SANParks.org Forums

Hello people of the world! I really want to become a game ranger and I'm thinking about the FGASA courses provided. Now I need some advice in terms of what looks good on my CV, where should I volunteer etc?

I know it's a beginner's question, but that's what I am.
But I'm a hard worker and dedicated to wanting to make a difference, I can't do it on my own though.

I have had experience with animals on farms in asia, such as water buffalo.

thank you all kindly.

I know that Mohololo rescue centre near Hoedspruit take volunteers. There are also many courses available in SA. Try www.wildlifecampus.co.za or Africa Nature Training. Not sure of their web address but I'm sure if you google it they will pop up. Or google Field guide assosocation of South Africa. There are plenty of options there I'm sure

Hi CM.
Welcome to the forums!
I qualified as a FGASA Level 1 guide earlier this year.
I did everything self-study. I registered for the exams, studied the manual they give you by myself and wrote the exam. I then did the practical assessment some time later.

I'm quite unique though in that my father has a share in a private game reserve, on which I've been driving for the last 9 years, so I had some experience when it came to the practical assessment. I was also lucky enough to find a job as a guide before I qualified (most places won't take you before you qualify).

I would recommend you do a course, but they can be expensive, and some of them may include more content than you want. I've had a little bit of experience with some of the accredited trainers. PM me if you want the name.

That sounds fantastic Josh! you're very lucky.
So do I have to register with FGASA before I go on a course?

(yes they are expensive, I like in the UK and most courses for me are at least £1500 not including flights)

If I do, how long before I take the course do I have to register?

Can I register with FGASA and sit the exams without the course? or do they ask for experience?

Lastly any advice? I'm hoping to take a course next march if I get the funds.

Thanks again kindly.

PM coming up, good luck.

Let me know if you need more info after Scipio's PM

Mods, in line with FGASA, could we change the title to 'field guide' instead of 'game ranger' ? (Maybe put 'game ranger' in brackets)

Gotta!
Done.

Nature Guide Categories
Local Guide (NQF2)
Level I (NQF3)
Level II (NQF4)
Level III (NQF5)
Tracker Categories
Tracker Level I (NQF3)
Tracker Level II (NQF4)
Tracker Level III (NQF5)
Senior Tracker
Master Tracker
Scout qualification
Dangerous Game Qualifications
Back-up Trials Guide (2nd rifle)
Trails Guide (NQF4)
SKS Dangerous Game
Birding Qualifications
Local Bird Guide
Specialist Bird Guide
SKS Birding
Palaeo-anthropology Qualifications
Basic Palaeo-anthropology
Intermediate Palaeo-anthropology
Advanced Palaeo-anthropology
Commercial Cave Guiding & Advanced Cave Guide
Horse Guiding Qualifications
Basic Horse Guiding
Intermediate Horse Guiding
Advanced Horse Guiding(Dangerous Game Areas)
Wildflower Qualifications
Specialist Wildflower guide
SKS Wildflowers
Marine Guiding Qualifications
Marine Guide Level 1
Marine Guide Level 3
Culture Guiding Qualifications
Culture Guide L1
Culture Guide L2
Culture Guide L3
Biome Guiding Qualifications

If you are serious start studying know there is a lot of work ahead, most of the places you would like to work for will only consider guides that have a NQF 4 with ARH+VPDA unit standards eg. FGASA level 2 full trails guide, but unfortunately you need to gain experience before you get to this level, aether work for a small operator or do a comprehensive course with one of the more reputed trainers.

Am considering writing my next theory exam. Thinking about either Level 2 theory or backup trails guide theory. Aiming to write in October maybe

hi there

i recently came back from the kruger and decided to also go into the field guide training road.

im on the wildlife campus website at the moment having a look at it. is it really possible to do the course online ? i live in kzn durban and i wonder where the practical would have to take place ?

Hi Cherokee Master,

I'm in the same position as you. If you're from the UK like me, your biggest problem will be getting a work permit when you're qualified. It's not easy, but it's definitely possible.

If your looking for things to do that will look good on your CV, there's plenty you can do in the UK, like working with places like the RSPB. I'm about to do some volunteer field work with Bird Life International while i'm waiting (and raising money) to do my FGASA course.

Have you chosen a 'school' yet? I'm doing my Level 1 training with Africa Nature Training. Definitely check them out. Expensive, but you come out completely qualified. They've been highly recommended to me by a good friend who will be helping out with the course when I do it in May 2011.

Feel free to send me a PM. I have another friend who is also trying to do this from the UK and it's been so helpful to share information and contacts.

Good Luck!

Oops, didn't realize this thread is more than a year old! Cherokee_Master has probably gone off and done everything already

Remains good information.

One complication. In SA you cannot get a Public Drivers Permit, nor a firearm license under the age of 21. This does complicate things a bit for young guides.

I wish I was a 'young guide'. I'm definitely old enough for a PDP and a firearm license

The problem i'm having right now is getting the equivalent of a PDP here in the UK. A UK 'PDP' can be exchanged for a SA one, but there's a lot of confusion about what a 'PDP' is over here.