This course is consisting of two sections. In section 1, the students spend 4 to 5 months in the EcoTraining unfenced bush camps, receiving theoretical and practical training from our highly qualified instructors, to complete various, separately certified courses.
The Placement Period makes up the second part of the course. These 5-6 months of work-integrated learning is where the students are hosted at one of our Placement partners who have agreed to mentor them and develop their newly acquired skills. While on placement, the students will work with industry experts to gain substantial working and practical experience. The focus of the placement is not only guiding, but an opportunity to strengthen soft skills and experience other departments at the establishment. We believe that this is the only way to produce well-rounded, holistic Professional Field guides.
Most students that attend this particular course range from various ages starting from as young as 18 years of age, and are either looking for an environmental career, safari career or a meaningful educational gap year. EcoTraining has, to date, trained students from 33 different countries around the globe!
What you will learn on the course
Below is a broad overview of the course modules learned in the course.
1. The Introduction to Guiding in the Natural Environment
2. Ethics of Professional Nature Guiding
3. Conservation and Habitat Management
4. Basic Bush and Survival Skills
5. Identification and ecology of invertebrates and arthropods
6. Mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish
7. Animal Behaviour
8. Plant communities
9. Habitat and environments
10. Walking in dangerous Game Areas
11. Tracks and sign interpretation and Tracking
12. Geology and soils
13. Weather and climate
14. Astronomy
15. Plant identification and plant uses
16. Basic Taxonomy.
17. Basic Ecology Navigation and situational awareness
18. Off-Road and Sensitive 4×4 Driving
19. Birds’ identification and behaviour
20. Radio Procedures
21. Dangerous Game Knowledge and Behaviour
22. Vehicle positioning for photography
23. Navigational hiking and wilderness sleep-out
24. Rifle handling and ballistics
25. Trails guiding
26. Night drives
27. Anatomy and Physiology
Where you will live and learn from for the duration of the course
EcoTraining’s courses are conducted from unfenced bush camps in wildlife reserves with natural ecological appeal and abundant exceptional wildlife species and biodiversity. These camps are located in South Africa, and Botswana.
Because participants are completely immersed in remote wilderness areas – it’s astonishing how it can be both quiet and loud at the same time. In the infinite stretches of grasslands and acacias, one can hear the sounds so clearly because there are no or few tourists around, no cameras clicking, and no multitudes of vehicles with radios breaking the bush sounds at dusk. Students slot into the natural environment and become one with it. Not to mention how, over the first few days, their numbed basic human senses are revived, and you can see better, smell better and feel an improved self-awareness.
The humble, comfortable camps have running hot and cold water, no electricity – and lecture and dining areas lit with solar lanterns in the evening. There are no fans, no air conditioning, and certainly no televisions. The evenings end with students getting to know each other around a crackling campfire or slipping into their beds after some star-gazing. When they sleep, they will hear tree branches snapping under the elephants’ mass, hyenas whooping in the distance, and the nightjar birds calling close by.
Certification and Accreditation
With a course of this depth, students can expect to work hard. Our expert instructors will always ensure that students feel empowered and equipped to complete their examinations successfully.
Students who successfully pass their assessments can acquire the following certifications:
1. EcoTraining Certificate of Participation
2. FGASA endorsed tracking certificate
3. FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) (theory and practical)
4. EcoTraining Trails Guide (theory and practical)
5. Identification and ecology of invertebrates and arthropods
6. FGASA Apprentice Trails Guide Mentorship
7. Advanced Rifle Handling (FGASA Competency)
8. Animal Tracks and Tracking
9. Basic Birding
10. Advanced Birding
11. Wilderness Medicine: Level 1 & 2
Operating for more than three decades, EcoTraining is a pioneer and leader in Africa’s safari guide and wildlife training industry. This programme is built on tried and tested standards and has been designed to supply the safari industry with high-calibre FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern African) endorsed and CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority) accredited qualified professional field guides.
A FGASA and CATHSSETA-qualified Professional Field Guide Course.
Immerse yourself in the African wilderness, expand your knowledge, and embark on a transformative learning experience with EcoTraining.
Sign up for the 1-year Professional Field Guide Course today!
For more information on the 1-year Professional Field Guide Course, contact [email protected] or call +27 (0)13 7522532
What to expect from the Professional Field Guide course?
We join EcoTraining Training Manager David Havemann, who gives us insight into the one-year Professional Field Guide course, including its structure, a breakdown of the various shorter courses within it, what you will learn, and the mindset you might take from it. At EcoTraining, we create Guides and Guardians of nature.
We are guardians of the land, looking after the integrity at our doorstep and wherever we go. Join us today as we give you a sneak preview into a year of becoming a Professional Field Guide.
