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Become a Ranger: Trails Guide Course in Botswana

by: Natucate

Add first reviewSince 2013

Embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through the breathtaking wilderness of the Okavango Delta with this immersive course. Experience an outdoor adventure that will engage all your senses and, in just four weeks, transform you into a certified Trails Guide. Together with an international team and an experienced guide, you’ll venture daily on long hikes into the heart of the bush, experiencing the African wilderness in a way that few ever do. The diverse course program includes navigation and survival training, Mokoro and motorboat trips, tracking, stargazing, and overnight stays in the wild. You’ll also attend fascinating theoretical lessons on wildlife, ecology, and meteorology. A key aspect of your training will be learning how to handle a rifle, a crucial skill for safely guiding guests on foot through the bush as a qualified Trails Guide. The course is designed with flexibility in mind: you can complete it over four consecutive weeks, split it into two parts, or even opt for a two-week experience. The Okavango Delta is waiting for you!

Program Highlights

Experi­ence a training adventure in the fasci­nating Okavango Delta.

Acquire the knowledge and skills of a Trails Guide.

Get the chance to enjoy stunning wildlife sightings.

Spend the night under Africa’s incom­pa­rable night sky.

Receive two officially recog­nized quali­fi­ca­tions at the end of the course.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Maun, Botswana
Starts At: $1500-2000
Availability
Year(s) Offered: Year RoundTerms Available:
  • Throughout the Year
Age Requirement: 18+
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Eco Tours
  • Nature Tours
  • Safari
Subjects & Courses:
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Travel & Tourism
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: May 22, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Maun, Botswana

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Eco Tours
  • Nature Tours
  • Safari
  • Subjects & Courses
  • Conservation & Preservation
  • Travel & Tourism

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Terms Available:
  • Throughout the Year

Age Requirement

18+

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Starts At

$1500-2000

Program Cost Includes

  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
  • Airport Transfer (Drop-Off)
  • Some Equipment
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Pre-Departure Orientation
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Training
  • Assistance Booking Travel
  • Textbooks / Reading Materials
  • Course Materials
  • Certificate of Completion
  • Some Program Activity Costs

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • No schooling completed

Application Procedures

  • Phone/Video Interview
  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Written Application

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to participate in the Trails Guide course?

You must be an adult, fit, motivated to learn, own a valid driving license, and have good English (+ Apprentice Field Guide NQF2 qualification & valid first aid certificate for FGASA qualification).

How do I get to my destination?

You should book a flight to Maun Airport, where our team member will meet you. You will then be transferred to the camp in the southern Okavango Delta.

What will be my main course topics?

You will gain skills and knowledge on working as a walking guide in the African bush:
- Game walks

- Approaching Dangerous game on foot

- Guest interaction & Hosting

- Navigation & Orientation
- Survival training
- Tracking, Sign + Trailing
- Advanced Rifle Handling
- Theoretical sessions

What kind of accommodation is available?

Accommodation is in a 3 x 3-meter, wilderness-style high-wall tent with a bed, table, LED light, and an en-suite bathroom with a bucket shower & bush toilet (Standard: single; twin is also available).

For more information, please visit our Camp Kwapa information page to learn more.

What is FGASA and BQA?

FGASA is short for “Field Guides Association of Southern Africa”. Together with CATHSSETA (Culture, Arts, Tourism and Hospitality Sector Education Training Authority), it is the body for regulating the standard of guiding in South Africa. This course is an FGASA-endorsed training program.

BQA is the Botswana Qualifications Authority; the Botswana Training Authority exam is the national guiding qualification for Botswana.

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