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Safari guide
qualifications
How do safari guide qualifications work?
In South Africa, the government sets the framework for skills development and training. In guiding, Cathsseta (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) is the body that provides accreditation.
Bushwise is accredited by Cathsseta directly to provide field guide training and recognise the knowledge and skills needed to be a guide in South Africa. The main qualification required in South Africa is Cathsseta Nature Site Guide (NQF2). We also train according to the exclusive International Field Guide (IFGA) standards, which will make you stand out from the rest.
REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS A SAFARI GUIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA
Cathsseta Nature Site Guide NQF2 is the qualification which allows a safari guide to register to guide in South Africa.
The central government provides the framework for skills training.
SAFARI GUIDE TRAINING PROVIDERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Training providers are accredited by Cathsseta to give you the knowledge and skills needed to pass your theory and practical assessments and qualify as a guide.
Bushwise is the industry leading safari guide training provider in South Africa.
GLOBAL RECOGNITION OF EXCELLENCE
The International Field Guide Association (IFGA) sets the highest global standards for safari guides.
“IFGA Endorsed” status is the gold standard for a professional guide, and opens the door to a wider range of career opportunities.
NOT REQUIRED TO REGISTER AS A SAFARI GUIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA
A common misconception is that FGASA is required to guide in South Africa. This is not the case. The only legal requirement is Cathsseta.
What qualification do you need to guide in South Africa?
To legally work as an entry-level guide, you need your Cathsseta Nature Site Guide NQF2 qualification. Lodges may list other training provider names, such as FGASA, on their job postings. However, FGASA is not the legal requirement for the industry – Cathsseta is.
Because Bushwise is directly accredited by Cathsseta, when you complete a course with Bushwise you become a fully-qualified entry level guide. We will also register you directly with Cathsseta when you pass your assessments.
Additional qualifications to legally guide
When you successfully complete a Bushwise in-person course, either our International Safari Guide Course or our 60-day Safari Guide course, you will have demonstrated the knowledge and skills needed to become a Cathsseta Nature Site Guide (NQF2). Depending on the length of your course you will also cover most if not all of the qualifications listed above. Your training is also backed by the exclusive International Field Guide Association (IFGA) standards, which means you will stand out from other newly qualified guides.
In addition to your safari guide qualification, you’ll need the following at a minimum to work in the industry:
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Valid first aid certificate (we offer Basic Wilderness First Aid)
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Professional driving permit (PrDp) for vehicle-based guides
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Valid driver's licence
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Registration with National Department of Tourism (NDT)
Additional qualifications hiring managers may look for include:
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CyberTracker Track & Sign and/or Trailing level
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Snake/reptile handling
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Advanced Rifle Handling for trails guides
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VPDA (view potentially dangerous animals) for trails guides
What qualifications can I earn with Bushwise?
On the International Safari Guide course, we offer the following nationally-recognised qualifications:
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IFGA certification
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Cathsseta Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification
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Bushwise trails guide theory (practical add-on available)
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Cathsseta Nature Site Guide (NQF4) knowledge
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Firearm Proficiency SASSETA
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Unit Standard: 117705 – Knowledge of the Firearm Control Act
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Unit Standard: 119651 – Handle and use of manually operated rifle or carbine
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Unit Standard: 123519 – Handle and use of manually operated rifle or carbine for business purposes
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Basic Wilderness First Aid – US ID: 119567: Perform Basic Life Support and First Aid Procedures
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Cybertracker Track and Sign and Trailing qualification (Cathsseta)
Inhouse and other certificates
We also offer the following in-house training which will take you even further in your career:
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Bushwise safari guide course certificate
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Wildlife photography workshop
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Bushwise birding specialist course
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Reptile orientation/snake handling course
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Dangerous game experience
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Social media use in the field guide & lodge industry
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Hospitality
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Advanced Rifle Handling
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