35-day Practical Field Guide Course

Become a qualified field guide in just 35 days. EcoTraining offers the best field guide training in Africa. Our experienced professionals will teach you everything you need to know about ecology, animal behaviour, and more.

Practical training

Do you have a love for the outdoors and want to make a career out of it?

The course, which takes place in Kenya or South Africa, covers the exact modules that were covered in the online field guide theory section but in a hands-on, practical manner. Upon completion of the course, guides will be able to conduct game drives for guests.

Participants in this course can go on all kinds of activities, from drives to walks, where they learn how to guide and drive a 4×4 vehicle and about the wonders of the African bush. When you are not out on an activity, you receive lectures from qualified instructors or have study time or downtime. Your knowledge also gets tested through weekly practical field observation tests.

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What to expect from the 35-day Practical Field Guide Course

Gain practical skills and knowledge

This course not only teaches you the exact same modules as the Online Field Guide Course but also prepares you for practical assessments in a wide range of subjects. From identifying and talking about trees, grass, and flowers to spore identification and using the Southern Cross to give directions, our specialist instructors will equip you with a wide range of skills and knowledge.

Immerse yourself in nature

During this course, you will spend 35 days immersed in nature with EcoTraining, learning through hands-on experiences in the African wilderness. As an entry-level qualification for field guiding, this course provides you with the opportunity to conduct game drives for guests in a limited geographical area. With extensive training in vehicle-based guiding in dangerous game areas, you will gain valuable experience and skills to become a qualified guide.

Learn how to guide and drive a 4x4 vehicle

In addition to learning about ecology and animal behaviour, you will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, such as drives and walks, as well as learn how to guide and drive a 4×4 vehicle while experiencing the wonders of the African bush. And when you’re not out on an activity, you can receive lectures from qualified instructors, study or have downtime.

At the end of this course, you will not only have gained valuable skills and knowledge but also have immersed yourself in the beauty and diversity of the African wilderness.

Where the course takes place

The 35-day Practical Field Guide Course is held at one or two of our EcoTraining Camps in Southern Africa.

Okavango Delta Training Camp, Selinda Spillway

Set within the private Selinda Reserve, where the Okavango Delta meets the Linyanti and Kwando ...

Greater Kruger Timbavati, South Africa

Timbavati is located in the Greater Kruger area, within a private nature reserve that borders ...

Greater Kruger Balule Pridelands, South Africa

Situated in the scenic Limpopo province of South Africa, this camp offers sights of a ...

Kruger National Park Makuleke, South Africa

Situated between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu Rivers in the northern section of the well-known Kruger ...

Karongwe Game Reserve, South Africa

Karongwe Camp is on the banks of the Karongwe River, southwest of the Kruger National ...

The benefits of taking the 35-day Practical Field Guide Course

Not only will you gain valuable experience and knowledge about ecology and animal behaviour but you will also receive a qualification that will open the door to a career in field guiding. This course will equip you with the skills needed to become a confident and competent guide, leading safaris through the African bush and sharing your passion for nature with others. You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wilderness, learning through hands-on experiences and applying your knowledge in the African bush for the duration of your course. With EcoTraining, you can turn your dream of guiding in the African bush into a reality.

Certification & accreditation

EcoTraining is a FGASA-endorsed training provider accredited by CATHSSETA.

By completing a theoretical and practical assessment, participants can attempt their EcoTraining Field Guide Certificate and FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification. Our instructors (accredited FGASA assessors) will conduct these assessments at our camps during the course.

What you can expect to graduate with

Entry level requirements

The learner needs to be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
Participants need to be older than 18 years old.
Fit and able to walk for at least 2km.
While a valid driver’s license (preferably manual) is recommended, it is not a prerequisite for this course.
Current First Aid Certificate (or be prepared to obtain one).
Recognition of completed FGASA Field Guide (Nature Site Guide NQF2) theory component.

What to pack

We’ve put together a useful packing list for you so you know what you need to bring with you on this course. What kind of clothing, gear, bedding, toiletries and shoes you’ll need to be comfortable and make the most of your time in the African bush. No need to guess or overpack.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Course dates

2026:
14 May 2026 – 17 June 2026 (Karongwe & Greater Kruger, Balule, Pridelands)
04 October 2026 – 07 November 2026 (Greater Kruger, Balule, Pridelands)

2027:
TBC

FAQ about the 35-day Practical Field Guide Course

What is a 35-day Practical field guide course?

The 35-day Practical Field Guide Course is the hands-on component of your field guiding training, designed to put theory into practice. During this period, students gain real-world experience leading game drives, applying the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom. This practical course ensures students complete the required minimum notional hours, preparing them to successfully complete their assessments and confidently work as professional field guides.

How do I prepare for this course?

To prepare for the practical Field Guide course, you must first complete the theory component of the Field Guide qualification. EcoTraining offers two flexible ways to do this.

Online Field Guide Course
This eight-week, live, interactive programme is delivered by EcoTraining’s team of highly experienced instructors, each a specialist in their field.

On-Demand Field Guide Course
For those who prefer a self-paced option, the On-Demand Field Guide Course allows you to complete your theory training around your own schedule.

Have more questions? Check out our general FAQ page or get in touch for more information.

Student Loan Partners

EcoTraining has partnered with leading financial institutions in order to facilitate educational loans.
Please click the logos below to apply directly with the bank.

Testimonials

“Because the camp is unfenced, I really love waking up and seeing what animal tracks where left during the night. Waking up with an elephant standing at my tent was a bit scary, but also very cool. The whole experience here has been fantastic. A word of advice: If you know on the inside it’s for you, do it. Listen to your gut and trust it. Being here has given me peace of mind. It makes me happy and truly soothes my soul.”

Sam BakelAustralia

"During the course I rediscovered my love for birding - something that I have enjoyed since I was little - and one of my biggest highlights was learning tracking and trailing with Renias Mhlongo. It put me out of my comfort zone and really challenged me, which I loved. Being part of a group of all different cultures and making new friends has been really special. After the course ends, I’m definitely planning on continuing my career in guiding, where ever it may be."

Rufus CottrelUK

"I already feel I can go into the industry with a contribution to add, thanks to this course. It all seemed impossible before, but now it’s real and feasible. I love the course, the camps, the instructors and I am learning so much and having so much fun too. We have built a beautiful community here, all with a common goal and wanting the same things.”

Liam MueenuddinUSA

“The online course teaches skills that can be translated to wherever you are working. You really don’t need any background knowledge to do the course, as the modules build on each other. The course opens your eyes to the earth itself. I believe it’s important to have an understanding of nature, which is what EcoTraining offers.”

Kaitlyn CampbellUSA

"It has been so refreshing to be somewhere where you live by the sun and weather and not your watch - to totally switch off from the world and not know what will happen next. I have had so many highlights - from seeing hyena on foot, having lions and rhino walk around our vehicle, hearing an elephant right outside my tent and even seeing incredible bush paintings - every week gets better."

Bert JansenBelgium

"What an amazing month! Friends made for life and I learnt so much . Thank you to the three instructors Norman, Tsundzukani and Kitsiso - you are all world class trackers and instructors. EcoTraining is lucky to have you. Thank you everyone for one of the best months of my life."

Brennon KnottSouth Africa

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From the field on the 35-day Practical Field Guide Course

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