Guide Course South Africa: Safari Guide

To join this course, you must be 18 years or older and have a sufficient level of English to participate. You should also be physically fit, and a doctor's certificate confirming your health and vaccination record will be required. Depending on your nationality and the length of your stay, you may need a visa. We recommend checking the foreign department’s website for specific visa requirements or contacting the Natucate team for assistance.

Before your departure, we will assist with your preparations, including helping you secure travel insurance, book your flight, and navigate the visa application process if necessary. Throughout the course, professional instructors will provide ongoing support and training. Transportation within the course, including airport pick-up, is included.

Accommodation includes shared rooms in bungalows, safari tents or lodge-style accommodation, which are equipped with a desk, wardrobe and fan. This means that you always share a room or tent with someone else. Some camps offer access to a pool, boma, braai area, exercise space, and social areas. Free Wi-Fi and a library of field guiding books are also available, while bathrooms are shared or communal, with en-suite options in some cases. Limited laundry services are provided.

Please note that the following are not included in the course fees: flights, transfers to the campus on a arrival and departure, medical and travel insurance, professional driver’s permits and licensing (for those 21 and older), police clearance or background check fees, and personal workwear such as hiking shoes and jackets. Additional costs include international and domestic airport taxes, extra drinks, Bushwise clothing and gratuities, compulsory and recommended reference books, and transport to your work placement. Any extra local excursions, meals, laundry, and transport during free-time weeks are also not included. Accommodation, electricity, internet, and meals during off-weeks or the work placement portion of the program are the participant’s responsibility.

Before your trip, it's important to consult your doctor to determine which vaccinations are recommended for your destination. It is generally advised to be vaccinated against Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR), as well as Tetanus in case of injury. For the latest travel health information and warnings, visit your country’s foreign department website.

We also recommend bringing a small "travel pharmacy" with essentials such as painkillers, bandages, and antihistamines. Travel insurance is a requirement for your wilderness adventure with Natucate, and we can assist you in finding a suitable policy. Please inform us of any allergies so we can notify our partners accordingly.

Since you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors, it's important to pack appropriate clothing. Bring durable hiking boots, lightweight long pants, and a hat for sun protection. Opt for neutral-colored clothing, such as grey, khaki, brown, or green, to blend in with the environment. It's also a good idea to pack warmer layers for cooler evenings or temperature changes.

Additionally, don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, a power bank, and a sketch pad to capture the beauty around you. Avoid packing unnecessary items that could take up space or be impractical in the field.

In order to get well prepared for your course, we recommend taking a closer look at the following books (in English):

• Emmet, Megan; Patrick, Sean: Game Ranger in your Backpack
• Sinclair, Ian; Hockey, Phil; Tarboton, Warwick: Sasol Birds of Southern Africa
• Estes, Richard: The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals
• van Wyk, Braam; van Wyk, Piet: Field Guide to Trees of Southern Africa
• Liebenberg, Louis: Photographic guide to Tracks and Tracking of Southern Africa

Please remind us to share our learner support with you.

We advise you to book travel cancellation insurance, in case you can’t attend the course. There are also options for insurance if you have to quit your stay earlier or will join later than expected.

For your Safari Guide Course, you will fly into OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, where you will be picked up at 07:00 AM on the course start date. The pick-up will take place at the Tourist Information Counter in the International Arrivals Terminal, a central and easy-to-find location. To ensure a smooth arrival, we recommend arriving at least a day earlier and spending the night in Johannesburg or close to the airport. This will give you time to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.

A WhatsApp group will be created a few days before the course begins, allowing you to connect with fellow participants and coordinate travel plans. From there, you’ll travel together to the camp, where your exciting adventure will begin.

Your day usually begins between 5:30 and 6:00 am, with a blend of classroom sessions and hands-on activities. Early mornings start with coffee or tea, followed by a fulfilling day in the bush, campfire meals, leadership tasks, and camp duties. A typical schedule might look like this:

• 5:00 - 5:30 am: Wake-up and light breakfast
• 6:00 - 10:00 am: Morning activity (game drive, lecture, etc.)
• 11:00 am: Brunch at camp
• Midday: Free time to relax, study, or exercise
• 3:00 pm: Afternoon activity
• 6:00 pm: Evening meal (communal braai or dining area)

Typically, each campus has inbetween 10 to 30 students, ensuring personalized training and ample support. This allows for a student-to-trainer ratio of approximately ten students per trainer.

Accommodation is provided in shared rooms in bungalows, safari tents or lodge-style houses - so you share a room or tent with another participant. Each room includes a desk, a cupboard, and a fan. Most campuses feature a pool, social areas, free Wi-Fi, and access to communal or shared en-suite bathrooms.

Yes, every camp allows a travel partner with whom you can share accommodation; make sure to inform us on time.

Meals are provided daily, with two hearty hot meals served in the communal dining area. Breakfast and lunch are varied and filling, while dinner is often served in the dining area or as a communal braai around the campfire. Snacks, fruit, cereal, coffee, tea, and water are available throughout the day.

Yes, the food is quite balanced, which is why a vegetarian diet is very well possible. We need more preparation for a vegan or gluten-free diet. Please let us know your dietary preferences beforehand.

Work time and free time are balanced throughout the course. You’ll have structured days with a mix of classroom learning, practical sessions, and field activities, typically starting early in the morning. In the afternoons, you’ll have some free time to relax, study, or explore the campus and surrounding area but the schedule is quite packed for this course.

During your free time, you can explore the campus and its stunning surroundings, with activities like birdwatching, and running along the trails. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting various animals and bird species near the water features. There’s also ample time for studying—whether it’s reviewing course material, preparing for upcoming lessons, or deepening your knowledge of the natural world. You can study in the peaceful campus environment, the library, or the social areas, where you can also relax and connect with fellow students.

The team on site will always help you and can answer your questions. They will be responsible for you and help you with any kind of problem. Moreover, you can always contact the Natucate team.

Throughout the course, most of your expenses will be covered, including meals, accommodation, and transport. However, you may need extra funds for things like external transfers, beverages, or souvenirs. Cash can be easily withdrawn at the airport or from ATMs in most cities. Before arriving in Southern Africa, it’s a good idea to check if your bank card is internationally enabled. While it’s wise to bring some cash for emergencies, we recommend not carrying large amounts, particularly in urban areas.

You can stay in touch with family and friends through Wi-Fi, which is available in selected areas of the campus. Local cell phone service is also available, depending on your carrier. Additionally, you can use internet cafes or mobile data if necessary.

For detailed information about the weather conditions of your chosen location check out our country information page. The weather varies depending on the season and location. Generally, the climate in Southern Africa is warm and sunny, with hot summers and mild winters.

During the summer (November to February), temperatures can range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), with occasional rainfall. Winter (June to August) is cooler, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), but nights can get chilly, sometimes dropping to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). Be prepared for temperature fluctuations, especially in the early mornings and evenings.

Staying alert and aware of potential risks is essential in the wilderness. Your group instructors will guide you on when to exercise extra caution, always prioritising your safety. While dangerous or venomous animals typically avoid humans and only act aggressively when threatened, it’s crucial to follow safety instructions and rules to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

Game fences enclose the campuses to keep out dangerous animals, and we provide 24/7 staff support with access to nearby emergency services. Your instructors are committed to your safety and will guide you throughout your time in the bush.

Upon completing the short course, you will receive the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) certification, which is essential for working as a professional safari guide in South Africa. This qualification ensures you are well-prepared for guiding roles in the local safari industry.

Yes, It is possible to take part in the courses without completing the exam or receiving a certificate.

The International Field Guides Association (IFGA) is a global organisation dedicated to defining and upholding the standards that make guided experiences exceptional. With a focus on the soft skills that elevate the guest experience, such as communication excellence, personalised interactions, environmental sensitivity, and storytelling. Earning IFGA certification not only builds your skills but also strengthens your CV and opens doors in the competitive world of wildlife guiding.

CATHSSETA stands for the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority. It is a South African government body responsible for overseeing skills development and setting standards in the tourism and hospitality sectors, including field guiding.

As a recognised authority, CATHSSETA ensures that field guides are trained and certified according to the national standards, with the qualification being the Nature Site Guide (NQF Level 2). This certification is essential for legally working as a field guide in South Africa. CATHSSETA also offers other related qualifications and training programs to boost professionalism and skills within the tourism and hospitality industries.

The Safari Guide Short Course offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the African bush while earning essential qualifications for a career in field guiding. In just 60 days, you'll receive practical training and classroom-based learning, including the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide certification (NQF Level 2), which is required to work as a professional guide in South Africa.

The course immerses you in the stunning wilderness of South Africa’s Big Five territory, allowing you to learn directly from expert instructors and gain valuable experience on game drives and other field activities. Whether you aim to start a career as a safari guide or simply want a life-changing adventure, this course equips you with the skills, certifications, and confidence to thrive in the safari and conservation industry.