6 October – 16 November 2024
19 January – 1 March 2025
ABOUT THIS COURSE
The course will be presented at the world-renowned Buffelsdrift Game Lodge near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape. Attending a course on a working game reserve offers the student the opportunity to experience first-hand what the hospitality industry entails and what can be expected once starting a career as a Nature Guide.
This CATHSSETA accredited course is the entry level qualification for field guiding. The course encompasses vehicle-based guiding in dangerous and non-dangerous game areas. Once qualified, the guide will be able to conduct guided game drives in a limited geographical area. Knowledge and skills learned on the course will equip the guide to interpret the natural environment and its biodiversity of elements for guests.
Although this course will form the foundation for a career in field guiding and many other wildlife orientated careers, it is suitable for any nature-loving person wanting to improve their own personal knowledge and skills. Upon successful completion of this course, students have the option to build on their careers by completing further courses and qualifications such as Trails Guiding through the Nature College.
WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE DIFFERENT?
Three Legal qualifications. Unlike standard Nature guiding courses, this course is specifically designed to give students the opportunity to achieve a total of three legal qualifications including the following.
- CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF 2) Qualification
- Cyber Tracker Track & Sign Level 1 Certificate
- First Aid Level 1 Certificate
Successful candidates will also be issued with a Nature College Certificate of Participation.
All subjects will be discussed in detail and during training students will get the opportunity to visit the spectacular Cango Caves and a nearby animal sanctuary which attracts thousands of visitors annually. This will not only allow them to learn more about the region, but also give them the opportunity to experience first-hand how guides interpret various sectors of the guiding industry.
After initial training and a First Aid course, students will take part in a 7-day study tour. Combined with initial training, this tour will give students the opportunity to experience and to study different South African biomes combined within a single course.
During this exciting tour, students will not only get the opportunity to experience another part of the country, but also take part in activities where animals such as rhino, buffalo and more could be encountered on foot. During all walking safaris, students will be under the safe care of the armed and experienced instructor.
For the tracking part of the course, learners will have the privilege of working with J.J. Minye, one of the most experienced and one of only a handful of Master Trackers in South Africa. JJ is well-known for his exceptional tracking skills and his contribution to nature conservation for South African National Parks and private reserves
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GRADUATE WITH
- CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF 2) Qualification.
- Cyber Tracker Track & Sign Level 1 Certificate.
- First Aid Level 1 Certificate.
Successful candidates will also be issued with a Nature College Certificate of Participation. Take note that qualifications will only be issued upon successful completion of both the theoretical and practical components.
Successful candidates will also be assisted, where possible, with a work experience placement on a designated reserve in South Africa. This work experience placement will provide the candidate the opportunity to gain valuable practical work experience in the guiding industry.
