Elevate your love for nature by experiencing life as a field guide. Reconnect with the wild in an adventure beyond the typical safari.
DURATIONS: 3 DAYS
NEXT START DATE: 3 SEPTEMBER
FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS
ACCREDITATION: INTRODUCTION TO CATHSSETA & IFGA
AGE: 18+
If you’ve ever dreamt of stepping into the boots of a safari guide, but don’t have the time or budget for a long course, the IFGA Safari Guide Training Taster is the perfect short and immersive bush experience for you. In just 3 days, you’ll gain a firsthand look at the life of a field guide, learn the basics of tracking wildlife, and explore South Africa’s untamed wilderness—all while staying in a private Big 5 reserve.
Offered by the International Field Guide Academy (IFGA), this short but impactful training programme is a fun, informative, and adrenaline-filled adventure, designed for travellers, students, couples, and anyone curious about nature and conservation.
What is the 3-Day Safari Guide Training Taster?
The 3-Day Safari Guide Training Taster is a non-certification short course offering an introductory glimpse into what it takes to be a safari guide. Unlike formal field guide programmes that span months and require assessments, this taster is pressure-free, with no tests or prior experience required.
Whether you’re visiting South Africa on holiday or just want to experience something totally different for a weekend, this course gives you the chance to go behind the scenes of wildlife conservation and safari tourism.
Who is it For?
This experience is designed for everyone, especially those who:
- Are short on time but want a unique bush experience
- Love wildlife and want to learn more about animal behaviour
- Are visiting South Africa and want something more than just a tourist safari
- Want a fun and educational group or solo activity
- Are curious about careers in safari guiding or conservation
- Need a “bucket list” weekend break filled with purpose and discovery
There are no age limits (as long as you’re over 18), and no experience or qualifications are required. All you need is a sense of adventure, a love for nature, and an open mind.
What You’ll Experience in Just 3 Days
Though short, the Safari Guide Training Taster is packed with activities, giving you the chance to explore, learn, and engage in the real work of a field guide. From morning game drives to evening bush walks and fireside storytelling, every moment is a chance to connect with nature.
Key Experiences Include:
- Morning & afternoon game drives in Big 5 territory
- Introductory tracking techniques – identifying footprints, scat, and signs
- Animal behaviour basics – how to read the bush and respond to wildlife encounters
- Bush walks – on-foot exploration with experienced guides
- Tree & plant identification – medicinal uses and ecological importance
- Introduction to guiding tools – radios, binoculars, and 4×4 vehicles
- Campfire chats about conservation, careers, and the reality of life in the wild
You’ll also develop practical skills like situational awareness, respect for animal boundaries, and ecological insight—skills that change how you see the natural world forever.
Sample Daily Itinerary
Here’s what a typical 3-day schedule might look like:
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation
- Midday arrival at the bush camp
- Welcome briefing, safety overview, and gear fitting
- Introduction to the reserve and its wildlife
- Afternoon game drive
- Fireside dinner and storytelling with guides
Day 2 – Field Training & Adventure
- Early morning bush walk and animal tracking
- Brunch and interactive lesson on bush ecology
- Free time to relax or explore the camp
- Afternoon game drive with sunset stop
- Evening lecture on safari guiding and conservation careers
Day 3 – Final Drive & Departure
- Sunrise game drive or walk
- Breakfast and group debrief
- Certificate of participation (optional)
- Late morning departure
While compact, the experience is deeply immersive—and many guests say it’s the highlight of their entire South African visit.
Where You’ll Stay
Participants stay in authentic bush accommodation located in a private game reserve near Kruger National Park or a similar wilderness area. Camps are designed to immerse you in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Expect:
- Shared or private tented chalets or cabins
- Solar or gas-powered amenities
- Hot showers and flushing toilets
- Outdoor dining areas and a central firepit
- No Wi-Fi, limited cellphone signal, and unlimited stars
This is true bush life—quiet, raw, and unforgettable.
What’s Included in the 3-Day Package?
Your course fee covers nearly everything you’ll need during your stay:
✅ All training sessions and bush activities
✅ 2–3 game drives or walks per day
✅ Accommodation for 2 nights
✅ All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks)
✅ Transport within the reserve
✅ Use of radios, binoculars, and field guide materials
✅ Friendly, expert instructors with FGASA-aligned training
✅ A participation certificate (not FGASA accredited)
Not included: Flights to/from South Africa, travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, or off-site excursions.
Why Choose the 3-Day Safari Taster Over a Typical Safari?
While standard safari tours offer passive wildlife viewing, this 3-day course lets you become an active participant in the bush. Instead of sitting in a lodge waiting for animals to appear, you’ll go out and track them, study their habits, and begin to understand the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Here’s how it compares:
| Typical Safari Tour | IFGA 3-Day Safari Taster |
|---|---|
| Passive experience | Hands-on learning & exploration |
| Tourist-focused | Educational, conservation-focused |
| Stay in lodges | Stay in a real bush training camp |
| Minimal interaction | Constant engagement with wildlife |
| No learning component | Basic bushcraft and field guide skills |
Ideal for Add-On Travel or Weekend Escapes
The 3-day format is ideal for:
- Add-on to a Kruger or Cape Town trip
- Long weekend breaks
- Gap-year students exploring Africa
- Couples and small groups looking for something different
- Adventurous retirees or solo travellers
It’s also a great way to decide if a longer course (like the 28-day or 12-month IFGA programmes) might be right for you in the future.
What to Bring
You’ll receive a detailed packing list upon registration, but here are the essentials:
- Neutral-coloured clothing (greens, browns, khaki)
- Comfortable walking shoes or boots
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Binoculars (if you have them)
- Daypack, water bottle
- A curious, respectful attitude
Leave behind distractions. There’s no signal, and that’s the point.
RELATED Courses:
- IFGA Safari Guide & Conservation Course – 12 Months of Wild Africa and Career-Ready Training
- Bushwise Practical Game Management Course – 6/12 Months of Hands-On Wildlife Reserve Training
- IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course – 6/12 Months of Real-World Wildlife Training
- IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course – 2 Months of Intensive Bush Training
- IFGA Safari Guide Training Experience – 7 to 28 Days of Wildlife, Learning, and Adventure
Final Thoughts
The IFGA Safari Guide Training Taster – 3 Days is more than just a mini-course—it’s a gateway into Africa’s wild heart. In just a short time, you’ll learn bushcraft skills, track animals, and connect with nature on a level few tourists ever reach.
Whether you’re looking to try something different, connect with wildlife, or explore future training opportunities, this course will leave you inspired, informed, and changed.