The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) continues to play a critical role in elevating South Africa’s tourism offering by ensuring that professional field guides meet the highest standards of training and ethical conduct. As FGASA transitions towards formal recognition as a SAQA-accredited professional body, this shift will further professionalise the nature guiding sector, enhancing both career opportunities for guides and the country’s global tourism reputation.
This transition aligns with the South African government’s Tourism Sector Masterplan and Professionalisation Strategy, which seeks to develop and formalise guiding qualifications to produce top-tier field guides. By strengthening industry standards, FGASA is reinforcing South Africa’s position as a leader in safari tourism, where expert guiding is not only an integral part of visitor satisfaction but also a driver of return tourism.
The significance of quality guiding in South Africa’s tourism industry cannot be overstated. The latest international arrivals data from Statistics South Africa confirms that total arrivals reached 8.92 million in 2024, marking an impressive 5.1% increase compared to 2023.
Guides are the face of South Africa’s nature-based tourism, acting as a bridge between visitors and the wilderness. Their ability to interpret wildlife behaviour, share ecological knowledge, and provide ethical wildlife encounters plays a significant role in shaping guest experiences.
“A well-trained guide can transform a safari into a life-changing journey,” says Michelle du Plessis, FGASA’s Managing Director. “Conversely, a lack of professionalism can diminish the experience, impacting visitor perceptions and discouraging return travel. This is why we are committed to ensuring that guides receive the recognition, support, and professional development they need to excel.”
As a SAQA-recognised professional body, FGASA will set industry-wide guiding standards, award professional designations, and provide a clear career progression framework. This professionalisation will ensure that guides are recognised as highly skilled specialists within the tourism sector, capable of delivering world-class experiences that keep South Africa competitive on the global tourism stage.
FGASA has developed over 40,000 field guides since its establishment in 1991, playing a central role in shaping the industry. As part of its transition, FGASA will no longer provide entry-level accredited programmes from June 2026, with new guides obtaining their qualifications through the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and Council on Higher Education (CHE).
FGASA will continue to work closely with CATHSSETA and industry stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition and maintain high training standards. Those already enrolled in current training programmes will have a three-year ‘teach-out’ period to complete their certification.
“This shift positions nature guiding alongside other recognised professions,” says du Plessis. “It strengthens the guiding sector, fosters career growth, and ultimately enhances the overall safari experience for visitors.”
Professional guides play a key role in responsible tourism and conservation education. By promoting ethical guiding practices, they help minimise human impact on wildlife, educate visitors on conservation challenges, and inspire long-term support for protected areas.
Additionally, the professionalisation of guiding will drive transformation and inclusivity, creating more career opportunities for local communities and ensuring a more diverse, skilled workforce within the industry.
“These changes will ensure that South Africa continues to produce some of the best guides in the world,” concludes du Plessis. “By formalising standards and supporting guides in their professional growth, we are not only strengthening the guiding sector but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s tourism industry.”
For media inquiries or to interview FGASA representatives and featured guides, please contact
Panayiota Livanios by email at panayiota@phoenixcollective.world or by telephone at +27(0)82 857 7701.
