, and after two years, they can attain the final certification as a FGASA Professional Field Guide. However, the initial FGASA Apprentice Field Guide certification is sufficient on its own to work as a guide. Guides may choose to specialize in various domains, such as birding, geology, and biomes. It is important to note that non-Namibian nationals must navigate the often-challenging work visa regulations, as Namibia, like all of Southern Africa, upholds stringent employment immigration rules to prioritize local opportunities. While intricate and time-consuming, securing a work permit is possible.

We do not offer a rifle handling course during the course since the reserve is free of dangerous large animals (elephants, rhinos, and lions). Therefore, participants will not be in contact with any weapons during their practical time.