Our Courses
Next Intake Dates
1 June 2026 & 13 August 2026
Early Bird Special
RSA Students R81 000
International Students R115 500
Next Intake Dates
1 June 2026 & 13 August 2026
Our Signature Course
What’s included:
- Uniform and gear: binoculars, backpack, and study material – valued at R15,000.
- All meals, accommodation, and laundry.
- Excursions, guest speakers, and emergency evacuation cover.
- Spend 2 weeks at Maloba Game Reserve – a private reserve with Big 5 activity and thrilling sightings.
Secure your spot — the next available intakes are 1 June and 13 August 2026.
RSA Students
- Uniform and gear: binoculars, backpack, and study material – valued at R15,000.
- All meals, accommodation, and laundry.
- Excursions, guest speakers, and emergency evacuation cover.
- 2 weeks at Maloba Game Reserve – a private reserve with Big 5 activity and thrilling sightings.
- We unfortunately do not offer bursaries or financial aid at this time.
International Students
NQF2 Nature Site Guide Course
Become A Field Guide Today
This accredited by CATHSSETA and endorsed by FGASA NQF2 Field Guide Course gives you the base qualification required to start working professionally in the guiding industry. But at Kukama, it’s more than a qualification. It’s a chance to find your purpose, build confidence, and discover the guide you were meant to become.
What’s included:
- Uniform and gear: binoculars, backpack, and study material — valued at R6,000.
- All meals, accommodation, and laundry.
- Excursions, guest speakers, and emergency evacuation cover.
- Spend 2 weeks at Maloba Game Reserve — a private reserve with Big 5 activity and thrilling sightings
Secure your spot — the next available intakes are for 1 June and 13 August 2026.
Black November
Only Valid 17 Nov – 8 Dec | Was R88 500- Live your dream in the Kalahari bushveld for 9 weeks! Becoming a Field Guide!
- Spend 2 weeks at Maloba Game Reserve — a private reserve with Big 5 activity and thrilling sightings.
- Uniform and gear: binoculars, backpack, and study material — valued at R6,000.
- All meals, accommodation, and laundry.
- Excursions, guest speakers, and emergency evacuation cover.
- We unfortunately do not offer bursaries or financial aid at this time.
Why Students Choose Kukama?
Because we see you. We take the time to teach, mentor, guide, support, and celebrate every student personally. You’re not just a number — you become part of our family, and your success becomes our mission.
And here, you’re not only training to be a field guide — you’re actively contributing to the rewilding mission on our private reserve in the Northern Cape. Students become part of real conservation work, helping restore land, protect wildlife, and support the long-term rehabilitation of our ecosystem.
At Kukama, you don’t just learn about conservation.
You live it. You shape it. You make a difference.
What You’ll Learn
- Our NQF2 Field Guide Course covers everything you need to step into the industry with confidence — and everything you need to grow as a guide and a person.
- FGASA Syllabus: Ecology, animal behaviour, botany, taxonomy, herpetology, birding, astronomy, geology.
- Guiding Skills: Tracking and situational awareness, safe animal viewing, ethical guiding practices, guest management, storytelling, and professional guiding conduct.
- Kukama’s Personal Growth Syllabus: Interpersonal skills, leadership and teamwork, building confidence, connecting with guests, how to have fun while guiding, and appreciating the wild with humility and respect.
- First Aid: Essential wilderness first aid skills required for guiding safely and responsibly.
Life at Kukama
Life at Kukama is simple, wild, and honest. You wake up to the Kalahari sunrise, learn under open skies, and end your evenings around the fire with people who quickly become family.
Our off-grid, eco-friendly campus gives you the freedom to disconnect from noise and reconnect with yourself. Days are filled with bush walks, game drives, laughter, shared meals, and those unforgettable quiet moments when you realise you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
Bonus Modules
(Exclusive to Kukama)
- 4x4 Driving;
- Night Fieldwork;
- Outdoor Survival Skills;
- Hospitality & Soft Skills;
- Safety & Emergency Medical Services;
- Maintenance Workshops.
Wildlife School Camps for Teens
Team-building, tracking, conservation activities, and leadership training for high school students.
International Education Programmes
Tailor-made field experiences for overseas students — combining conservation, travel, and cultural learning.
Eco Tours & Outdoor Activities
Nature is for everyone. Join us for half-day or full-day walks, guided hikes, photo safaris, canoeing, and custom outdoor adventures.
10-Day Field Research & Monitoring Course
Who Is it For?
- People working in the field of conservation and assisting with field research and conducting monitoring in the terrestrial and marine environments;
- People interested in different research methods and learning how to apply these in the field for their own research or to assist researchers;
- People working in the guiding/tourism industry who are interested in research methods and assisting visiting researchers in the field;
- Anyone who is planning to or is currently completing an ecology, conservation or environmental sciences qualification;
- Anyone who is interested in being a volunteer for organisations offering volunteer programmes that include research and monitoring.
Ready to begin your journey? Sign Up Now!
Keen to know more? Fill in the form and we’ll be in touch with everything you need.
Please Note: No Bursaries Offered
At Kukama Wildlife College, we understand that pursuing your passion for wildlife and conservation is a deeply personal and meaningful journey. While we would love to support every aspiring guide and nature enthusiast, we unfortunately do not offer bursaries or financial aid at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the NQF2 Nature Site Guide Course?
The flagship course spans 9 weeks with immersive field‑based training and night‑time bush experiences.
Do you offer Bursaries?
At Kukama Wildlife College, we understand that pursuing your passion for wildlife and conservation is a deeply personal and meaningful journey. While we would love to support every aspiring guide and nature enthusiast, we unfortunately do not offer bursaries or financial aid at this time.
We recognise that this may be disappointing to some, and we encourage you to carefully consider your options before applying. Our team is always available to answer your questions and provide guidance as you plan for your training and future career in the field.
What courses do you offer and who are they for?
We run the signature NQF2 Nature Site Guide Course, FGASA‑endorsed and CATHSSETA‑accredited – ideal for aspiring field guides, teen conservationists (via wildlife school camps), and eco‑tour participants.
Where is the college located and what are the facilities?
Situated ~30 km from Griekwastad in a malaria‑free private reserve, Kukama has off‑grid accommodation with 16 ensuite bedrooms, lecture rooms, dining area, library, Wi‑Fi, and a communal boma.
Is the programme accredited?
Yes — the NQF2 Nature Site Guide Course is FGASA-endorsed and CATHSSETA-accredited, providing an official qualification as a nature site guide.
And what’s included in the course package?
The package covers all FGASA fees, three meals daily, weekly laundry, guest speakers, full activity and fieldwork, and includes first aid and medical aid support. You’ll only need to arrange your own toiletries, spending money, or extra reference materials. Complete uniform kit: binoculars, backpack, field guide books, walking shoes — valued at R15,000.
