Become a Safari Guide in Southern Africa
by: Natucate
The 28-day Safari Guide course in Botswana or South Africa offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, teaching you the fundamentals of African wildlife and ecosystems. Like all our programs, it immerses you in nature, fostering personal growth and revealing new dimensions of your personality. Each day typically includes two activities—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These bush excursions allow you to explore the ecosystem in depth, learning about its development and the flora and fauna that thrive within it. You’ll gain hands-on skills in plant identification, including their medicinal uses, as well as animal tracking and recognizing wildlife by their calls. Under the guidance of an experienced safari leader, you’ll closely observe animal behavior and gain insights into their natural world. The course also includes training on guest interaction and capturing the perfect wildlife photographs. Sessions take place deep in the wilderness, and with unfenced camps, you’ll experience a profound sense of connection to the surrounding natural environment.
The 28-day Safari Guide course in Botswana or South Africa offers a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, teaching you the fundamentals of African wildlife and ecosystems. Like all our programs, it immerses you in nature, fostering personal growth and revealing new dimensions of your personality. Each day typically includes two activities—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. These bush excursions allow you to explore the ecosystem in depth, learning about its development and the flora and fauna that thrive within it. You’ll gain hands-on skills in plant identification, including their medicinal uses, as well as animal tracking and recognizing wildlife by their calls. Under the guidance of an experienced safari leader, you’ll closely observe animal behavior and gain insights into their natural world. The course also includes training on guest interaction and capturing the perfect wildlife photographs. Sessions take place deep in the wilderness, and with unfenced camps, you’ll experience a profound sense of connection to the surrounding natural environment.
Program Highlights
Enjoy fascinating Safari Guide training in the heart of the African bush.
Be part of an international team of nature enthusiasts and experts.
Acquire valuable nature knowledge – theoretically and practically.
Learn how to conduct guest tours in the African wilderness.
Experience Southern Africa's local plant and animal life during daily bush excursions by vehicle and foot!
Quick Details
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Throughout the Year
- Eco Tours
- Nature Tours
- Safari
- Conservation & Preservation
- Travel & Tourism
- All Nationalities
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Travel and education assistance at its finest!
May 22, 2023by: Rohan Wadhwa - IndiaI have only good things to say about Natucate and their team. I have been in contact with Terry for over a year and it has been, hands down, the most pleasant interaction I have had with an ‘agency’ (for the lack of a better term) in my life. Apart from having the qualities you’d expect from a travel/volunteer agency like efficiency, being organised, responsive etc, Natucate has heart and soul. From the point of enquiring about courses, spending several months to patiently help with choosing the right one, assisting with logistics and visas, going out the way to store my vehicle in Botswana for a month, to the feedback sessions after the course, everything has been absolutely wonderful. And smooth. I’m grateful to be guided by such conscious and ethically oriented people to realise one of my most sought-after dreams - to be a safari guide. Thank you, you’ve been amazing.
My time as a Safari Guide student
August 22, 2018by: LisaOn each day of the course we did two activities in the bush, a game walk or game drive – and learned a lot about Botswana’s wildlife and nature. Apart from these practical lectures we also had theory lessons regularly. We also took short tests from time to time. My biggest challenge? I would say the biggest challenge was, to process the many impressions and new knowledge. That’s why I would recommend other participants to occasionally get some rest and process all the impressions. What I liked the most? What I experienced as particularly positive, was that there were no fences around the camp and we had some “visitors” from time to time, especially the elephants. My advice for future participants? Bring along as little as possible and don’t mind the dirt and dust – and simply enjoy the experience! Another little tip: A Savanna was a nice treat for the end of the day to enjoy the sunset :) My goal was to simply be in nature and to see a variety of animals – as one would say: “back to the roots”. In the end my expectations were more than exceeded. I want to thank Natucate again for the great support before and during my course! Everything worked out well and I could completely enjoy this amazing experience! Well done! Lisa, 29 years old
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- South Africa
- Botswana
Types and Subjects
- Adventure Types
- Eco Tours
- Nature Tours
- Safari
- Subjects & Courses
- Conservation & Preservation
- Travel & Tourism
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- Throughout the Year
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
- Guide / Chaperone
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Training
- Textbooks / Reading Materials
- Certificate of Completion
- Emergency Support
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- English
Language Skills Required
- Any/All Education Levels Accepted
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Physical Exam/Health Records
- Written Application
- Phone/Video Interview
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after my arrival?
We suggest that you arrange flights to Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) and arrive one day before the official start of the course. Spend one night in the city and get to the official meeting point the next morning from where you and the other course participants are picked up and taken to your camp.
How does an average day look?
- You will get up in the sun to go on your first excursion of the day (game drive or bush walk).
- You will return to camp for lunch, eat with your group, and join classroom lessons.
- Afterward, you will have some time off to discuss learned materials and relax.
- You will get some coffee and tea in the afternoon, after lunch, before going on your second bush excursion.
- You will retreat to your camp at sunset.
How big is the group?
Usually, up to 20 participants plus staff members will be accommodated in the camps.
Vehicle-based course activities will be conducted in groups of 9 participants plus staff members.
Walking-based course activities will be conducted in groups of 8 participants plus staff members.
What is the accommodation like?
Your accommodation is dependent on the location. Most of the time, you will stay in shared tents or little cabins. The accommodation is simple but comfortable.
You can find more information about the housing by visiting the camp information site on our webpage:
- Camp Mashatu (Botswana)
- Camp Karongwe (South Africa)
- Camp Makuleke (South Africa)
- Camp Pridelands (South Africa)
- Camp Selati (South Africa)
Is it possible to receive vegetarian/vegan meals?
The food is balanced enough to make a vegetarian diet possible. However, a vegan or gluten-free diet is a bit more difficult to arrange. You should inform us beforehand so our team on site has enough time for arrangements. Please be aware that the choice of vegetarian meals can be limited and might be repetitive.
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