• Life On Land

FGASA Field Guiding Course

location
23 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
rating  Excellent 4.8  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate
Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Have the opportunity to complete a 6 month placement after successful completion of the 6 month course
  • Receive a FGASA accredited certificate in order to walk into a career as Field Guide
  • Live in the South African bush surrounded by the Big Five
  • Work with experienced and educated Mentors and Course Instructors, our trainers combined have over 50 years’ experience working in the industry
  • This course offers a Career Success Guarantee

Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples

About the program

Travel to South Africa and complete this internship in the African Bush that trains you up in Field Guiding to secure a job in eco-tourism.

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and Field Guiding? Is your hope to pursue a career in eco-tourism? 

Travel to the South African Bush and work alongside qualified, experienced trainers in order to receive your accreditation in FGASA Field Guiding. 

This course is rated one of the most ...

About the program

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation and Field Guiding? Is your hope to pursue a career in eco-tourism? 

Travel to the South African Bush and work alongside qualified, experienced trainers in order to receive your accreditation in FGASA Field Guiding. 

This course is rated one of the most inclusive courses and has seen many of its graduates go on to secure jobs within top class game reserves and lodges. It includes a 6 month in country training program after which, upon successful completion and graduation, students will move on to be an intern in a working environment with one of our partners. 

Other than the FGASA qualification, students will also be trained up in: 
  • Wildlife photography
  • Reptile orientation
  • Basic vehicle mechanics
  • Ethical guiding principles
  • Hospitality training
  • South African wine tasting & food pairing,
  • Reserve management principles
  • Online course covering 
  • Theoretical field guiding apprentice 
  • Principles and basic mechanics
This experience cannot be matched and you are guaranteed to walk away as a highly rated, qualified and experienced Field Guide ready to step into a career. 

Typical day

The course varies between classroom-based learning and practical sessions. The balance between these two will differ module to module. But an average day could look like this:

05:30–07:00
Meet in the Kitchen for coffee and a light breakfast, then depart for the morning activity, either a walk or a ...

Typical day

The course varies between classroom-based learning and practical sessions. The balance between these two will differ module to module. But an average day could look like this:

05:30–07:00
Meet in the Kitchen for coffee and a light breakfast, then depart for the morning activity, either a walk or a drive, or a lecture in the classroom

11:00
Brunch

12:00
Free time

15:00
Afternoon activity or lecture in the classroom

Free-time activities

Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free time for students, although it’s recommended that students use this time for personal study and preparation for the upcoming lectures.

After every 4th week, students also get a full week off and are encouraged to leave campus, travel and explore the local ...

Free-time activities

Saturday afternoons and Sundays are free time for students, although it’s recommended that students use this time for personal study and preparation for the upcoming lectures.

After every 4th week, students also get a full week off and are encouraged to leave campus, travel and explore the local area. Some highlights to be enjoyed:
  • Head out to the Blyde River Canyon for boat trips, kloofing, whitewater rafting, hiking, hot air ballooning and camping.
  • The Kruger National Park gates are only 90min drive from campus. Day trips or overnight camping trips are available within the Park.
  • Moholoholo Rehab Centre is 60 min drive from campus. Spend some time exploring the rehabilitation of endangered species.
  • Do a 1-day panorama route and see Bourke’s Luck potholes, God’s Window, and many waterfalls with swimming spots.
  • Giant Baobab a.k.a Upside Down Restaurant is only a 50 min drive from campus/ They sell the best pancakes in Limpopo, be sure to try them.
  • Debengeni Falls in Tzaneen is a stunning waterfall accessible by anyone. It offers picnic areas and hiking trails.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Age: 18 years

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

Language Skills

You need to speak English (basic level)

Education Requirements

at High School level

Criminal Background Check

required

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

Participants are required to have a valid drivers license.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

What's Included

What's Included

Services by GVI

WHAT'S INCLUDED:
  • 6 months work experience from placement venue (50-week course)
  • Pre-departure support and discounted services
  • 24-hour emergency phone
  • Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
  • Experienced, long term staff conducting all the necessary course training
  • Welcome meeting
  • Location orientation
  • All necessary FGASA course manuals and materials
  • 24-hour in-country support
  • Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
  • Ethical guiding principles
  • Other activities, such as sleep outs and Kruger trips
  • Basic astronomy, survival skills during sleep outs
  • Bushwalks
  • 2 x sets of uniforms
  • All compulsory books (if included)
  • Limited internet
  • T-shirt, fleece jacket, cap and beanie
  • Camp management & leadership skills
  • Basic vehicle mechanics
  • Hospitality training
  • Location orientation, survival skills
  • Meals while on the course (except during off weeks)
  • Kruger Park trips & visits to other reserves or places of interest

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
  • Flights
  • Medical and travel insurance
  • Visa costs
  • Personal kit
  • Additional drinks and gratuities
  • International and domestic airport taxes
  • Laundry, food and transport during weeks off
  • Recommended reference books
  • Transport costs to placement
  • Professional drivers permit and licensing costs
  • Including transportation.

Accommodation

Accommodation is shared, with two students to a room/rondavel and shared ablutions. The campus also has a fully functional and equipped lecture room, dining room and braai area, facilities such as swimming pool and volley ball court for recreational use and access to internet.

Food & Beverages

Meals are provided daily, except for over the weekends when you are off. 

Internet Access

Good access at the project site

What's NOT included?

What's NOT included?

Airport Pickup at O.R. Tambo International Airport

An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

Flight Tickets

The nearest airport is O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg. We assist you to find cheap flights to South Africa. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

Travel Insurance

Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for South Africa provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

Vaccines

If you are intending to volunteer in South Africa you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for South Africa. VACCINE CHECKER

Details on arrival

2025

  • 07 Jan 2025
  • 08 Jul 2025

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Program fees

23 weeks (min. stay) 20,350€
24 weeks 20,407€
25 weeks 20,465€
26 weeks 20,522€
30 weeks 20,752€
38 weeks 21,211€
50 weeks (max. stay) 21,900€
Average fees 661€/week

Program fees

661€ per week 23 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

Payment methods

Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Duration

23 - 50 weeks

Deposit

The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.

Final Payment

Your final payment will be agreed with GVI during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Meet your organization

GVI

Excellent 4.8 rating (221 reviews)

Agency - founded in 1998

Verified by Volunteer World

  Very high response rate

Coordinated by

Bianca

Spoken languages: English

About the project

GVI tackles critical local and global issues by operating award-winning education and training programs on sustainable development projects around the world.

Meet your organization

Founded in 1998, GVI runs programs in 21 locations, in 13 countries around the world, each manned by our own staff and aligned to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals or UN SDGs as well as the objectives of local partners. We welcome participants from all around the world and help facilitate their development into global citizens. This is how we achieve our mission of building a global network of people united by their passion to make a difference.


We are truly a global family brought together by our dedication to long-term positive impact. At the root of our success is our commitment to investing in authentic, meaningful connections with one another, which is why mutual respect and trust are central to our operations. Although we respond with empathy to difficult situations, we believe that most circumstances can benefit from taking a light-hearted approach. By sharing stories of local achievement with our teams worldwide we build the momentum to catapult us toward our vision for the future.

221 reviews · rating4.8

I had the opportunity to do the virtual marine conservation internship with GVI, it was super good for my work experience and academic training as I learned a lot from the courses and I was able to explore my skills in data analysis which I had not explored so far, I highly recommend this internship ...
Pam Parkes rating5

2024 at Women's Empowerment Internship

I really enjoyed my recent trip to Siem Reap. The accommodation was very good, I upgraded to a single room with aircon and en-suite and had a fabulous room overlooking the pool. Food was excellent with plenty of choice, both in the guest house and local restaurants where we ate in the evenings ...
Olivia Babbage rating5

2024 at Teach English to locals

3 month English Teaching internship in Madagascar The most incredible time of my life. I feel so lucky to have experienced all that is Nosy Be, Madagascar. I chose GVI because they are so impact driven, and during my time in Madagascar that was the evident. Being able to immerse myself into such ...
Mary Christensen rating5

2024 at Community Development Internship

GVI is a passionate organization that works diligently to promote life long learners and explorers. As an intern with GVI, I was able to explore the culture of my country of choice, serve a purpose greater than myself, and meet friends all around the world. I highly recommend this program to anyone ...
GVI was one of the best experiences of my life, i was a participant on the U18 costa rica trip! This program allowed me to interact with new people and make lifelong friendships, but also i was able to experience a new culture and be up close to a wide range of wildlife. If you are reading this and ...
Tashanna Reid rating5

2024 at Marine Ecosystem Internship

I did the U18s Tenerife volunteering which was such a great experience and I will definitely do it again! It was lovely meeting new people and making friends and the staff are very welcoming and fun. It had the perfect mix of relaxing and having fun while also doing the work required and exploring ...

Location

Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Limpopo

You might also be interested in

Volunteer Abroad  >  Animals  >  Wildlife Conservation in South Africa
Contact Bianca
  Very high response rate
English

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