Trails Guide, Southern Africa

Experience the Okavango Delta's breathtaking wilderness on foot, engaging all your senses in this unique adventure. Guided by experienced rangers and equipped with essential gear, you'll embark on daily hikes to explore the African bush like never before. The course includes navigation and survival training, Mokoro and motorboat rides, tracking, stargazing, and bush sleep-outs.

You'll attend lectures on zoology, ecology, and meteorology and receive rifle handling training to safely guide safari tourists. The modular course offers flexibility, allowing you to join for two or four weeks, either consecutively or in parts. Immerse yourself in Africa’s wild flora and fauna for an unforgettable educational experience in the awe-inspiring Okavango Delta.

Activities of your Trails Guide Course

Training as a Trails Guide will equip you with skills and knowledge for navigating the African bush. You'll focus on game walks, survival training, tracking, and rifle handling. The course includes theoretical lessons on geology, ecology, astronomy, and climate, complemented by hands-on practical training. Morning and late afternoon bush excursions with your guide will hone your navigation, survival, and guiding skills.

Learn animal tracking, motorboat and Mokoro handling, and wilderness sleep-out essentials. Daily shooting practice ensures you’re prepared to lead safaris safely. Personal enrichment students receive a certificate of attendance, while professional-level students can earn three official qualifications: BQA Back Up Trails Guide, FGASA Trails Guide NQF2, and AGA Back-Up Trails Guide.

Arrival and orientation

Upon arrival at Maun airport, you will be transferred to the training camp in Southern Okavango Delta. Settle in, explore camp facilities, and meet fellow participants before your training starts.

Accommodation and board

Your home at Kwapa training camp, near the Qwapa River, is a 3x3 meter high-wall wilderness tent with a bed, night table, and LED light. Single accommodation is standard, with twin available on request. Each tent has an ensuite bathroom with a bucket shower and bush toilet. Enjoy daily meals, tea, and coffee.

Leisure time

Evenings are free for personal activities. Play games, read, converse with fellow students, or simply enjoy the serene natural surroundings.

The region: Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique and pristine wilderness in Botswana. This vast inland delta spans over 15,000 square kilometers, offering a mosaic of lush wetlands, meandering channels, and rich savannas. Known as the “Jewel of the Kalahari,” the delta supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and over 400 bird species.

Its seasonal floods create a dynamic ecosystem, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for nature enthusiasts. Exploring the Okavango Delta by foot allows you to intimately experience its unparalleled beauty and vibrant biodiversity. Find out more about the Trails Guide in the Okavango Delta here.