Advanced Nature Guiding and Wildlife Conservation Course

The Bhejane Advanced Nature Guiding & Wildlife Conservation Programme is our flagship three-year career development programme, designed for students who are committed to building an exceptional career within the safari, wildlife tourism and conservation industries.

More than simply gaining qualifications, this programme develops the knowledge, practical skills, professional judgement and real-world experience required to succeed in one of the world’s most rewarding—and demanding—professions.

As an FGASA Endorsed Training Provider, Bhejane combines nationally recognised qualifications with extensive practical field experience, specialist guiding opportunities and a full year of mentored industry placement. The result is a graduate who is not only qualified, but confident, adaptable and ready for employment.

Unlike many shorter programmes, this course allows students to mature both personally and professionally while developing the confidence, leadership and practical experience expected by leading safari operators. By the time students graduate, they have accumulated years of field experience across a diverse range of guiding disciplines, giving them a significant advantage when entering the job market.

Throughout the programme, students develop a broad range of guiding competencies including ecology, animal behaviour, birding, marine guiding, practical rifle handling, research and monitoring, environmental interpretation, guest experience, leadership and communication. Students are encouraged to discover their individual strengths while exploring specialist career pathways within the wildlife tourism industry.

A unique feature of the programme is its integrated approach to conservation. Students don’t simply learn about wildlife—they actively participate in research projects, monitoring programmes, conservation initiatives and practical fieldwork that develop the skills required by modern conservation organisations and professional safari operators.

The final year of the programme is dedicated to mentored industry placement, allowing students to gain valuable workplace experience while applying everything they have learned in a professional guiding environment. This practical year bridges the gap between training and employment and is one of the reasons Bhejane graduates are so highly regarded within the industry.

At Bhejane, we don’t simply prepare students to pass assessments.

We develop knowledgeable, professional and highly employable safari guides who are ready to build long-term careers within the wildlife tourism and conservation industries.

Why should I choose the three-year programme instead of a shorter course?

The answer depends on your age, experience and long-term career goals.

Many students complete a short course and gain their initial qualifications, only to discover that they are not yet old enough to begin working as professional field guides.

In South Africa, guides who transport paying guests are generally required to hold a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), which can only be applied for from the age of 21. Without a PrDP, employment opportunities are significantly more limited.

For younger students, particularly school leavers, this often means there is a gap between completing a short course and being able to secure meaningful employment.

The Bhejane Advanced Nature Guiding & Wildlife Conservation Programme has been designed to bridge that gap. Over three years, students continue developing their guiding skills, specialist knowledge and practical experience while progressing naturally towards the age and professional maturity expected by employers.

Rather than spending those years waiting to enter the industry, students graduate with substantially more experience, a broader range of qualifications, specialist skills and a full year of mentored industry placement—placing them in a far stronger position when applying for guiding positions.

For students who are already older, changing careers, or who have previously completed guiding qualifications, our Career Development Programme may be the more suitable option. We’d be happy to discuss your individual circumstances and help you choose the pathway that best suits your goals.

Download 2027 Course Info

Duration

3 Years (2 Years Theory and Practical Training & 1 Year industry placement)

Course Fees 2026/2027

• Year 1 = R 260 000
• Year 2 = R 190 000 (2027)
• Year 3 = No Fees (Industry Practical Year)

Please note that International Students pay an additional levy of 5% on the course fee for each year. Courses start in the last week of January each year.

Included in the Course Fee

• Meals and Accommodation
• Uniform
• Professional Body registrations and membership
• Dive Gear, Rifle Hire and Ammunition
• Course Manuals

Excluded in the Course Fee

• Meals on off days and weekends
• Personal Equipment (Binoculars etc)
• Field reference Books

Qualifications & Certifications

Students complete a comprehensive range of nationally and internationally recognised qualifications throughout the programme, including:

PFTC Rifle Handling

FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling

PADI Open Water Diver (Elective)

PADI Advanced Diver (Elective)

PADI Rescue Diver (Elective)

Birding Specialist (Elective)

Skippers Licence (Elective)

Admission Requirements

• Matric or Equivalent Qualification
• Study Visa (if international)
• Good level of mental and physical fitness
• Minimum age of 18
• Driver’s Licence
• Must be able to swim 100m unaided.
• Acceptance may be subject to an admission interview

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose the three-year programme instead of a shorter course?

The three-year programme provides significantly more practical experience, specialist training and workplace exposure than a traditional short course. Rather than simply qualifying as a guide, students graduate with the confidence, maturity and professional experience that employers are looking for.

I’m only 17 years old. Can I apply?

Yes.

Students from the age of 17 are welcome to apply.

In fact, younger students are often ideally suited to the three-year programme, as it allows them to complete their training while gaining the maturity and experience required before entering the guiding profession.

Can I transfer to Bhejane if I’ve already completed FGASA or IFGA qualifications?

Yes.

I’m only 17 years old. Can I apply?

Yes.

Students from the age of 17 are welcome to apply.

In fact, younger students are often ideally suited to the three-year programme, as it allows them to complete their training while gaining the maturity and experience required before entering the guiding profession.

Can I transfer to Bhejane if I’ve already completed FGASA or IFGA qualifications?

Yes.

If you’ve already completed FGASA, IFGA or other recognised guiding qualifications, we’ll assess your previous training and practical experience to determine the most suitable entry point into the programme.

Many students join Bhejane after completing short courses elsewhere, allowing them to continue building their skills without unnecessarily repeating training.

Is the final year a placement year?

Yes.

The third year is dedicated to mentored industry placement, giving students valuable workplace experience while continuing to receive support and guidance from Bhejane. Please read up on our Placement Strategy for Advanced Course students in the Course Pack, you can download it here.

What careers can this programme lead to?

Graduates pursue careers throughout the wildlife tourism and conservation industries, including:

• Professional Field Guide
• Walking Guide
• Marine Guide
• Bird Guide
• Wildlife Research Assistant
• Conservation Field Assistant
• Lodge Management
• Ecotourism Operations
• Environmental Education
• Conservation Entrepreneurship

Download 2027 Course Info