Our Courses
Next Intake Dates
3 April – 12 June 2027
Maximum 10 students per intake.
Our Signature Course
What's included:
- Uniform and gear: binoculars, backpack, and study material included.
- All meals, accommodation, and laundry.
- Excursions, guest speakers, and emergency evacuation cover.
- 7-day practical experience at Maloba Game Reserve, including practical assessments and reserve activities.
Secure your spot — the next available intake is 3 April – 12 June 2027.
International Students
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.
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Firefighting: Practical fire-safety training, including fire prevention, basic firefighting techniques, and responding safely to veld fires.
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Snake Handling: Safe snake identification, handling techniques, and responsible responses to snake encounters in the field.
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Rifle Handling: PFTC-accredited firearm competency training covering safe, responsible rifle handling and essential firearm safety.
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)
- Approved Firearm / Rifle Handling Training
- Accredited Basic Firefighting
- Snake Awareness Training
- 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.
7-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.
