Trails / Field Guide Training Courses in South Africa

Bhejane Nature Training:
Bhejane Nature Training is based in Northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), a province of South Africa, with camps situated in the Zululand and Maputaland regions, an area where the rich diversity of habitats is one of the chief attractions. Bhejane Nature Training provides comprehensive and professional Nature Guide, Marine Guide and Trails Guide certificate training programs for existing guides and those wanting to pursue a career in the field of nature guiding.

Nature Training Programs:

- Professional Field Guide Level 1 Course:

Course Duration:  6 months to 1 year. At Bhejane, we believe that 6 months is the minimum period of tuition for a level 1 guide to be declared competent. There are many guides that complete a short training programme and immediately start working, only to find that they are not fully prepared for everything that is expected of them. 

We follow a learning philosophy that enables you to gain confidence and demonstrate skill in every area of learning before you qualify with your Level 1 qualification. To guide, is to lead.  Being a leader requires personal skills and emotional intelligence. Our 6 month training programme will not only ensure a good working knowledge of the natural environment, but will help you reach your full potential as a confident and able group-leader.

- Training component - 6 months full time training
- Workplace component - 6 months
(Optional:  Placement is subject to successful completion of  all modules)

Certification:
On successful completion of the programme, qualifying learners will receive:

- FGASA Level 1 (Full)
- FGASA Level 2 (Theory)
- FGASA Back-up Trails Guide (Subject to conditions)
- FGASA Marine Guide Level 1 (Subject to conditions)
- SASSETA Rifle Handling Certificate (Subject to conditions)
- Wilderness First Aid Certificate
- PADI Open Water Diver Qualification
- Bhejane Nature Training Certificate of Successful Completion – Professional Field Guide Level 1.

FGASA - it is not compulsory to complete all FGASA assessments. Students are encouraged to identify and select the specific qualifications they would like to specialise in.

- Short Training Programs: 
For conservation minded tourists, students, volunteers or school-groups & guides that want to increase their knowledge of specialised subjects.

* FGASA Level 1 Terrestrial Field Guide Training Program:
Course Duration: 10 weeks. This gives you the basic knowledge and competency for you to be a successful field guide.

You will qualify with:
- FGASA Level 1 (Subject to passing all assessments)
- Wilderness First Aid (FGASA endorsed)
- Bhejane Nature Training Level 1 Certificate (Subject to passing all assessments)

* FGASA Level 1 Marine Field Guide Training Program:
Course Duration:  6 weeks. Following the syllabus of the FGASA Marine Guide Level 1 qualification, this course has been designed to introduce guides to the marine and coastal environment and to assist with preparation for the FGASA Marine Guide examination and practical assessment.

* FGASA Trails Guide Training Program:
This gives you the ability to take clients out on guided walks in dangerous game areas.

Courses include:
- SASSETA Proficiency 
- First Aid Level 1

* 3 Week African Biodiversity Conservation Workshop
* Specialist Birding
* Butterflying
* Customised Programmes - custom designed programmes for groups of 4 or more.

- Ubuntu Wild Series Programs: 
A series of shorter programmes aimed at school groups, corporate groups & self development.