FGASA Professional Field Guide Course
Spend 23 or 50 weeks on one of the most comprehensive Professional Field Guide training courses available. Taught at a FGASA level 2 knowledge base, offering essential qualifications and skills needed for a career as a guide in the African bush, with an optional six months practical work experience on a game reserve, in a bush lodge or a predator research program.Life on the Course
No day is the same on the course. Each day you will be learning something new but Bushwise has a daily structure in place so that we all get into a routine. However, things will remain flexible depending on the needs of the student, the season and the program requirements. Although we aim to give a balance of theory and practical training at all times the first 3 months of the program are focused on bombarding you with knowledge and wonders of the bush in both practical drives and lectures. So be prepared to work hard and get studying! The last 2 months will be focused more on the practical side to put all your new knowledge into practice and get up close and personal with nature and the big game! A typical day varies but the day will often start early at around 5.30 – 6am. You will usually grab a cup of coffee before heading out into the bush for a morning of practical training laden with reference books of the African bush and a pair of good binoculars, or have a morning of lectures. Each week you will be focusing on different modules such as birds, mammals, 4 X 4 skills etc. Bushwise follows the curriculum of FGASA and we use the manuals as a reference tool, as you will be taught by experienced guides and instructors. On your practical sessions in the bush, either a walk or a drive, you will concentrate on these modules and put all the theory you have learned in the classroom into practice in the field. At the end of each week all the students are tested on that weeks module before moving onto the next one. However, the learning of each topic is continuous as nature is all around you so you cannot help but increase your knowledge and skills while you are out in the bush as the weeks progress. By midday you will be pretty tired and the African heat will certainly make you drowsy so all the students have a break to relax, rest or study. Remember though you have a test at the end of the week! Depending on what activities you had in the morning, after a break you may be timetabled to get some more fresh air and head out for an afternoon practical session building on your skills and knowledge gained in the morning session. All the teams return for an evening meal sitting around the fire discussing their experiences that day. 
The program runs for 4 weeks and then you will have 1 week off to relax, either at camp or you are welcome to go off exploring. There is plenty to do here with Kruger National Park on our doorstep, visits to the Blyde River canyon, whitewater rafting, microlighting, horse back safaris, and often students go further a field to the coast for some diving or whale watching, the list is endless! Please note that during time off, students are welcome to stay at the campus but please note that food, laundry, transport etc. is not included during this time as the Bushwise staff will also be having time off. Please note, as no staff will be at campus during off weeks, students are responsible for their own well being. As you can see days are long and you must be prepared to be focused, dedicated and to put in the hours to reach the standard required to pass both the theory and practical assessments as without a 75% pass rate we cannot offer a placement. Staff will assist and support you during the course but the motivation to learn must come from you, the student. So although the experiences you will have will be amazing this is not holiday and we require dedicated and focused students for this course, this is something you should consider before signing up. Course Itinerary The course varies between classroom based theory and practical sessions, the proportions of which depends on the module and course requirements, however over the course an even balance is achieved. An average day could be as follows, dependent on season and logistics:
- 05h30 – 07h00: Meet in the kitchen for coffee and light breakfast, then depart for the morning game activity (either a walk or a drive), or a lecture in the classroom
- 11h00: Brunch
- 12h00: Free time
- 15h00: Afternoon game activity or lecture in the classroom
Bushwise carries out its practical training and skills development element of the course in the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, a vast nature reserve in the Lowveld, covering an area of over 25000 hectares, dedicated to wildlife conservation and home to dangerous game (“Big 5”). These reserves will be visited regularly as part of the practical training and skill development element of the course. On occasion, we also do practicals in the Makutsi Reserve. For a great insight into life on the course please read this blog on one of our favourite travel websites Nightjar Travel: BUSHWISE SLEEPOUT
Topics Included on the Course
The curriculum is designed to encompass the highest level of skills, experience and qualifications possible that you will need to get be a high quality, professional employable guide, researcher or conservationist in the given time. Although we follow the FGASA syllabus we add additional training, equivalent to FGASA level 2 knowledge, as well as drawing on the knowledge and experience of the trainers, to broaden your knowledge, enhance experiences and put you a step, or two, above the average graduate. We have purposely and carefully picked additional activities that will not only add to your enjoyment but more importantly make you more employable long-term, without compromising the vital foundation needed to reach your best potential as a field guide. Students come out at the end of the Bushwise course having had the most amazing experience and exposure to African fauna and flora, whilst gaining the highest standard of knowledge and expertise possible for an entry level guide. This is what Bushwise graduates sort after employment in the industry and what they are renowned for.
The curriculum includes the following topics:
- Introduction to guiding in the natural environment
- Creating a guided nature experience
- Geology
- Astronomy
- Weather & climate
- Ecology
- Taxonomy
- Biomes of Southern Africa
- Botany – trees & grasses
- Arthropods
- Amphibians
- Reptiles
- Fish
- Birds
- Mammals
- Understanding animal behaviour
- Conservation management & historical habitation
- Vehicle Skills and basic mechanics
- 4 x 4 training
- Specialist guest speakers
- Hospitality & hosting basics in a lodge environment
- Principles of anti-poaching
- Survival & navigation
- Viewing potentially dangerous animals
- Rifles & rifle handling
- Bush first aid skills
- Tracking (Cybertrack Track and Sign)
- Wildlife photography
We aim to incorporate practical sessions specifically aimed at the topic covered, after each lecture to ensure the knowledge is immediately imbedded in your memory. These include activities such as “Frogging Night” in the dam after the amphibian lecture, or astronomy practicals on sleepout after the astronomy lecture and survival practicals in the bush – making fire, collecting water etc. To study all areas in as much detail as we think necessary to become a top quality guide there is a lot to cover and you need to be prepared to be focused, dedicated and willing to put in the hours to reach the standards require to pass both the FGASA and the Bushwise’s internal standards for theory and practical assessments. Students will not be offered a placement if they have not passed both sets of evaluations. Staff will assist and support you during the course but the motivation to learn needs to come from you, the student. So although the experiences you will have will be amazing, this is not a holiday. It is a training institution that strives for the best results in our students, and we require dedicated and focused students for this course. This is something you should consider before signing up.
Free Time
Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free time (although it’s recommended that students use this time for personal study and preparation for the upcoming lectures). However after every 4th week students get a full week off and are encouraged to leave campus, travel and explore the local area. Some highlights to be enjoyed:
- Blyde River Canyon – boat trips, kloofing, whitewater rafting, hiking, paintball, hot air ballooning and camping to name just but a few!
- Kruger National Park – Orpen and Phalabourwa gates are 1.3 hours drive from the campus. Daytrips/overnight camping available.
- Moholoholo Rehab Centre – endangered species rehabilitation
- Panorama Route – Bourke’s Luck potholes, God’s Window and waterfalls are just some of what you can see, easily completed in a day
- Giant Baobab/Upside Down Restaurant – get up close with huge baobab trees, and don’t forget to try the great pancakes!
- Debengeni Falls, Tzaneen – stunning waterfall, picnic area and hiking trails
Car Hire: If you plan a trip away in your weeks off you may need to hire a car as public transport is almost non-existent in this area. The estimated cost for hiring a car is R450 per day, including insurance and unlimited mileage, cost could vary according to car size and different additional options. The more friends you take with you the cheaper it makes it. Many students also travel further afield to places such as Mozambique (Tofo area), Cape Town, Durban and St Lucia World Heritage Site during their off weeks.
Program Details
Bushwise gives students daily exposure to working and guiding around dangerous game, such as elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and hippo. This is invaluable experience and gives students excellent grounding for placements and possible future employment in ‘Big Five’ reserves. Bushwise has worked closely with various reserves and lodges to ensure students are trained to meet, and exceed, the guiding standards required by employers in Southern Africa. We succeed in developing professional guides with relevant and proficient skills in both theoretical and, importantly, extensive practical skills. The course is known for producing the highest calibre graduates for this demanding industry. 95% of our graduates are offered employment after the course. Throughout the years our graduates have achieved the highest marks of all the FGASA long term providers many times and are considered some of THE best trained guides in the industry. On the 50 week course field guide students have an opportunity to undertake a 6 month placement. This allows students to gain valuable ‘hands on’ experience, as well as cementing the information and skills learnt during the training period. It also provides a valuable ‘foot-in-the-door’ to the exhilarating and competitive safari tourism industry and, wildlife and conservation careers. There are two placement options currently available. Please remember, the allocation is based on performance, interest and personality as determined by the head trainer. All students MUST pass both the FGASA and Bushwise course requirements before being placed at any placement. 1. Professional Field Guiding Work and guide in 3* – 5* safari lodges, or predator research bases, whilst having regular exposure to working and guiding around dangerous game, such as elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, cheetah and hippo. Field guides interact with tourists visiting national parks or private game reserves, sharing knowledge about nature and the environment. These guiding experiences are either conducted in a 4×4 vehicle or on foot. Field guides act as interpreters between the environment and the guests, with the ultimate intention of promoting conservation and environmental protection. 2. Wildlife Conservation or Management* Become part of a dynamic team of conservationists, wildlife researchers, reserve wardens or managers as guide or support staff member at a wildlife conservation area, game reserve, wildlife rehabilitation or animal care organization. * Availability on Wildlife Conservation or Management programs is very limited and can only be offered when and where available.
What’s Included:
What’s Not Included:
Work Placement
KAPAMA RIVER LODGE
GVI KARONGWE – RESEARCH PLACEMENT
LEO AFRICA – RESEARCH PLACEMENT
SIYAFUNDA – RESEARCH PLACEMENT
AFRICA ON FOOT & NTHAMBO TREE CAMP
KARONGWE PORTFOLIO
Dates and Costs
| South African Citizens | |
|---|---|
| 23 weeks | R160,000.00 (incl VAT) |
| 50 weeks* | R180,000.00 (incl VAT) |
| International Citizens | |
|---|---|
| 23 weeks | GBP £13,750.00 / USD $17,600.00 / EUR €16,300.00 |
| 50 weeks* | GBP £15,625.00 / USD $20,000.00 / EUR €18,500.00 |
*The 50 week course includes a 6 month work placement. South African citizens booking more than 4 months in advance are eligible for a R5,000 discount. This cannot be used in conjunction with any other special offers or discounts Bushwise is recognised by most major South African banks including FNB and Standard Bank, South African citizens can apply in-branch for student loans to assist with payment of course fees!
95% of our students are being offered permanent positions within a month of graduation
| Back Up Trails Guide Course Add On | |
|---|---|
| 2017 | R15,390.00 (incl VAT) |
| 2018 | R17,050.00 (incl. VAT) |
Course Start Dates
| 23 or 50 week course | 07 January 2018 |
| 23 or 50 week course | 08 July 2018 |
| 23 or 50 week course | 07 January 2019 |
| 23 or 50 week course | 08 July 2019 |
| 2017 Back Up Trails Guide Add On | 4 June – 15 June |
| 2017 Back Up Trails Guide Add On | 4 December – 15 December |
| 2018 Back Up Trails Guide Add On | 4 June – 15 June |
| 2018 Back Up Trails Guide Add On | 4 December – 15 December |
Personal costs – So you can budget, you can expect to spend approx. R750/ GBP40 / USD 65 per month depending on your personal habits. During weeks off you are welcome to stay at the campus, and just cover your own food costs. You will need to budget extra if you plan to travel in these breaks.
On the 12 day Bushwise Back Up Trails Guide course in conjunction with Lowveld Trails you will cover all the necessary requirements to meet the FGASA back up trails guide qualification. Your time will be spent meeting the minimum number of dangerous game encounters, on foot and logging the minimum number of hours required. This course will also focus on the ethos of guiding, as well as bush skills.
This add on option is only available to students who are booking this in conjunction with the 23 week or 50 week FGASA Professional Field Guide Course.
The maximum number of students allowed on the course is 8. Book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information on the Back Up Trails Guide Course, please click here.
The Course
The Back-up Trails Guide Course runs over a period of 11 nights and 12 days in the world famous Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
The course consists of 2 Phases:
Phase 1 – We spend the first 8 nights at a basic tented camp, walking every morning and afternoon, logging Hours and Dangerous Game Encounters that go towards the Back-up Trails Guide Qualification.
Phase 2 – The final 3 nights are spent on a primitive, Wilderness Backpack Trail, during which FGASA Back-up Trails Guide Assessments will take place.
There is a Maximum of 8 students per course, ensuring as much first-hand experience as possible as well as maximum attention from the trainers.
In order for students to be assessed for the FGASA Back-up Trails Guide Qualification, they need to arrive with the following in place:
- Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH)
- FGASA Trails Guide Theory
Students without ARH or the Trails Guide Theory can still log hours and encounters as participants, but cannot carry a rifle and cannot be assessed, although they will participate in all activities.
The Goals of the Course are for students to log a minimum of 75 walking hours under an experienced mentor (50 in Phase 1 and 25 in Phase 2) as well as a minimum of 20 Dangerous Game Encounters, including as many different species as possible.
This ends up being more than the minimum requirements from FGASA to be assessed for the Back-up Trails Guide Qualification.
Although the primary objective is to log hours and encounters that go towards the Trails Guide Qualification, we will also focus on the ethos of Trails Guiding as well as bush skills such as tracking, finding water, holistic interpretation, etc.
The last 3 days of the program are spent on a primitive wilderness experience, with no support in the form of a set camp or vehicle. Nights will be spent camping wild, sleeping in the open, under the stars and around a fire, with each participant taking turns at “watch duty”, ensuring the groups safety. All food and equipment are carried in backpacks, and we obtain our water by digging in the riverbeds.
This trail component will also serve as the assessment phase of the course, with 2 Assessors and Mentors being present throughout and learners taking it in turns to lead and back the group up.
Testimonials
Kate Nelson
General manager Camp Jabulani, Relais & Châteaux
“Bushwise is a professional organisation, committed to the welfare of its students and to ensuring that they enter the safari industry with the correct qualifications, a high level of knowledge and strong guiding ethics.”
Ben Tupper
former Bushwise student, now GVI SANParks Internship Coordinator
“Signing up and completing Bushwise has changed the course of not only my career but my entire life. I now get to wake up every morning to the sounds of baboons and hyenas and end each day with the setting African sun; none of this would have been possible without undergoing the Bushwise course”
Bushwise is accredited by Field Guides Association of Southern Africa
