IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course – 2 Months of Intensive Bush Training

This course is a condensed version of our flagship IFGA Professional Safari Guide course (6-12 months) – offering essential theoretical knowledge and practical experience to students who wish to start a career as a field guide or have a life-changing safari experience.

DURATIONS: 2 MONTHS

NEXT START DATE: 30 AUGUST

FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS

ACCREDITATION: CATHSSETA

AGE: 18+

Want to experience life in the African wilderness and gain essential safari guiding skills without committing to a full year of training? The International Field Guide Academy (IFGA) offers a 2-month Professional Safari Guide Short Course, perfect for anyone seeking authentic bush training, wildlife experience, and practical field guide skills—in a condensed, high-impact format.

Whether you’re taking a gap year, planning a career change, or simply want to immerse yourself in the African bush, this short course is a life-changing introduction to guiding and conservation in some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

What is the IFGA 2-Month Safari Guide Course?

The Professional Safari Guide Short Course is a full-time, immersive program based in a big five game reserve in South Africa. It delivers core elements of field guiding, safety, guest interaction, and wildlife interpretation, using the FGASA-aligned curriculum as a foundation.

In just two months, students develop the practical and theoretical skills needed to operate confidently in the bush—either as an entry-level guide or to decide whether a longer, career-focused course is the right path.

This course is ideal for:

Gap year travellers and adventurers
Students considering a longer FGASA-aligned qualification
Wildlife photography enthusiasts
Nature lovers seeking guided exposure to African ecology
Anyone looking for a structured, short-term bush adventure

Where You’ll Train

Training takes place in a private Big 5 game reserve in South Africa’s Greater Kruger National Park region. This location gives you daily access to:

Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo
Diverse birdlife, reptiles, insects, and plant species
Natural savanna, woodland, and waterhole ecosystems
Real conservation practices, challenges, and daily routines

You’ll live in a bush camp surrounded by wildlife, participate in daily game drives or walks, and learn under highly experienced field trainers with decades in the industry.

What You’ll Learn in 2 Months

The short course focuses on the fundamentals of field guiding, ensuring you get the best possible introduction to the world of safari guiding and conservation.

Here’s what’s included in the curriculum:

1. Field Guiding Basics

Role and responsibilities of a field guide
Guest briefing and communication
Safety protocols during game drives and bush walks
Introduction to FGASA principles

2. Wildlife Knowledge & Observation

Animal behaviour and identification
Birds, insects, and reptiles of the region
Signs of the bush: tracking, sounds, and signs
Animal adaptations and ecology

3. Bushcraft & Survival Skills

Navigation with compass and GPS
Bush orientation and hazard awareness
Emergency procedures and vehicle recovery
Camp setup and environmental responsibility

4. Game Drive Skills

Introduction to 4×4 driving techniques
Basic vehicle checks and off-road operation
Guest hosting during game drives
Spotting techniques and ethical driving practices

5. Conservation Principles

Human-wildlife conflict
Anti-poaching basics and community conservation
Invasive species and habitat impact
Conservation tourism and ethics

While the course does not result in a full FGASA qualification, it is aligned with FGASA standards and gives you valuable exposure to what full-time guiding requires.

A Typical Day in Camp

Expect early mornings, long field hours, and evenings around the campfire. A typical daily schedule might include:

05:30 – Wake-up and tea
06:00–10:00 – Morning game drive or walk with practical bush lessons
10:30–12:30 – Theory lecture or practical workshop
12:30–14:30 – Lunch and rest
15:00–18:30 – Afternoon game drive or conservation task
19:00 – Dinner and evening discussions or fireside debrief

You’ll also have occasional rest days and opportunities for additional excursions or workshops, such as photography or stargazing sessions.

Benefits of This Short Course

Here’s why this 2-month course is one of the best ways to explore field guiding and wildlife in Africa:

✅ Time-Efficient

Only two months long, it fits into academic breaks, sabbaticals, or annual leave.

✅ Affordable

Compared to 6 or 12-month courses, it’s more cost-effective while still immersive.

✅ Career Taster

Perfect if you’re considering a long-term course like FGASA NQF2 or Trails Guide.

✅ Real Bush Experience

Live among Africa’s most iconic wildlife in authentic safari camp conditions.

✅ Personal Growth

Develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and deep respect for nature.

What’s Included

Your tuition fee covers:

Full-time bush-based training
Accommodation in shared bush tents or chalets
All meals (3 per day)
Uniform and study guides
Game drives, conservation projects, and workshops
Use of all required field equipment
Transport within the training reserve

Not included: Flights, travel insurance, visa fees, optional excursions or upgrades.

Is This Course Right for You?

You don’t need any prior experience—just a strong interest in wildlife and a willingness to live simply in the bush. You’ll benefit most from this course if you:

Enjoy outdoor, hands-on learning
Are curious about nature and ecology
Want to step outside your comfort zone
Might consider a longer course or wildlife career in future
Seek meaningful travel and personal development

APPLY NOW

This short course is also suitable for couples, friends, or solo travelers, and often attracts people from across the world.

Next Steps After the Course

While the 2-month course doesn’t include a formal FGASA certification, many graduates go on to:

Enroll in the IFGA 12-month Safari Guide & Conservation Course
Pursue FGASA NQF2 and Trails Guide training
Volunteer in conservation or eco-tourism programs
Work in environmental education, lodge support, or wildlife media
Continue personal study in African ecology, photography, or tracking

It’s the first step toward a professional wildlife career—or simply the adventure of a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

The IFGA 2-Month Professional Safari Guide Short Course offers something truly unique: a structured, immersive experience in the African bush that gives you real skills, unforgettable encounters, and deep personal growth.

Whether you’re exploring a career or just seeking something more meaningful than a tourist safari, this course is an ideal way to connect with nature, learn from wildlife, and walk the path of a true field guide—even if only for a short time.

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