Become a Ranger: Trails Guide Course in Botswana

by Natucate

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$1,500-2,000Program Costs

Submit a ReviewNo Reviews

2013Year established

$1,500-2,000Program Costs

Submit a ReviewNo Reviews

2013Year established

Program Overview

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!

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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.

What's Included

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

Quick Details

Location

Maun, Botswana

Starts At$1,500-2,000

Availability

Year(s) Offered:Year Round

Terms Available:

Throughout the Year

Age Requirement18+

Types & Subjects

Adventure Types:

Eco Tours
Nature Tours
Safari

Subjects & Courses:

Conservation & Preservation
Travel & Tourism

GuidelinesAll Nationalities

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Updated May 22, 2026

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

Maun, Botswana

Fields & Subjects

Travel & Tourism
Conservation & Preservation

Available Terms / Availability

Years Offered
Year Round
Terms Available
Throughout the Year

Eligible Nationalities

All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

Language
English
Education
No schooling completed

Accommodation Options

Group living
Other

Application Procedures

Phone/Video Interview
Physical Exam/Health Records
Written Application

Age Requirement

18+

Starts At

$1,500-2,000

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to all the most common questions about Natucate.

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.