Professional Field Guide Placement – South Africa

About the programme: 

Over a two-month period gain the skills and qualifications to launch a career as a professional Field Guide in South Africa. This opportunity is perfect for those looking to develop long term in the world of professional conservation through practical experience relating to animal behavior, expedition leading or ecological management. 

Based on a wildlife conservation reserve teaming with iconic African wildlife, you’ll develop your skills and knowledge through studying and practical assessment. Build your confidence as you track and approaching dangerous game on foot plus gain a complete understand of nature with modules on meteorology, geology, astronomy, taxonomy, biology and more!  

Work hours: 

An intense Full time Monday to Friday schedule. 

You’ll have two full activities each day. These include activities like tracking, bush walks, 4 x 4 drives, approaching game on foot, bird identification.  
 
You’ll also study various modules required to pass a final exam granting you a qualification and registering you as a professional field guide in Southern Africa.  
 
Most days begin with an early start, (as animals are most active morning and evening to beat the heat) and finish with the beautiful African sunset. 

Each day your guides and tutors will develop your skills as they educate on environmental science and practical skills. They’ll give feedback and help you develop through tests, field work, exercises and activities.  

Skills and experience you’ll gain: 

- Track and Sign 
- Dangerous game approach 
- Taxonomy 
- Animal behaviour 
- Conservation management 
- Mammalian biology 
- Invasive species management  
- Animal sounds and interpretation  
- Geology 
- Astronomy 
- Ecology 
- Meteorology 
- Plant and Grass identification  
- Anthropology and history 
- Insect identification 

Gain a complete knowledge ready to work practically in South Africa or support your studies!  

Highlights: 

Industry training –Gain knowledge and practical skills. Unlock your new potential and become a safari guide. Develop a complete understanding of the natural environment and how to lead groups or run ecological field work. 

Unbeatable wildlife interactions – You’ll get closer than most to develop your skills. This will be a life changing experience where you will see magnificent wildlife via safari viewers and on foot throughout as you explore the best of South Africa. 

Additional skills – Cyber Tracking, birding qualifications and even survivalism. Build extra skills you feel are important and grow yourself and your career. 

Tracking – Tracking and trail wildlife on foot is essential for field guides and field ecologists. Search for signs of animal activity and learn to interoperate and identify foot prints, scrapings, territorial marking or droppings.  

Ready for work – Your tutors have decades of experience working as professional guides across Africa. They'll give advice and feedback as you roleplay guiding to a group of paying guests. Gain new skills and get ready to unlock this exciting career opportunity. 

Our placements include: 

- Food and drink 
- Accommodation during your stay 
- All itinerary/activity equipment is provided 
- Study guides and manuals 
- Tented accommodation with practical month 
- Transport 
- Site entrance fees 
- Guides and team leaders 
- Airport transfers 
- 24/7 on site support 
- Certificates on completion 

This placement is international recognised giving you a ability to work professionally across Southern Africa as a Field Guide or as a fantastic addition to your employability worldwide.  
 
 
 
 
 
 

You'll be based at a private game reserve in the Limpopo province of South Africa. 
 
Placement operates throughout year.