FGASA Safari Guide Course

A specifically designed multi-destination guiding course, enhancing your learning experience and making you a better guide through exposure to a variety of ecosystems!

Dan, Australia

Review: “This course was truly a one of a kind, you can really see the differences in your life before and after the course finishes up. The experience of visiting these remote isolated areas and immersing yourself in the wildlife is an unbelievable experience. To be taken out of the places we find ourselves in and into the places we choose to be in really makes for a good time, I met people that I’ll stay in contact with far into the future and have met people I would not have come into contact with any other way. Zimbabwe is an amazing location with a true identity, shape and sound – undoubtedly adding to the entire experience. A big thanks to everyone involved!”

Highlights: “Being in the heart of the bush, climbing mountains, watching wildlife, birding, drinks in spectacular locations, fires, the people, the stars”

The Pathfinders mobile field guide course takes you on a journey, not only through education and learning but through multiple iconic destinations, exposing you to a wide range of terrains and wildlife-rich habitats.

This multi-destination approach to a Field Guide course allows participants to develop an extensive understanding of different ecosystems and how they function. This broad range of experience sets our Pathfinders guides apart, having already applied their skills in a range of environments with different wildlife, vegetation, terrains and challenges.

You will cover a broad range of topics through a combination of classroom study and practical training, with successful graduation earning you a FGASA NQF2 Field Guide qualification – an essential tool for entering the safari industry in Southern Africa.

Although perfect for anyone looking to start or further a career in the African bush, this course is also a great way to simply enhance your own personal knowledge and skills and learn more about the natural world around you.

Zimbabwe remains Africa’s original great natural wilderness and if you are prepared to work hard, this experience will change your life forever!

Topics covered on your course:

FGASA NQF2 Field Guide Modules:

Guiding in the Natural Environment
Geology
Weather and Climate
Astronomy
Ecology
Biomes of Southern Africa
Taxonomy
Plants (trees and grasses)
Arthropods
Fish
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Animal Behavior
Conservation Management

Pathfinders Custom Modules:

4×4 Driving Skills
Wildlife Photography Skills
Survival in the Bush
Understanding Tourism

What could a typical day in the bush look like for a trainee?

At about 5:30 or 6:00 am, you’ll have a quick breakfast, grab a cup of coffee and head out to the bush for a morning of practical lessons or lectures focused on the week’s module, which may be anything from mammals to 4X4 driving skills. When the midday heat kicks in, you’ll have some free time to relax, study or rest before the afternoon training session. You’ll return to base from your busy day to enjoy dinner and some downtime sitting around the fire sharing the day’s experiences.

Bubiana Conservancy: An un-spoilt area in the heart of the bush, home to the world’s highest density of Leopard and incredible geological features. Bubiana offers you fantastic tracking and night guiding opportunities, showcases spectacularly preserved ancient cave art and gives you the chance to sleep under the stars for a fully immersive bush experience.

Hwange National Park: The oldest and largest National Park in Zimbabwe with the highest diversity in wildlife species. Perfect for spotting vast populations of game and learning all about their various behavioural patterns within a large ecosystem.

Victoria Falls: Discover the history behind this geological marvel whilst learning about a range of different species in the riverine ecosystem. Being the tourism hub of Zimbabwe, observe and learn how guiding fits into a much larger tourism product that drives a global industry.

Head to our destination page to find out more

Included in your Course Fee:

Shared tented accommodation *upgrades available
All meals
FGASA Textbooks
Park fees
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
All conservation fees
Transport between training locations
Training Costs

Excluded:

Flights and associated taxes
Medical and travel insurance
Visas
Additional food and drinks
Reference books outside of those provided
Purchase of curios and items of a personal nature

Upcoming Course Dates:

2022

Thursday 1 July 2022
Friday 1 October 2022

Course Fee:

USD 4,950

* Zimbabwean Residents: please enquire for local rates

Post-Course Internships:

Following successful graduation of the NQF2 Field Guide course, there is an opportunity to join an internship at one of our partner organisations in Zimbabwe, gaining valuable experience and putting into practice the skills and knowledge learnt throughout the 60-day course.

Duration:

1-month internship
2-month internship

It is important to note that this internship will be at an extra cost and that the internship allocation will be determined by the Pathfinders head trainer based on your performance throughout the course. Board and lodging will be covered as part of this additional fee.

Please indicate if this is something you would be interested in at the time of booking!