Nature Guide Course in the Okavango Delta

about the school

The African Guide Academy (former Okavango Guiding School) is owned and operated by the Reed family. The well-known Reed brothers, Grant and Brent, starred in “Safari Brothers”, which aired internationally on National Geographic Wild.

• A Premier Guide Training Institution

The academy is the first private guide training school registered in Botswana to provide training for guides on both the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) platforms.

• World Heritage Training Ground

The training courses are conducted in the Okavango Delta, declared a World Heritage site because of its pristine ecosystems, scenic beauty, and abundance of wildlife.

• The Okavango Delta: A Unique Ecosystem

The Okavango is one of the most scenically spectacular wildlife areas worldwide. The myriad of crystal clear channels and wildlife-rich islands is a habitat unlike any other.

• Diverse Learning Environment

The learning experience is influenced by the area’s natural beauty and habitat diversity. Kwapa combines river channels, floodplains, lagoons, riparian woodland, savannah, mopane scrub, climax mopane woodland, and grasslands.

• Connection to a Vast Wilderness

Possibly the most fantastic thing about the area is that it is part of a wilderness that is unfenced and stretches for hundreds of thousands of square kilometres through Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, the Caprivi Strip of Namibia, southern Angola, and southern Zambia.

• The Trainers

Even in an extraordinary area with extraordinary biodiversity, you need a great field guide trainer. The trainer helps you identify the species, interpret the behaviour, and understand the complex and fascinating interactions between the species and their environment. AGA has a team of safari guide trainers who are unsurpassed in their qualifications and experience.

course content

In our Nature Guide – Okavango Delta course, students embark on an immersive journey blending hands-on wilderness skills with enriching theoretical knowledge.

The curriculum covers essential bush survival techniques, wildlife tracking, and practical skills in navigating various terrains. Theoretical lessons encompass local ecology, astronomy, and more.

This program, set in the awe-inspiring Okavango Delta, is perfect for deepening one’s understanding of and guiding in the African wilderness.

Comprehensive Wilderness Skills

• Gain hands-on experience in essential wilderness navigation and bush survival techniques.
• Master the ancient art of tracking and learn effective wildlife handling and safety.
• Develop bird and mammal identification skills through practical, field-based learning.

Immersive Wilderness Activities

• Participate in wilderness walks and sleep-outs, experiencing the African bush in its most natural form.
• Enjoy game drives in 4×4 vehicles, offering up-close wildlife encounters.
• Engage in game walk safaris, blending the thrill of walking with wildlife observation.

Astronomical Exploration

• Delve into stargazing and introductory astronomy, learning about the stars and constellations visible in the African night sky.

Educational Lectures and Presentations

• Attend theory lectures and presentations by qualified trainers on various topics, including local geology, ecology, hydrology, astronomy, and climatology.

Water-Based Safari Activities

• Experience the tranquillity of the wilderness with Mokoro (dug-out canoe) excursions, subject to changing water levels.
• Develop motor boating skills, navigating through the delta’s channels, which also depend on water levels.*

*Typically, the flood arrives at Kwapa mid-May, peaks in August, and recedes by November. However, every season is different, and boating can only occur if the surge is sufficient to launch. Mokoros require much less water.

Who Benefits The Most From Our Nature Guide Training?

• Individuals yearning for self-discovery and a unique back-to-basic experience in bush skills aiming to recharge and renew their connection with nature.
• Seasoned safari enthusiasts seeking a more profound, holistic African wilderness experience beyond conventional safaris.
• School or university graduates looking for a life-changing, gap-year experience in the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
• Adventure seekers desirous of an extraordinary journey, transcending typical backpacking adventures.
• Aspiring guides eager to embark on a career in the dynamic and exciting world of safari guiding.
• Experienced guides wishing to enhance their knowledge and skills, furthering their professional safari guiding career.

Please Note: This program is a rigorous guide school, not merely a safari. Participants are expected to commit to a minimum number of exams and game drives, emphasising professional development in safari guide training

start dates

camps

Our guide training course is set in the stunning Okavango Delta, offering an immersive experience in one of Africa’s most beautiful and diverse ecosystems.

The delta’s unique environment provides the perfect outdoor classroom for aspiring guides. This area has diverse habitats, including savannah, woodland, mopane woodland/scrub, grassland, floodplain, and riverine forest.

Water Levels and Wildlife

Note that Kwapa Camp is not situated in the permanent swamps, enhancing its wildlife appeal. However, water levels can be low from November to June, and the Kwapa River may dry completely.

The area is home to a wide variety of Africa’s iconic wildlife, with our courses focusing on learning about the ecological interactions of all wildlife species.

Camp Facilities

Kwapa Camp comprises nine meru-style tents measuring 3 x 4 metres, each with a short passage to an en-suite bathroom featuring a bucket shower and short drop toilet.

Furnished with two camp beds, sheets, pillows, duvet, and towels, each tent offers a comfortable stay. Tents are equipped with battery-operated LED lights and a wash basin. Relaxing chairs are provided on the covered verandah.

Accommodation Options

Accommodation is primarily shared, but a single supplement is available for those seeking private accommodation.

transfers

How Do You Get to the Camp?

The transfer is included in the course price and takes place on the first day. At 14h00, the African Guide Academy trainer meets all students at the PPCC Indian restaurant across the road from Maun Airport. The transfer to camp takes approximately 2-2.5 hours.

qualifications

What are the Qualifications?

This course requires no prior experience. It is essential to be clear about your course goal when booking.

Enrichment only:

This is not a cheap safari! Many students attend this course for personal enrichment and have a fantastic time. However, remember that our goal and focus is on learning and developing skills.

You will be training alongside people who wish to become top guides in the industry. To maintain the integrity of this structured course, all students must write the daily revision tests and a final theory exam.

All students will also receive an African Guide Academy certificate for participation upon course completion.

Qualifications: 

Students can choose to do one of the below or both.

FGASA Field Guide (Level 1)

This is the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa, the national guiding qualification used in South Africa. It is also the most widely recognised qualification in Africa. 

The onus is for the student to contact FGASA directly and arrange registration. To qualify for the FGASA certificate, you must also do the full 28 days of training, which does not have to be done in one session and can be done over time. 

You will write your FGASA Level 1 theory exam at Kwapa Camp in the last few days of the course. Your practical assessment will be done over the 4 weeks. As you progress, you will be marked competent in the required areas, with your final examination conducted in the course’s last days.

Please note: To qualify for FGASA level 1, you must download our training manual, complete the pre-course workbooks and prepare the required lecture material before attending the course. You may not enrol for the FGASA Trails Guide Course until you have completed this Field Guide course.

BQA Level 2&3

This is the Botswana Qualification Authority (BQA) assessment, the national guiding qualification for Botswana. Students write their theory exam at Kwapa Camp in the last few days of the course. 

Practical assessment is continuous throughout the course. BQA does not require 28 days of training; however, doing the full qualification in less time is strenuous. 

Please note: While you may achieve the BQA qualification, for an expatriate to be issued with a guiding licence in Botswana, one needs a valid work and residence permit to show a minimum of 5 years guiding experience outside of Botswana and BQA Level 3 Nature Guide qualification (local and enrichment students qualify with Level 2). 

price

Prices 2024/2025

2 Weeks Course: USD 4,358 per person
4 Weeks Course: USD 8,716 per person

Notes:

• African residents may enquire for Africa rates
• A 15% single supplement applies.
• There is no minimum group size.
• Maximum group size is 8 (exclusive of the one sponsored local student)

*Please note that the official price for this course is in USD as above. Any other currency price for this tour is merely indicative. The USD price will be converted to your preferred currency using the exchange rate on the date of invoice.

Price includes:

• Shared tented accommodation Single supplement 15%
• All meals at Kwapa Training Camp
• Well-point water, cordial, tea and coffee
• All training and activities
• Scheduled transfer from Maun to Kwapa Camp return (1 transfer in and out per student)

Price excludes:

• Unscheduled transfers to/from Kwapa Camp
• Travel insurance and all flights
• Items of personal nature, including toiletries
• Staff gratuities
• Drinks other than those mentioned – these can be purchased in Maun before leaving for Kwapa camp
• FGASA/ BQA registration and exam fees