WELCOME TO
THE TRAILS GUIDE COURSE
There’s no better way to experience the African bush than on foot. This four-week Trails Guide course immerses you in the wilderness of the Okavango Delta, where you’ll develop tracking skills, bush navigation, and an in-depth understanding of animal behavior.
The course is modular, allowing you to join for two or four weeks, either in one session or split into phases. Alongside experienced instructors, you’ll embark on daily bush walks, learning to track wildlife, approach big game safely, and interpret animal behavior. Training also includes mokoro and motorboat excursions, stargazing, and overnight wilderness stays.
A key component is rifle handling, where you’ll practice speed shooting and advanced firearm safety—a core skill for professional Trails Guides. Those not seeking full certification can opt for basic shooting or skip this component entirely.
Walking the Delta gives you a rare connection to nature, allowing you to see, hear, and experience the wild in a way that’s impossible from a vehicle. Whether you’re pursuing a guiding career or looking for a transformative adventure, this course offers an unparalleled opportunity to train in one of Africa’s most extraordinary ecosystems.
Up to 8 participants
2 or 4 week program (optional FGASA exam), 1 to 2 start dates/month (Fridays).
Minimum age: 18.
Arrive/depart at Maun International Airport (MUB) on Fridays.
2-hour road transfer between Maun airport and Okavango Delta camp (return) included in price.
Full-board meals, drinking water, coffee, tea are included.
No Wi-Fi available; cell reception limited.
Why Choose the Okavango Delta Trails Guide Course?
Expert-Led Adventures
With a seasoned guide at the helm and a diverse international team alongside, embark on thrilling hikes deep into the African bush. Each day unravels a new chapter of the Delta's captivating narrative.
Holistic Training Approach
Beyond the thrilling bushwalks, dive into a comprehensive curriculum that covers zoology, ecology, meteorology, and more. Combined with hands-on training in navigation, survival, stargazing, and tracking, you'll emerge with a well-rounded expertise in guiding and wilderness understanding.
Dynamic Field Experiences
From Mokoro and motorboat rides that offer unique water perspectives to sleep-outs under the African sky, every activity is designed to enhance your connection with the natural world and build your guiding competencies.
Interactive Learning and Reflection
After thrilling excursions, return to camp for in-depth debriefs, classroom sessions, and collaborative discussions. These moments of reflection and shared insights are integral to your learning journey.
Flexible Course Durations with Added Specialties
Catering to various learning desires, the Trails Guide Course offers both two-week and four-week programs. For those keen on mastering rifle handling, the Advanced Rifle Handling Course (ARH) is a worthy addition to your itinerary.
Wake up each morning to the start of your exhilarating adventure in the heart of the African wilderness. A member of your team will gently awaken you, unless it's your turn to be the early bird. After dressing, enjoy a delicious breakfast before heading out on your first bushwalk. Throughout the course, you will take turns being the lead guide and back-up guide, each responsible for the safety of the group during the walk. As you journey through the bush, you'll uncover the secrets of the African wilderness and engage in enlightening discussions on various topics relevant to your course exams. Return to camp for a midday break, where you'll meet with your instructor to review your morning walk. Enjoy a hearty lunch before heading to a classroom session that will provide you with theoretical knowledge and teach you the proper handling of a rifle.
To develop essential navigation, survival, and guiding skills, you'll venture into the bush with your guide during the morning and late afternoon. You'll learn how to approach wild animals safely, operate a motorboat and a mokoro, track animals, and sharpen your senses during wilderness sleep-outs. It's important to note that daily shooting training is critical to ensuring the safety of your safari guests throughout their journey. Upon completion of the course, you'll receive a certificate of attendance if you're taking the course for personal enrichment. If you're interested in improving your skills on a professional level, you can work towards two official qualifications as part of a final exam at the end.
During your Trails Guide training, you'll learn essential rifle-handling skills through intense hands-on practice. To master this skill, you'll visit a shooting range outside the Kwapa concession twice a week for live ammunition shooting exercises. The day starts at sunrise, with a drive to the shooting range after breakfast. Here, you'll receive personalized training on how to handle a rifle, and efficiency is tested through shooting exercises. Passing these exercises is mandatory to carry a rifle during game walks. While waiting for your turn, you can use the time to relax or study for your theoretical exam. After shooting practice, you'll prepare lunch and head back to Camp Kwapa. Early afternoon classroom sessions provide theoretical knowledge, followed by an afternoon bush excursion. In the evening, you'll return to camp for dinner and free time to relax or study.
The Trails Guide course is a comprehensive training program that equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become proficient walking guides in the African bush. While completing the course, trainees have the option to take the official FGASA exam to obtain an official course certificate. The theoretical exam covers all the topics discussed during the course, such as bush safety, navigation, animal behavior, taxonomy, and guest interaction. Trainees' competencies are regularly assessed throughout the course, ensuring they meet all requirements using a checklist. Additionally, trainees undergo a practical shooting assessment, where exercises evaluate their accuracy and speed. Once they've fulfilled the competencies of a Back-Up Trails Guide and passed the theoretical exam, they'll receive the official course certificate, demonstrating their knowledge and competence as a Trails Guide.
dive into the details
Why we love it
heart of the Okavango Delta
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of the Okavango Delta, where you'll receive hands-on guidance and training from seasoned professionals, learning to navigate and survive in one of Africa's most breathtaking wilderness areas.
practical training in rifle handling
Gain invaluable skills in wildlife tracking, navigation, and survival, alongside practical training in rifle handling and stargazing, preparing you to guide safari tourists safely through the African bush with confidence and expertise.
daily hikes, mokoro rides, and motorboat adventures
Experience the thrill of close encounters with the Delta's diverse flora and fauna through daily hikes, mokoro rides, and motorboat adventures, all while contributing to the conservation of this unique ecosystem.
intensive learning experience
Immerse yourself in an intensive learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with practical outdoor skills, offering a comprehensive understanding of ecology, zoology, and meteorology, and culminating in a fulfilling career as a certified Trails Guide.
Make an enquiry for
Trails Guide Course
Once we receive your enquiry, we will swiftly check for availability and aim to get back to you within 2 business days. Please note that sending this enquiry does not create any obligations for you.
