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55-day Field Guide ONE Course

The EcoTraining Field Guide ONE course is industry-tailored, mainly aimed at giving South Africans their first steps towards their field guide career. It is the number ONE course to consider when becoming a qualified Field Guide.

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For South Africans

The EcoTraining Field Guide ONE course is industry-tailored, mainly aimed at giving South Africans their first steps towards their field guide career. It is the number ONE course to consider when becoming a qualified Field Guide.

As the South African tourism industry continues to thrive and the re-establishment of game reserves and natural wildlife areas continues, the opportunities for ecotourism-related careers are increasing. One such career is field guiding. The demand for qualified field guides in South Africa has grown, and we have begun to realise the importance of allowing South Africans to enter a career at an affordable rate.

Field Guide qualification will get potential guides on the right track towards their dream career.

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What to expect from the Field Guide ONE Course

Award winning Formula

This course offers excellent value for not only money but also opportunity. Live and learn in one of our unfenced camps for endless hands-on educational opportunities in untouched wilderness areas of southern Africa or Kenya.

 

Why choose Eco Training

We are the original field guide training organisation in South Africa, and our camps have a large, biodiverse footprint across Africa.

EcoTraining’s accredited courses are the most widely recognised in Africa.

All our field guide instructors are highly qualified experts – collectively, they have over 150 years of experience in the field.

Our six bush camps are located across three African countries, collectively comprising 110 000 hectares / 270 000 acres of pristine wilderness.

EcoTraining is the only private safari guide training facility within the iconic Kruger National Park.

All courses are conducted in remote wilderness areas from our unfenced bush camps.

Where the course takes place

The Field Guide ONE Course is held at one of our EcoTraining Camps in Southern Africa.

The benefits of taking the Field Guide ONE Course

Imagine being able to turn your passion for nature and wildlife into a fulfilling career – that’s exactly what this FGASA-endorsed, CATHSSETA-accredited course can do for you! As the entry-level qualification for field guiding, this course provides the perfect foundation for anyone looking to explore a career in vehicle-based guiding in both dangerous and non-dangerous game areas.

With this qualification under your belt, you’ll be able to confidently identify and interpret biodiverse elements of the natural environment and conduct game drives for guests in a limited geographical area. The syllabus covers a broad spectrum of subjects, including 4×4 Game Drive vehicle skills specific for game viewing, species identification, and tracking, to name just a few.

But the benefits of this course go far beyond just gaining a qualification. As you split your time between at least two of our remote wilderness camps, you’ll be immersed in a world of breathtaking natural beauty, with exposure to different areas, wildlife, biomes and biodiversity. And as you learn from highly qualified instructors and connect with like-minded individuals, you’ll also develop the confidence and skills you need to succeed in your future career.

Certification & accreditation

EcoTraining is a FGASA-registered and endorsed training provider. We are also accredited with CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) for the NQF2 Nature Site Guide Certificate, meeting the required standards. For the EcoTraining Field Guide course ONE, EcoTraining will register students with FGASA and CATHSSETA. Students need not arrange this themselves before coming on the course.

What you can expect to graduate with

Course requirements

What to pack

We’ve put together a useful packing list for you so you know what you need to bring on this course. Everything you’ll need to be comfortable and make the most of your time in the African bush.

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

Course dates

2025:
15 July – 07 September 2025 (Karongwe & Selati

FAQ about the Field Guide ONE Course

  • Planning of game drives and walks
  • Navigation and orientation
  • Radio procedures
  • Ecology
  • Reptiles
  • Geology and soil
  • Amphibians
  • Fish
  • Mammals
  • Weather and climate
  • Anticipating animal behaviour
  • Plant communities
  • Career opportunities
  • Plant identification and uses

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

Testimonials

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From the field on the Field Guide ONE Course