WELCOME TO
THE TRAILS GUIDE COURSE
There’s no better way to connect with the African wilderness than on foot. This immersive Trails Guide Course takes place deep in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most biodiverse ecosystems.
Over two or four weeks, you’ll learn to track wildlife, navigate the bush, interpret animal behavior, and handle a rifle with confidence. Training includes daily walks, mokoro and boat excursions, and wilderness sleep-outs under the stars.
Led by experienced instructors, this is more than just a course – it’s a deep dive into nature that sharpens your senses and transforms how you experience the wild.
Why Book This Trails Guide Course Through Lost Adventures
With over 15 years of experience in African travel and conservation - including as co-founder of the Modisa Wildlife Project in Botswana - Lost Adventures offers expert guidance, trusted support, and extended liability cover. There are no added fees, and if anything doesn’t go as planned, we’ve got your back.
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.
HIGHLIGHTS AT THE Trails Guide Course IN THE OKAVANGO DELTA
Expert-Led Adventures
Led by seasoned instructors and supported by an international team, set off on immersive bushwalks each day. These hikes take you deep into the wild heart of the Okavango Delta, revealing the rhythm and raw beauty of the bush.
Holistic Training Approach
More than just walking, the Trails Guide Course dives into a curriculum covering ecology, meteorology, zoology, and survival. You'll also learn tracking, navigation, rifle handling, and how to read the land like a true guide.
Dynamic Field Experiences
Each day blends mokoro and motorboat excursions with wilderness sleep-outs. This variety of fieldwork offers a full spectrum of experiences in the Okavango Delta, all designed to sharpen your guiding skills.
Interactive Learning and Reflection
Balance high-energy adventures with focused learning. Camp-based classroom time, debriefs, and group discussions help cement your knowledge and support your progress throughout the Trails Guide Course.
Flexible Course Durations with Added Specialties
Join for two or four weeks depending on your goals. For those pursuing certification, the Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) module can be added to your Trails Guide Course for a deeper qualification pathway.
Professional Growth and Enrichment
Whether you're aiming to become a guide or simply seeking personal transformation, the Trails Guide Course in the Okavango Delta delivers practical skills, confidence, and a perspective shift that lasts long after the course ends.
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.
Activity Overview
dive into the details
Why We Love the FGASA Trails Guide Course
It’s immersive, inspiring, and the perfect way to connect with the wild in the Okavango Delta.
It’s deep in the Okavango Delta
This guide course takes place in one of the most iconic and pristine ecosystems in Africa. The ever-shifting landscapes of the Okavango Delta provide a truly immersive setting to learn, explore, and grow.
The training is practical and hands-on
From rifle handling to wildlife tracking, every day in the Trails Guide Course builds essential guiding skills. You'll be out in the field practicing what you learn, not just sitting in a classroom.
It suits both professionals and passionate travellers
Whether you're working towards certification or joining for enrichment, the course gives you new skills and a new perspective that will forever change the way you experience safaris.
The sense of community is unforgettable
Train alongside a diverse international group and learn from expert instructors. Shared challenges, daily bush walks, and wilderness sleep-outs create bonds that last a lifetime.
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.
