If you are looking to work with wildlife in Africa, this game ranger course could be the perfect opportunity for you. Work as a trainee game ranger on a superb reserve, home to Africa’s Big 5, and learn about the practical and theoretical work that takes place to support the animals.
This eight-week course runs on set dates throughout the year (please see our website for exact dates). Upon successful completion of the course, participants will achieve an FGASA (Field Guide Association South Africa) Field Guide certificate. Individuals with this qualification are able to work as a guide across Africa.
Participants stay on-site on the Big 5 game reserve, with three delicious meals served per day. The accommodation is comfortable and spacious, with wifi and swimming pool access.
The work schedule is from Monday to Friday, and participants will have their weekends free. Many use it to explore Port Elizabeth as well as to enjoy the sea and the many activities available in the area. You may need to dedicate your time to studying for your exam at the end of the course.
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Updated Nov 11, 2025
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Hi!! It’s amazing out here and everything went to smoothly regarding flights and pickup to get to the reserve! The staff are amazing and everyone gets on so well and life is very surreal right now! I am very happy and doing very well and excited for the 7 weeks ahead after having such an amazing first week!!
My first week went well, whilst there’s a lot to learn, I’m really enjoying it. I’m starting to recognise and understand different things now. The staff are all really nice people, they’ve definitely made the stay really great. South Africa as a nation is really nice as well, and the culture is both different and similar to the UK (I think, at least in some ways). I think so far, it has to be one of my favourite places; I’d definitely like to return and see more at some point.
I absolutely loved the ranger course and would highly recommend it to anyone with a passion for animals, nature and Africa! Getting to drive around in the safari jeeps (yep, you're behind the steering wheel!), experiencing breathtaking encounters with the Big 5 and other magnificent African wildlife and at the same time learning the ins and outs of being a ranger/field guide. The interaction with fellow students and volunteers with whom you'll soon be friends for life, the time you spend in the reserve with the animals, the predator centre, the lovely Kwantu staff, party time during the weekends - there is simply not a boring moment in your 8 weeks in this course! At the end you'll have tons of new friends, an unforgettable experience to remember with a huge smile on your face, and an astonishing knowledge of African nature. On top of that, the FGASA level 1 certificate you will obtain allows you to work anywhere in Africa as a park ranger or safari guide!!!
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