Training Provider

Training Provider

Choosing a training provider for guide courses in Africa

Choosing a training provider for guide courses in South Africa is an important decision that can greatly influence your career path. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice:

Remember, choosing a training provider is a personal decision that should be based on your individual needs and career goals.

If you're seeking a formal qualification:

  • Accreditation: Make sure the training provider is accredited by relevant bodies. In South Africa, look for institutions accredited by FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa), CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) or other recognized accrediting bodies.
  • Course Content: Consider what you want to learn and compare this to the curriculum provided by each training provider. Some may focus on specific areas, like wildlife tracking, birding, or botany, while others offer a more general field guide course.
  • Duration and Schedule: Look at the length of the course and the schedule. Some programs may be full-time and last for several months, while others might be part-time or short courses.
  • Practical Experience: Field guide training should ideally include a substantial amount of practical experience in relevant environments. Look for courses that offer plenty of field trips and practical exercises in real guiding scenarios.
  • Instructors: Consider the qualifications and experience of the instructors. They should be highly knowledgeable, experienced guides themselves, and good educators.
  • Post-Training Support: Some providers assist with job placements after completion of the course. This can be valuable in starting your career.
  • Cost: While it's important to consider the cost, it shouldn't be the only deciding factor. A more expensive course might provide better value in terms of knowledge, practical experience, and job opportunities after the training.
  • Reviews and Recommendations: Look for reviews or get recommendations from people who have already completed the courses. This can provide you with firsthand information about their experiences.
  • Location: Some training providers are located in beautiful areas, giving you a chance to learn in the environment where you will eventually work. However, also consider if the location is convenient and safe for you.

If you're not seeking a formal qualification:

  • Specific Knowledge or Skill: You might be looking to learn a particular subject or enhance a specific skill. In this case, look for providers offering focused courses that cater to your specific needs.
  • Flexibility: Non-qualification courses often offer more flexibility in terms of duration and study modes (e.g., online, part-time, etc.).
  • Practical Experience: You might be more interested in hands-on experience and practical skills than theoretical knowledge. If so, find a provider that emphasizes field work or practical exercises.

Regardless of whether you're seeking a formal qualification or not, it's still important to consider factors such as the expertise of the instructors, post-training support, cost, reviews and recommendations, and location.

Why to book with Natucate?

  • Focus on Conservation and Sustainability: Natucate's courses and programs emphasize meaningful and responsible travel. They aim to promote sustainable tourism and the protection of biodiversity.
  • Wide Variety of Courses and Destinations: Natucate offers a broad selection of courses, internships, and volunteering opportunities in various destinations worldwide, providing numerous options depending on your interests and goals.
  • Professional Guidance: They provide comprehensive support and guidance throughout your course, from the booking process through to completion, ensuring that you are well-prepared and can get the most out of your experience.
  • Accredited and Quality Programs: Many of their programs are certified or in cooperation with recognized organizations, ensuring a high-quality learning experience.
  • Hands-on Experience: Their programs often involve real-world, hands-on experiences, providing valuable practical skills and knowledge in environmental and wildlife conservation.
  • Connection with Nature: If you're passionate about nature and wildlife, Natucate's programs offer a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of the natural world while contributing to its conservation.

When a travel provider operates under German travel law, there are several reasons why this could be beneficial for consumers, especially for those booking travel packages:

Consumer Protection: German travel law has strong regulations in place to protect consumers. The German Package Travel Law, based on the EU Package Travel Directive, ensures comprehensive protection for travellers who book package holidays. This includes clear information about the package, financial protection in the case of the organizer's insolvency, and assistance if problems occur during the trip.

Insolvency Protection: German travel law mandates that travel companies provide customers with an insolvency protection certificate (Sicherungsschein) when they book a package tour. This certificate protects your pre-payments in case the travel provider becomes insolvent.

Dispute Resolution: If a dispute arises, German travel law provides clear pathways for resolution. Germany has consumer arbitration bodies that can help mediate disputes between customers and companies.

So, booking a travel course or package from a provider operating under German travel law like Natucate could provide you with additional legal protections and assurances. Always remember to read the terms and conditions of your travel package or course carefully, so you fully understand your rights and obligations.

Natucate Service

Comprehensive Consultation: Natucate provides extensive consultation services, guiding you through the entire process, from choosing the right course to preparing for your journey. They answer your questions, provide essential information, and help you set realistic expectations about your experience.

Professional Expertise: The team at Natucate brings professional expertise and experience in nature conservation, sustainable tourism, and adventure travel. Their knowledgeable guidance can ensure that you choose a program that best fits your interests and goals.

Personalized Attention: Natucate prides itself on providing personalized service. They take the time to understand your unique needs and aspirations and tailor their advice and support accordingly.

Responsive Communication: Customer service at Natucate is noted for being responsive and accessible. You can reach out to them via phone, email, or social media and expect prompt and helpful responses.

Support During the Course: Their service extends beyond just the booking process. They offer support throughout your course or program, ensuring you're well-prepared before you start and have a contact point if you encounter any issues during the course.

Commitment to Quality: Natucate's commitment to quality and sustainable practices further enhances their customer service. They choose their programs and partners carefully to ensure that they meet high standards of quality, safety, and sustainability

Natucate

Find Your Perfect Journey

Training Provider

Apprentice Field Guide Kenya

This is a 55-day field guide course in Kenya's Masai Mara, offering a FGASA-recognized and CATHSSETA-accredited field guide qualification. Participants learn practical and theoretical skills such as wilderness navigation, ecology, animal behavior, 4x4 all-terrain vehicle operation, and species identification, culminating in the FGASA Apprentice Field Guide exam.

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Apprentice Field Guide Southern Africa

This FGASA endorsed, CATHSSETA accredited course is the entry level qualification for field guiding which encompasses vehicle-based guiding in dangerous and non-dangerous games areas. Once qualified, the guide is able to identify and interpret biodiverse elements of the natural environment. The guide will be able to conduct game drives for guests in a limited geographical area. The syllabus covers a broad spectrum of subjects including 4×4 Game Drive vehicle skills specific for game viewing, species identification, and tracking to mention a few.

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Birding in the Bush Southern Africa

The birding course in South Africa and Botswana is a unique opportunity, no matter whether you are a passionate birder, looking to further yourself professionally or personally, or simply looking for a quite unique type of holiday. Open your eyes to African birdlife and get familiar with some of the smaller residents of the African wilderness. Come and discover the unique world of birds in a fascinating landscape with Natucate.

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Training Provider

Ecoquest Kenya

So far you have had little to do with nature, but would now like to embark on that journey? Then our introductory EcoQuest course in awe-inspiring Kenya is just right for you. This course is especially designed for newcomers, who can gather valuable insights which they will never forget, during a 7 or 14-day stay in awesome surroundings. Kenya's spectacular Masai Mara is the perfect region for an adventure which will make your daily routine fade into the background. Discover the exciting world of animals and plants and embark on your first steps in the wild with the EcoQuest course.

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Training Provider

Ecoquest Southern Africa

So far you have had little to do with nature, but would now like to embark on that journey? Then our EcoQuest course is just right for you. This introductory course is especially designed for newcomers, who can gather valuable insights which they will never forget, during a 7 or 14-day stay in awesome surroundings.

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Ecosavvy South Africa

In this 14-day Ecosavvy course, you will gain a good understanding and usefull skills in trails guiding, tracking skills and leadership. It is based on practical, experiential learning. You will improve your ability to read your immediate surroundings and deepen your connection to nature. In addition to focusing on identifying and interpreting the tracks and signs left by the incredible diversity of South African wildlife, you will become more at home in nature and focus on different life skills needed to lead a group of people on a journey of risk and opportunity.

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Training Provider

Ecotracker Wildlife Monitoring South Africa

Take part in this unique training course in South Africa and acquire traditional skills in wildlife tracking and essential knowledge of conservation management within 28 days.
Tracking describes the skill and knowledge to recognize, interpret and follow animal signs. Skilled trackers know what an animal is doing – without actually seeing it. In short: Tracking opens the door to hidden worlds.
The art of tracking is one of the most complex skills in the world of wildlife and plays a significant role in the fields of ecotourism, species conservation and wildlife monitoring.
The course is divided into three different phases. In the last phase, you will have the opportunity to take a final exam and depending on the results achieved, obtain a Tracker Academy and FGASA endorsed Tracker certificate.

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Training Provider

Kalahari Primative Trail Southern Africa

This journey, led by some of the most professional Wilderness Trails Guides, takes you on navigational trails through the distinct wilderness of the Kalahari. Under the magnificent wide-open skies, you and your group will spend the night on sleep-outs (no tent) as you take turns to keep watch in the silence of the dark. During the day, you carry all your essentials in your backpack and spend the days self-sufficiently in the wild.

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Training Provider

Professional Field Guide Course

The one-year Professional Field Guide training course is definitely our guiding course highlight: You will have an unforgettable experience in a unique natural environment and be given the official FGASA endorsed Professional Field Guide certificate. The majority of your trip will be spent under open skies, and every day will bring a new feeling of being close to nature. Take the time to train to be a professional field guide over 12 months.

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Training Provider

Apprentice Trails Guide Botswana Okavango Delta

Equipped with a rifle and binoculars and together with your international team and an experienced guide, you will go on long hikes each day where you will experience the African bush in a unique way. Navigation and survival training, Mokoro and motorboat rides, tracking, stargazing, and sleep-outs in the bush are part of the course as well as lectures and presentations on zoology, ecology, and meteorology. You also get trained in handling a rifle properly – because a skilled Trails Guide must be able to lead safari tourists safely through the African bush by foot. The course is modular, enabling you to join the course for two or four weeks – at a time or in parts.

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Training Provider

Apprentice Trails Guide Southern Africa

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Training Provider

Apprentice Field Guide Botswana Okavango Delta

Be part of a unique wilderness experience and gain rare knowledge about nature and basic skills of a real field guide while being surrounded by the unspoiled nature of the famous Okavango Delta! Your classroom – the biggest inland delta in the world – happens to be the perfect place for your basic training to become a ranger due to its different ecosystems and impressive wildlife.

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Training Provider

Safari Guide Kenya

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Training Provider

Safari Guide Southern Africa

In South Africa and Botswana, nature fascinates us with its harmonious interplay of flora, fauna, climate, and nature, in which you will acquire valuable knowledge and useful skills in daily practice. Make your Wilderness Experience amidst the typical landscapes and the breathtaking diversity of the animal kingdom.
The 28-day Safari Guide course in Botswana or South Africa will teach you the basics of African nature not only in theory but of course also in practice. As with all our programmes, the intensive work in and with nature will reveal new facets to your personality and a personal development which will pleasantly surprise both you and others.

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Training Provider

San Survival Skills and Tracking Botswana

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Your adventure is topped off by the fact that this introductory course is accompanied by two San-men, indigenous peoples of Southern Africa. Find out first-hand about their survival, hunting and tracking skills, their extensive understanding of the flora and fauna of Southern Africa, and their rich cultural traditions.

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Training Provider

Track and Trail Botswana

Dreaming about going back to the roots, observing wild animals from up close and experiencing one of the last wild places in Southern Africa?
During our Track & Trail adventure, you will gain precious nature knowledge surrounded by the unspoiled wilderness of Botswana’s incomparable Okavango Delta. Experienced safari guides share their expert knowledge about the local flora and fauna and teach you the art of tracking and trailing in the midst of a true wildlife paradise.
It is up to you whether you take part in a 8-day training course, focusing on either tracking or trailing, or if you enjoy a 15-day wilderness adventure which combines both aspects.

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Training Provider

Tracking Southern Africa

This course will help you to find your bearings in the African wilderness and will make you more familiar with the animal life in the area. You will deepen your knowledge of the various animals in the region, learn how to recognise their tracks and use these tracks to make your approach. Your survival training in the wilderness will include the traditional know-how of historical hunters and gatherers. This will include teaching about vital subjects such as finding water, identifying edible fruit and laying traps. Come and have an unforgettable adventure in the middle of a unique landscape and acquire traditional know-how in the African wilderness.

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Training Provider

Wilderness Experience Botswana

Take part in our Private Wilderness Experience and experience the magic of Botswana's spectacular Okavango Delta!
Together with a group of about twenty participants you will spend two weeks in a camp in the picturesque Kwapa region, go on daily game drives and wilderness walks and discover the unique flora and fauna of the planet’s largest inland delta – always under the guidance of an experienced guide and always accompanied by Natucate founder Daniel.
A Private Wilderness Experience with Natucate allows you to dive into Southern Africa’s nature in an incomparable way, to witness unique wildlife sightings, to gain new knowledge and to go back to the roots. Natucate the World and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

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Training Provider

Wilderness Trails Southern Africa

This course will provide you with unique experiences in a largely untouched natural environment and will allow you to enjoy your time at the heart of the African wilderness away from the hectic pace of everyday life.
Some of the most experienced guides in Africa will provide you with essential information about how to survive in the African wilderness. This course will also help you to have a better understanding of the landscape and the natural environment. During the day, you and the group will hike through untouched landscapes under the guidance of the professional course leader, where you will learn how to get your bearings and deal with the natural environment. This unique week in the open air will give you an opportunity to get to know the unique range of species native to Africa.

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