how to become a tour guide in south africa

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How to Become a Tour Guide in South Africa (2024)

by David Smith
February 13, 2024 February 13, 2024

If you’re passionate about sharing the beauty, culture, and history of South Africa with travelers from around the world, a career as a Tour Guide may be your calling. In this article, we will explore the path to becoming a Tour Guide, including the requirements, training institutions, job opportunities, job description, earning potential, and the crucial role Tour Guides play in showcasing the splendor of South Africa. So, let’s embark on this journey to discover how you can become a Tour Guide in South Africa.

Requirements to Become a Tour Guide in South Africa

Becoming a Tour Guide involves a blend of knowledge, skills, and personal qualities. Let’s delve into the detailed requirements for aspiring Tour Guides in South Africa:

1. Passion for South Africa

Love for the Country: To be an effective Tour Guide, you must have a deep passion for South Africa. This includes a genuine interest in its history, culture, geography, and natural beauty.

2. Knowledge

Educational Background: While a formal degree is not always required, having a background in fields like Tourism, Geography, History, or Anthropology can be advantageous. These disciplines provide a strong foundation of knowledge that enhances your abilities as a Tour Guide.
Local Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of the specific region or area you’ll be guiding in is crucial. You should be well-versed in local history, landmarks, wildlife, and customs.

3. Language Skills

Communication Skills: Effective communication is a cornerstone of being a Tour Guide. Proficiency in multiple languages, including English, is a significant asset as it allows you to cater to a broader range of tourists.

4. Licensing and Certification

Tour Guide License: In South Africa, it’s mandatory to obtain a Tour Guide license from the Department of Tourism. This involves passing a written examination and, in some cases, a practical assessment. The license demonstrates your competence and ensures you comply with legal requirements.

5. People Skills

Interpersonal Skills: Tour Guides must be friendly, approachable, and able to connect with people from diverse backgrounds. Being a good listener and adapting to the needs of your guests is vital.

6. Safety and First Aid

Safety Training: Having a basic understanding of first aid and safety procedures is essential. Tour Guides should be prepared to handle emergencies and ensure the well-being of their guests.

7. Problem-Solving Skills

Adaptability: Tours don’t always go as planned. Being able to think on your feet, adapt to changing situations, and solve problems efficiently is a valuable skill for Tour Guides.

8. Professionalism

Professional Conduct: Tour Guides represent the country and the tourism industry. Maintaining professionalism, including punctuality and adherence to ethical standards, is imperative.

Best Institutions to Train as a Tour Guide in South Africa

While formal education is not always mandatory to become a Tour Guide, enrolling in training programs can significantly enhance your knowledge and skills. Here are some institutions in South Africa known for their tourism and guiding programs:

1. Cape Town Tourism Guide Training

Cape Town Tourism offers a comprehensive guide training program that covers various aspects of tour guiding. The training includes classroom instruction and practical experience.

2. University of Cape Town – Centre for Extra-Mural Studies

UCT offers a short course in Cultural and Heritage Tourism Management. This course provides insights into the cultural and heritage aspects of tour guiding.

3. South African Tourism Institute (SATI)

SATI offers accredited training programs for aspiring Tour Guides. These programs cover topics such as guiding techniques, cultural sensitivity, and safety protocols.

4. National Department of Tourism

The National Department of Tourism offers the Tourist Guiding NQF Level 4 qualification. This program is essential for obtaining a Tour Guide license.

It’s essential to research and choose the training program that aligns with your career goals and provides the necessary certification to become a licensed Tour Guide in South Africa.

Job Opportunities for a Tour Guide in South Africa

Tour Guides in South Africa have various job opportunities in a thriving tourism industry. Here are some key prospects for Tour Guides:

1. Tour Companies

Many tour companies hire Tour Guides to lead group tours, ranging from cultural and historical tours to wildlife safaris. These companies operate both domestically and internationally.

2. National Parks and Reserves

South Africa boasts an array of national parks and game reserves. Tour Guides are needed to lead safari tours, educate visitors about wildlife, and ensure their safety.

3. Cultural and Heritage Sites

Cultural and heritage sites, such as museums, historical landmarks, and cultural villages, hire Tour Guides to provide insights into South Africa’s rich history and traditions.

4. Adventure Tourism

For the adventurous Tour Guides, opportunities exist in adventure tourism, which includes activities like hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. You’d be responsible for guiding and ensuring the safety of participants.

5. Self-Employment

Some Tour Guides opt for self-employment and offer private tours or customized experiences to tourists. This allows for more flexibility and creativity in guiding.

6. Educational Institutions

Universities and colleges may employ Tour Guides for educational tours, field trips, or to teach tourism-related courses.

7. Cruise Ships

If you enjoy traveling, consider becoming a Tour Guide on cruise ships. You’d accompany passengers on land excursions at various ports of call.

Tour Guide Job Description in South Africa

To gain a deeper understanding of what a Tour Guide does, let’s explore a detailed job description:

Tour Guides:

Tour Planning: Design and plan tours, taking into account the interests and preferences of the tourists. This includes selecting destinations, creating itineraries, and arranging transportation.
Information Sharing: Provide historical, cultural, and geographical information about the tour’s destinations. Share insights and stories to make the tour engaging and educational.
Guest Engagement: Interact with tourists, answer questions, and ensure they have a memorable and enjoyable experience. Create a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Safety: Prioritize the safety and well-being of tourists. Be prepared to handle emergencies and provide first aid if necessary.
Logistics: Manage logistics such as transportation, tickets, and entry fees. Ensure that the tour runs smoothly and that all arrangements are in order.
Adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable to changes in the tour schedule or unexpected circumstances. Problem-solving skills are crucial in addressing challenges.
Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful and sensitive to the cultures and customs of both tourists and the local communities you visit.
Environmental Responsibility: Promote responsible tourism practices, such as minimizing environmental impact and preserving natural habitats.

Tour Guides play a vital role in enhancing tourists’ experiences, fostering cultural understanding, and promoting South Africa as a tourist destination.

How Much Does a Tour Guide Earn in South Africa?

The earning potential of a Tour Guide in South Africa can vary widely depending on factors such as experience, location, specialization, and the type of tours conducted. Here’s a general overview of the income you can expect:

Entry-Level: Entry-level Tour Guides may earn an average of R60,000 to R100,000 per year. Starting salaries can be modest, but they often increase with experience.
Mid-Career: Experienced Tour Guides can earn between R100,000 and R300,000 annually. Those with specialized knowledge or language proficiency may command higher salaries.
Specialized Guides: Tour Guides who specialize in areas such as wildlife or adventure tours can earn even higher incomes, especially if they work for prestigious companies or offer private tours.
Location Impact: Earnings can vary based on the location of work, with tourist hotspots and major cities typically offering higher pay due to increased demand.
Seasonal Variation: Income may fluctuate seasonally, with peak tourist seasons generally resulting in higher earnings.

It’s important to note that many Tour Guides rely on tips and gratuities, which can significantly supplement their income, especially during peak tourist seasons.

The Importance of a Tour Guide in South Africa

Tour Guides play a crucial role in South Africa’s tourism industry and contribute to the country’s economic growth and cultural exchange in several ways:

1. Cultural Exchange

Tour Guides facilitate cultural exchange by sharing the history, traditions, and stories of South Africa with tourists from around the world. They foster understanding and appreciation of the country’s diverse cultures.

2. Economic Contribution

Tourism is a significant driver of South Africa’s economy. Tour Guides help generate revenue by attracting tourists, leading tours, and promoting local businesses.

3. Education

Tour Guides provide educational experiences by imparting knowledge about wildlife, history, and geography. They enhance tourists’ understanding of the places they visit.

4. Environmental Awareness

Many Tour Guides promote eco-tourism and environmental conservation. They educate tourists about the importance of preserving South Africa’s natural beauty and wildlife.

5. Job Creation

The tourism industry in South Africa creates numerous job opportunities, including employment for Tour Guides. This contributes to reducing unemployment rates in the country.

6. Promotion of Local Businesses

Tour Guides often recommend local restaurants, shops, and artisans to tourists, supporting small businesses and boosting the local economy.

Tour Guides serve as ambassadors for South Africa, promoting its beauty, culture, and heritage to the world.

5 FAQs about Becoming a Tour Guide in South Africa

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about pursuing a career as a Tour Guide in South Africa:

Q1: How do I obtain a Tour Guide license in South Africa?

To obtain a Tour Guide license in South Africa, you must meet the requirements set by the Department of Tourism, including passing a written examination and, in some cases, a practical assessment. Details on the application process can be obtained from the Department of Tourism.

Q2: Can I specialize in a particular type of tour, such as wildlife or adventure tours?

Yes, many Tour Guides specialize in specific types of tours based on their interests and expertise. Specialization can lead to higher earning potential, as specialized tours often command higher fees.

Q3: Do I need to have my transportation for guiding tours?

Not necessarily. Many Tour Guides work for tour companies or agencies that provide transportation for group tours. However, having your vehicle can be an advantage if you plan to offer private tours or operate independently.

Q4: Are there opportunities for Tour Guides to work internationally?

Yes, experienced Tour Guides may have the opportunity to work as guides in other countries or for international tour companies. Language proficiency and knowledge of specific regions or cultures can be beneficial for international opportunities.

Q5: How can I enhance my language skills as a Tour Guide?

To enhance your language skills, consider taking language courses or classes. Practicing with native speakers and immersing yourself in the language and culture can also be valuable.

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Becoming a Tour Guide in South Africa is a rewarding and exciting career path that allows you to share the beauty and diversity of this remarkable country with travelers from around the world. Whether you’re guiding visitors through the cultural treasures of a city, the wilderness of a game reserve, or the historical sites of South Africa, your role as a Tour Guide is integral to the tourism industry. By meeting the requirements, gaining local knowledge, and continuously improving your skills, you can embark on a fulfilling career that not only showcases South Africa’s splendor but also contributes to its economic growth and cultural exchange.

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Guides For Guides

Membership in the Institute of Professional Tourist Guides of Southern Africa (IPTGSA) is a professional designation to strive for with hard work and dedication. Professional status is not just handed to a certain few , but earned by any tourist guide that has made guiding his/her profession

Definition of Professional: " Person formally certified by a registered professional body of belonging to a specific profession by having completed a required course of studies and/or practice . And whose competence can usually be measured against an established set of standards."

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Guides and interpreters

Knowledgeable  South African guides and interpreters   represent a vital link between visitors and their experience of South Africa and its  many tourist attractions.

Because of this,   guides in South Africa  are required to undergo a process of qualification and registration.

Training is undertaken by a number of institutions accredited by Tourism, Hospitality & Sport Education and Training Authority (THETA), while registration is through the provincial tourism department concerned.  Tour guide registration  must be renewed every 2 years. Registered guides are issued with identity cards and badges which must be worn at all times when conducting tours.  They must also adhere to a c ode of c onduct and e thics, and must have a certificate in first aid.

South African guides   specialise in various categories including nature (wildlife, wild flower and wetland guiding); culture (heritage sites, rock art and archaeology); and adventure (abseiling, paragliding and river rafting).  Other specialities include sport guiding and professional hunting. Within these categories guides can qualify at 3 levels - site (for a specific site/attraction only); provincial (for a specific provi n ce only) ;   or national.

Many local guides are also fluent in foreign languages, allowing them to effectively double as  i nterpreters in South Africa.  There are a number of tour guide support websites available that allow you to locate registered guides fluent in specific languages, making your South African experience that much better!

W W ho to contact

Contact the local tourism information office in your area for a list of registered tour guides. These guides can be identified by their accreditation badge. Alternatively, at specific sites or attractions, contact the visitors’ information office for a guide accredited to take you around that specific site.

Useful links

Gauteng Guides Association
Cape Tourist Guides Association
KwaZulu-Natal Tourist Guides
Durban Tourist Guides Association

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how to become a tour guide in south africa

How to Become a Tourist Guide in South Africa

Tourist guides in South Africa are some of the most important people in the travel trade. They interact on a personal level daily with tourists, and a good tourist guide can make a holiday visit really memorable. In this article, we investigate how to become a tourist guide in South Africa, what it takes to become a good tourist guide, resources for knowledge growth, and how and where to find work.

Table of Contents

Note: Some of the information provided in this article may be affected by updates to the Tourism Amendment Bill 2019 .

Who is a Tourist Guide?

Any person who, for monetary or other rewards, accompanies people who are travelling through or visiting any place within a country, and who furnishes those people with information or comments concerning a place or objects visited is defined as Tourist Guide. Many tourist guides may also wish to run their own tour operations in which they are both tour guide and tour operator.

Categories of Tourist Guides

There are three categories of tourist guides:

Site Guides – these tourist guides have attained the minimum qualification in order to guide in a “limited geographical area” i.e. Hiking in the Drakensberg, visiting the Natal Battlefields, taking a day tour of Cape Town, visiting Soweto;
Provincial Guides – are qualified to take tourists around an entire province i.e. Limpopo or Gauteng;
National Guides – are permitted to conduct tours around South Africa, crossing all provincial boundaries. These guides would accompany people taking a comprehensive tour of South Africa, say, by coach.

Classification of Tourist Guides

Adventure Guides – conduct a guided adventure experience e.g. rock climbing, paddling, abseiling, etc.
Nature Guides – conduct a guided nature experience in areas such as Game Reserves, National Parks, nature conservation areas, trails, and the like.
Cultural Guides – conduct a guided cultural experience in a limited geographical area such as a museum, community, wine farm, town or city.

Qualifications

Qualifications for tourist guides are governed by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

There are only two qualifications registered on the NQF:

National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF2)
National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF4)

Note that a new NQF 4 qualification has recently been registered and this replaces the 20155 qualifications.

Several unit standards, within the different areas of specialisation, have been clustered together to form skills programmes addressing areas of specialization, and aimed at persons wishing only to complete the specialized minimum area of learning required to guide.

These skills programmes are registered by CATHSSETA (The Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority )for certification purposes. The applicable unit standards are registered on the NQF. In order to register as a site guide specialising in culture, nature, or adventure guiding you need different combinations of unit standards. These rules of combination can be accessed on the CATHSSETA website, at www.cathsseta.org.za .

To register as a provincial or national guide you need, as a minimum, qualification at NQF level 4 plus the required unit standard for your area of specialization – You can also view these on the CATHSSETA website as given above. Note that the requirements for guide registration, including what learning programmes or courses are needed for which category of guiding, is the competence of the Provincial Registrars of Tourist Guides.

Tourist Guiding Training and Assessors

All tourist guide trainers and assessors have to be accredited by CATHSSETA to be able to train according to the nationally recognized standards and qualifications network.

Assessors cannot issue certificates as they have to be working for/with an accredited training provider who will then issue certificates from CATHSSETA, upon completion of the assessment. The duration of the course, course content, dates and time of training, and the fee structure are determined by each training provider.

The guiding qualifications are made up of a collection of unit standards or building blocks. Each unit standard represents knowledge that a person must have, specific to his profession. These unit standards were devised in close consultation with tourist guides and other stakeholders. Each guide will be assessed against these standards.

Tourist guides are free to choose any training provider or assessor to work with. Details of accredited tourist guide training providers and assessors are available on the CATHSSETA website at www.cathsseta.org.za or can be obtained by calling their offices on 011 217 0600 or sending an email to [email protected] .

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the type of assessment used for those who have been working as unregistered guides in the past as it takes into account all the qualifications, work experiences, life skills etc. for a particular guide and fits these into the current NQF for guiding. The assessor may point out the areas/unit standards to which extra attention needs to be given. Once the tourist guide has completed this a meeting with the assessor will need to be arranged in order to complete the assessment.

The Registration Process

No tourist guide may work without being registered.

According to the Tourism Second Amendment Act no 70 of 2000, any person who wishes to be registered as a tourist guide must apply to the relevant Provincial Registrar (refer to the list at end of this article) .

In order to be registered as a tourist guide in South Africa, a person must meet the following minimum requirements:

be a South African citizen or be in possession of a valid work permit;
must have undergone training with a CATHSSETA -accredited training provider or any other accredited institution which offers programmes recognized by SAQA ;
be in possession of a valid first aid certificate from an institution recognized by the Department of Labour;
pay a registration fee of R240 (Renewable every 3 years)
submit 4 passport-size photos;
must submit a completed and signed a registration form and the code of conduct and ethics upon registration.

Proof of Registration

The old SATOUR badges and ID cards became null and void on 31 May 2002. Registered tourist guides are now identified by new ID cards which all tourist guides are required to have in their possession whilst guiding.

Official tourist guide badges must also be worn whilst guiding. The Provincial Registrar will issue badges and ID cards to new guides only once their application for registering as a tourist guide has been approved.

The ID cards indicate the category of guiding, the regions for which the tourist guide was found competent to guide, as well as specialities that the guide might possess. The ID cards are very important because the various policing authorities will request tourist guides to produce these during tourist guide spot checks conducted at various parts of South Africa to identify illegal/unregistered tourist guides.

Renewal of Registration

Any person registered as a tourist guide, may before the end of the period for which he/she is registered, apply to the Provincial Registrar for renewal of his or her registration and his/her registration shall, upon submission of application forms and other documents and the payment of R240, be renewed. For a full list of Provincial Registrars refer to the table at the end of this article.

Non-compliance

Failure of a tourist guide to complete the NDT registration and CATHSSETA accreditation process but continuing to guide will result in that tourist guide being liable for prosecution. Fines of up to R1 000 can be imposed on illegal guides. Operators found to be using illegal guides can be fined amounts up to R10 000. The process for lodging complaints about unregistered/illegal guides as well as registered/legal guides are outlined in the Second Tourism Amendment Act, 2000. Copies of these can be obtained from NDT offices or from any of the Provincial Registrars’ offices.

Tourist Guide Code of Ethics

A Professional Tourist Guide must conform to the Tourist Guide Code of Ethics. The code states that a guide:

Shall be welcoming and demonstrate an enthusiasm for South Africa.
Shall at all times show a willingness to provide optimum support and quality service to all tourists, and will give tourists an opportunity to enjoy or visit the desired destination.
Shall in no way discriminate in rendering service to any tourist on any basis, e.g. race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, physical challenge, age, etc.
Shall be impartial, unbiased and positive, and represent South Africa objectively.
Shall be suitably dressed and presentable at all times.
Shall be punctual, reliable, honest, conscientious and tactful at all times.
Shall be a responsible driver, when driving as a guide.
Shall carry out the programme/itinerary of a tour to his/her best abilities and be loyal to the company/organization that he/she is representing.
Shall deal with conflict in a sensitive and responsible manner.
Shall report any incident of injury or death to a nearby tourist authority or a police station.
Shall be knowledgeable and shall assist tourists and not provide them with misleading information.
Shall in the event of not being familiar with, or being unable to provide the information requested by a tourist, consult with the appropriate authorities for assistance.
Shall at no time be under the influence of alcohol or a narcotic substance while on duty and shall refrain from administering any medication to a client without proper medical consultation.
Shall never solicit for clients or gratuities.
Shall be concerned at all times for the safety of the tourist.
Shall wear the appropriate tourist guide badge and will carry his/her registration card.
Shall treat all people, cultures and the environment with respect.

How to Find Work as a Tourist Guide in South Africa

Becoming qualified as a registered tourist guide is just the start. To find work, you’ll need to market yourself to tour operators and other employers. Of course, your contact details will appear in the National Database and relevant provincial tourist guide association websites (many of which you will have to join and pay annual membership fees).

However, the best way to be found by Tour Operators and contracted for work is by downloading the RecruitAGuide App and creating your profile and video CV on recruitaguide.co.za . Employers want to know “who” you are and not just “what” you do, which is what your video CV helps them to see. RecruitAGuide also gives YOU the choice to either actively apply for jobs through your job board, or create the perfect profile and let job offers come to you. And best of all, there are no costs involved!

Tourist guides are the ambassadors of South Africa’s tourism industry. They are often the first, and invariably the last, person that tourists come into contact with and are therefore responsible for creating lasting impressions and fond memories of the country.

This being the case, are tourist guides remunerated in accordance with their importance in the tourism value chain? Many tourist guides say that they are not, but some Tour Operators argue that a tourist guide’s remuneration should be in proportion to his or her knowledge, experience, qualifications and aptitude.

KNOWLEDGE RESOURCES FOR TOURIST GUIDES

How to become a south africa specialist.

As mentioned in the above conclusion, if you want to improve your earning potential, then it makes sense to increase your knowledge about the country’s tourism attractions. To help you with that, South African Tourism has created the SA Specialist website . This is an interactive online learning programme that will improve your knowledge of South Africa by providing you with the knowledge and skills to better ‘show & tell” (or sell) South Africa as a tourist destination.

The SA Specialist features include:

A free module-based online learning experience
Packed with info about South Africa and its attractions
Easy to use, with a user-friendly guide to help you along the way
Study in your own time, when it suits you.
On completion of the course/s, you will receive branded certificates and be able to use the name ‘SA Specialist’ or ‘South African Travel expert’, and market yourself as a specialist on South Africa.

There are two courses: SA Specialist: Essentials and SA Specialist: Experiences .

Practical Manual for Tourist Guides

First written in 1982, the content of this practical manual has been updated and revised by the author of this unique book, Luanne Grant. Readers will gain a wealth of knowledge as Luanne draws on her enormous experience to offer a variety of invaluable information for the next generation of tour guides, tour operators and people working or planning to work in related fields. This original, useful and practical book captures the essential ingredients of the art of being a host and ambassador for South Africa.

From day trips, to long trips; Bus and walking tours; Driver Tours; registrations and qualifications – Grant has called on her extensive Tour Industry knowledge, as well as a wide variety of highly experienced Tourist Guides; thus ensuring that the content, the tips, and the values result in both local and global tourists returning home and telling the world about their fantastic experience.

You may be a qualified guide. You’ve studied how to research, plan and lead a tour group around, but do you have the hands-on experience of all the diverse kinds of tours? Do you know how to deal with tourists in various locations and with different problems? If your answer to these questions is “no” or “maybe”, then this book is for you. Even if your answer is “yes”, this book is still for you if you want to be an exceptional guide, professional, competent, and prepared for anything, with the tools to improve your voice and delivery.

List of South African Provincial Registrars’ Contact Details

Note: This was last updated on 13 May 2019 from information on the South African Department of Tourism website – Editor.

1. Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Registrar: Moses Ngobeni Tel: (015) 293 8510 Cell: 082 800 2666 Fax: (015) 291 1085 Postal: P/BAG X 9486, POLOKWANE, 0700 Email: [email protected]

2. Mpumalanga Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency Registrar: Musa Mahlangu Tel: (013) 759 5487 Fax: 086 603 6766 Postal: P/BAG X 11338, NELSPRUIT, 1200 Email: [email protected]

3. Gauteng Gauteng Tourism Authority Registrar: Mbuyi Kona Tel:(011) 085 2101 Fax: 086 609 3941 Postal: P.O. BOX 155 Email: [email protected]

4. KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development and Tourism Registrar: Peggy Dlamini Tel: (033) 264 9324 / 264 9323 Cell: 082 952 7575 Fax: (033) 264 9316 Physical Address: 217 Burger Street, Calder Street, PMB, 3201 Email: [email protected]

5. North West Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism Registrar: Adv Makinde Tel: (018) 387 7883 / 387 7801 Cell: 082 674 1788 Fax: (018) 387 7886 / 387 7924 Postal: P/BAG X 15, MMABATHO,2735 Email: [email protected]

6. Eastern Cape Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency Registrar: Mbulelo Siyo Tel: (043) 364 2570 Fax: (043) 701 9642 Postal: P.O. BOX 18373, QUIGNEY, 5211 Email: [email protected]

7. Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism Registrar: Leigh Pollio Tel: (021) 483 8734 / 483 9130 Fax: (021) 483 2957 Postal: P.O. BOX 979, CAPE TOWN, 8000 Email: [email protected]

8. Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism Registrar: Andries Mokgele Tel: (053) 830 4875 / 830 4881 Cell: 084 689 7251 Fax: (053) 831 3530 Postal: P/BAG X 6102, KIMBERLEY,8300 Email: [email protected]

9. Free State Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Registrar: Mfundo Ngcangca (Acting) Tel: (051) 400 9598 Cell: 082 773 8275 Fax: (051) 400 9590 Postal: P/BAG X 20801, BLOEMFONTEIN, 9300 Email: [email protected]

10. National Department of Tourism Postal: P/BAG X424, PRETORIA, 0001 National Registrar: Morongoe Ramphele Tel: (012) 444 6552 Fax: (012) 444 7090 Email: [email protected]

Information compiled with acknowledgement to Adventure Qualifications Network and the South African Department of Tourism – Tourist Guiding.

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South African Tourist Guide Training Resources

To be a successful South African tourist guide you must have a love for South Africa and its nature, culture, people, and everything else that makes the country special. In addition to being able to work with people, you also need to know as much as possible about South Africa.

A South African Tourist Guide must be registered with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) and every province has its own Registrar of Tourist Guides. DEAT stipulates that the potential South African Tourist Guide must successfully complete a Tourist Guiding Course with a CATHSSETA accreted training provider. Once you are in possession of a Tourist Guiding Certificate you can register as a tourist guide with DEAT.

The Three Categories of Tourist Guides in South Africa

Site Guides are tourist guides that have attained the minimum qualification to allow them to guide in a limited geographical area. This is a site-specific qualification that allows you to guide visitors on a hike on Table Mountain, a tour of the Kwazulu-Natal Battlefields, or a tour of the Apartheid Museum for example.

Provincial Guides are qualified to take tourists on a tour of an entire province such as Mpumalanga or the Western Cape for example.

National Guides are qualified to conduct tours around South Africa and can work across provincial boundaries. These guides can accompany visitors to South Africa on a comprehensive tour of of the country.

Classification of Tourist Guides

Tourist guides in South Africa can be classified into three categories:

Adventure Guides guide a range of adventure experiences such as rock climbing, canoeing, or river rafting for example. Nature Guides conduct guided nature experiences in areas such as Game Reserves, National Parks, conservation areas and include activities such as hiking or game drives for example. Cultural Guides focus on cultural experiences in a limited geographical area such as a museum or community with cultural significance.

South African Training Guide Resources

Below you will find a comprehensive guide that can assist you in successfully completing your tourist guide course in South Africa. The platform provides you with a range of resources that will build your knowledge of the country. The resource guide is available in all 11 South African languages.

Guide to South African Places

South African World Heritage Sites

South African Nature Guide

South African Art Guide

South African Culture Guide

South African Wine Guide

Become a registered and accredited Tour Guide in South Africa with our Distance Learning Courses

Our online blended distance learning courses are offered on several dates as indicated in the prospectus ., all the information you need to know to start your career in tourism from your home..

Indicate whether you want to do the Culture, Nature or combined Tour Guiding Course.

You can now start at any time that is convenient for you.

Alternatively please contact us on+27 (0) 71 684 7184 for a clear outline of the process.

Find out more details about our Online Guide Training in the Frequently Asked Questions.

What can i expect, who can register.

Anyone with an interest in self-development and with good people skills

WHAT DO I NEED TO REGISTER?

A current certified copy of identification.

Current certified copy of highest academic qualification and/or proof of fundamental skills on level 3 of the National Qualification Framework.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

HOW DO I RECEIVE MY LEARNING MATERIAL?

Learning material will be sent to you via email and/or WhatsApp.

Sample projects and additional information will be available on Google documents and/or email and WhatsApp.

Access granted via password.

WHEN DO I RECEIVE MY LEARNING MATERIAL?

Learning material will be made available after your first day of training and will be send to you via email.

HOW WILL I ATTEND CLASSES?

Facilitated feedback sessions will be conducted on a daily basis through electronic media e.g. Zoom and WhatsApp

WHO WILL CONDUCT THE FACILITATION?

Our team of experts will be on hand to provide exactly the same facilitation services as during normal formative contact.

HOW WILL I DO MY PRACTICAL GUIDING?

Practical guiding will be booked after the completion of the formative theoretical component.

HOW DO I DO PRACTICAL GUIDING WHERE I AM?

Livingstone Tourism Academy has 10 assessors across the country and we will book your practical sessions with the assessor closest to you.

HOW LONG WILL THE COURSE TAKE?

The course is outlined in 400 notional hours which includes a formative period, a self-study period and an assessment period.

WHEN CAN I START?

You can start at any time and from anywhere in South Africa and/or internationally.

Your registration date will dictate the start of your 400 notional hours.

HOW DO I PAY?

Electronic bank transfer into the Livingstone Tourism Academy bank account.

Cash deposit at any bank and or ATM.

WHEN DO I PAY?

Payment arrangements can be negotiated on a case by case basis.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Specialised
Field Guide Course

Field Guide Course Become a Field Guide in 55 Days

One of the most underrated elements of a safari holiday, are the guides. Most are great, but some, however, are exceptional. And if you're wanting to develop those key characteristics that will put you into this category, accredited 55-day course will be your first step in the right direction.

To give you a little background, this course is run by EcoTraining, a FGASA registered and endorsed training provider. It is also accredited with CATHSSETA (Tourism and Hospitality and Sport Education Training Authority). If you’re unsure of these acronyms and what they stand for, FGASA and CATHSSETA are the two important bodies primarily responsible for maintaining the high standards within South Africa’s guide training industry in South Africa.

While this comprehensive 55-day course has been carefully designed to equip you to become a high-calibre, professional field guide, it also welcomes anyone longing to increase their knowledge of the African bush. The syllabus not only covers a broad spectrum of subjects including 4x4 game drive vehicle skills, species identification and tracking to name a few, but it also focuses on building up your character and teaching you to become a true storyteller.

At the end of the day, becoming an exceptional guide is not just about facts regarding animals and plants. Sure the odd fact or figure on a game drive is definitely interesting, but what safari-goers and visitors to Africa are really after is what they cannot experience in a book or online.

That being said, this course not only forms the foundation for a career in field guiding but is also beneficial to many other careers in the wildlife and safari industry — perhaps you see yourself managing a lodge, or running an animal-oriented NGO. After 55 days, you will have the footing to build up their own personal knowledge and work on the skills needed to succeed, wherever your passion leads you.

Upon your successful completion of the course, you can then enrol for the FGASA Apprentice Trail Guide Training Course and specialise in ‘on-foot’ guiding. Ready to get started?

Time on this course is split between at least two remote wilderness camps, maximizing exposure to different areas, wildlife, biomes and biodiversity. The designated camps will depend on the time of year:

Selati Game Reserve, South Africa
Karongwe Game Reserve, South Africa
Makuleke Concession, northern Kruger Park, South Africa
Pridelands Conservancy, Greater Kruger Park, South Africa
Pongola Game Reserve, South Africa
Mashatu Game Reserve, Botswana

Accommodation

The sleeping arrangements at all the camps consist of two people sharing per tent. Single requests are required to pay double rates. Women and men do not share tents unless booked as a couple.

Early morning wake-up: tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh fruit and cereal
Brunch after activity: cooked breakfast and fruit salad
Afternoon tea: light lunch/sandwiches
Dinner: balanced, warm plated meal with meat, vegetables and salad

Prerequisites

Candidates must:

Be fit and able to walk for at least 2km
Be over the age of 18 years old
Be in possession of a valid driver’s license (preferred manual gear shift)
Have a First Aid Certificate

Getting Qualified

When registering for this course, you will automatically be registered students with FGASA and CATHSSETA. In order to gain your Field Guide Certificate and FGASA Field Guide / NQF 2 qualification, you will need to successfully complete a theoretical and practical assessment during the course. These will be conducted by accredited instructors at the camps.

Course Subjects

Planning of game drives and walks
Navigation and orientation
Radio procedures
Geology and soil
Weather and climate
Anticipating animal behaviour
Plant communities
Career opportunities
Plant identification and uses
Identification and ecology of invertebrates

Course Dates

03 January 2024 (Mashatu & Selati) 03 January 2024 (Selati & Mashatu) 08 February 2024 (Makuleke & Mashatu) 08 March 2024 (Karongwe & Mashatu) 17 April 2024 (Karongwe & Pridelands) 14 May 2024 (Selati & Pridelands) 10 June 2024 (Mashatu & Karongwe) 04 July 2024 (Mashatu & Pridelands) 03 August 2024 (Karongwe & Pridelands) 11 October 2024 (Selati & Mashatu)

Trail Guide Training Course

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How To Become A Tour Guide In South Africa

Tour guides, or tourist guides, are members of the hospitality and travel industry who show visitors around places of interest. Tour guides may lead groups or individuals through historical sites, museums, geographic destinations and on outdoor excursions.

Who is a Tourist Guide?

Is a tour guide a good job?

The path on how to become a Tour Guide and its workloads may be a bit challenging, but being a Tour Guide is a really great job. You get to go to places either you’ve always loved going to on vacation or have never been before.

How do I become a private tour guide?

Generally speaking, you can usually become a private tour guide by obtaining a license, after which you can either join a local tour company or work independently. Some tour guides take visitors on specialized walking tours that explore different aspects of a travel destination.

Categories of Tourist Guides

There are three categories of tourist guides:

Site Guides – these tourist guides have attained the minimum qualification in order to guide in a “limited geographical area” i.e. Hiking in the Drakensberg, visiting the Natal Battlefields, taking a day tour of Cape Town, visiting Soweto;

Provincial Guides – are qualified to take tourists around an entire province i.e. Limpopo or Gauteng;

National Guides – are permitted to conduct tours around South Africa, crossing all provincial boundaries. These guides would accompany people taking a comprehensive tour of South Africa, say, by coach.

Classification of Tourist Guides

Adventure Guides – conduct a guided adventure experience e.g. rock climbing, paddling, abseiling, etc.

Nature Guides – conduct a guided nature experience in areas such as Game Reserves, National Parks, nature conservation areas, trails, and the like.

Cultural Guides – conduct a guided cultural experience in a limited geographical area such as a museum, community, wine farm, town or city.

Qualifications

Qualifications for tourist guides are governed by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

There are only two qualifications registered on the NQF:

National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF2)

National Certificate in Tourism: Guiding (NQF4)

Tourist Guiding Training and Assessors

All tourist guide trainers and assessors have to be accredited by CATHSSETA to be able to train according to the nationally recognized standards and qualifications network.

The guiding qualifications are made up of a collection of unit standards or building blocks.

Each unit standard represents knowledge that a person must have, specific to his profession. These unit standards were devised in close consultation with tourist guides and other stakeholders. Each guide will be assessed against these standards.

How to Find Work as a Tourist Guide in South Africa

What qualifications do you need to be a tour guide In South Africa?

You’ll need:

customer service skills.

excellent verbal communication skills.

patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

to be flexible and open to change.

sensitivity and understanding.

an interest and knowledge of history.

a good memory.

knowledge of English language.

Where can I study tour guide in South Africa?

Tourist Guide Institute offers both full time and online courses to individuals who want to become registered tour guides and/or tour operators in South Africa.

Is a tour guide a good job In South Africa?

How do i become a private tour guide in south africa, is it hard to be a tour guide.

Tour guides have a difficult job. If you like to tour the cities you visit, to see historical landmarks in addition to local hotspots and more, it may be a good idea for you to go on a guided tour. It can be difficult to figure out how to schedule in everything you want to see when you’re new to an area.

How do I start a tour guide business in South Africa?

Documents a tour guide needs to operate legally are:

certificate of a first aid course.

a copy of your work permit if you are not a South Africa citizen.

certified copies of your qualifications.

current registration details of tourism associations you’re linked with.

How much does a field guide earn in South Africa?

Entry level guides can expect salaries between R4,000.00 – R7,000.00 a month. This is all dependant on what lodge you will work for, the size, the star grading, the rates, the area and the occupancy. You will also have the opportunity to earn tips.

How much does a tourism manager earn in South Africa?

The average salary for a South African Tourism Administrator is ±R800,000.00 annually. Salaries are higher when candidates pursue Masters-level qualifications in the government sector, in tourism planning and development.

How much does a tourism manager earn in South Africa per month?

The stats on SA tourist job salaries

For their dedication and hard work, hotel managers earn up to R235,429 per month.

What is a benefit of being a tour guide?

A professional tour guide will help keep you safe when undertaking adventure activities such as safari trips, mountain climbing, trekking, scuba diving and whitewater rafting. The guide is familiar with the terrain and local weather conditions and aware of danger zones, and many guides are trained in first aid.

Online Tourist Guide Training Courses

Course dates for 2024

Tour Operator Course: see details under Training Courses

Cost : R 3 000

Tourist Guide Courses:

4 x Full time courses: 08:30 – 17:00

22 Jan – 2 Feb 2024 6 – 17 May 2024 FULL 22 July – 2 August 2024 30 Sept – 11 Oct 2024

Cost : R7 600

Online Courses:

Theory: Start date – anytime

Face to face practicals: Practicals during office hours 08:30 – 17:00

26 Jan – 2 Feb 2024 10 – 17 May 2024 26 July – 2 Aug 2024 4 – 11 Oct 2024

A tour guide's role is vital as often it's the tourist's first impression with the people and culture of the place they're visiting.

Cape Town, the Mother City of South Africa, capital of the Western Cape and the most beautiful city by the sea, is on everyone's 'bucket list'.

'Fynbos' part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the richest in the world with more than 8 500 different species and only found in the Western Cape.

Bontebok only found in South Africa and Lesotho, with the Western Cape home to the largest numbers.

Our 9 different Wine Regions offer tourists more than 500 different wine estates to visit and sample cultivars such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz and even our own exclusive Pinotage.

Tourist will love South Africa's sunshine and exquisite scenery. We offer many outdoor activities such as hiking in the Cedarberg Mountains. "Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world." - Gustave Flaubert

Hermanus, only 1,5 hours from Cape Town, rated the best 'whale sighting' destination in the world. Join us for the Whale festival in September.

The spring flowers along the West Coast cover the land with a colourful carpet each year from July to September.

Coastal towns along the Cape coastline offer tourists scenic beauty, tranquility and rest.

Share your love for Cape Town and South Africa with others by becoming a tourist guide. "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Tourist Guide Institute has been accredited by Cathsseta as a National Service Provider to offer courses to train tourist guides. (Cathsseta Accreditation Number: 613/P/000010/2004) The course coordinators and assessors are Scott and Julie Womack with Yvette van Zyl as Cathsseta accredited moderator.

Tourist Guide Institute offers online tourist guide training courses:

Online weekday practicals Online theory for 7 weeks followed by 5 days of weekday practicals, 1 practical on a Saturday morning and one weekday exam day.

Culture Site Guide: LEVEL 4 (SAQA ID: Tg/CultSiteGd/4/0031) (Western Cape Province Regional Guide)

To qualify for this certificate, competence in the prescribed unit standards must be achieved and embedded knowledge of the various areas must be demonstrated. Certification will entitle you to guide in the following geographical areas:

a. The Cape Metropole b. The Winelands c. The Overberg d. West Coast e.The Breede River Valley

f. The Garden Route g. The Little Karoo and Great Karoo h. Olifants River Valley i. Port Elizabeth and environs j. Namaqualand

After the eight week course and the FIRST written examination, you will qualify as a Culture Site Guide and will be able to guide in the first five sub-regions as set out above. To be able to guide throughout the Western Cape Province you have to write the SECOND examination – knowledge of visiting sites only. If this exam is done within a month of doing the course, the exam cost is included in the initial course cost with just R250 extra for the manual. If this phase is done at a later stage, the study material is available from our office at a cost of R850 (The examination cost is included).

Course Fee for 2024:

R7,600.00 to be paid in full up front prior to starting.

Course Content:

The course comprises two Modules:

Module 1: Online theory in the form of written course material and videos

Introduction and Course Outline
Unit Standards and Outcomes Based Education
Planning an itinerary
How to do research
Guiding techniques: – Expectations of the Tourist Guide; Role of a Tourist Guide; Communication; Responsibilities; Meet and greet at the airport; Problem handling; Care of the customer, Coping in an Emergency; Code of Guiding Practice; Professionalism; Guiding people with special needs; Route Planning; Guide-lines for a successful tour; Code of Ethics as a tour guide
Marketing yourself as a guide
History of South Africa
Geography of SA and Western Cape
Demographics of South Africa (Population)
Architecture of Cape Town
Fauna and Flora of South Africa
South Africa’s Cultural Heritage
South Africa’s Government Institutions and Social Services
Table Mountain National Park
Cape Town City Tour
Cape Peninsula Tour
Cape Winelands Tour
Full day intermediate wine course with a wine maker
Overberg including whales
Breede River Valley

Module 2: Practicals

Conducting a practical tour. Six tours are done under the guidance of experienced tourist guides.

Practical guiding sessions:

a. Historical Cape Town City Tour b. Overberg Tour c. 2 wine estates visited d. 2 x Winelands Tour e. Peninsula Tour

Sample Programme:

Theory – 7 weeks of online videos covering:

Registration and Induction, Guiding Techniques, History (including architecture), Communication Skills, Geography, Wine Course theory, Cultures of Cape Town, Table Mountain National Park, Drawing up Itineraries

Online Weekday Practicals

Friday : City Tour Saturday morning : Wine Course practical – visit 2 wine estates Monday : Overberg Tour practice for students Tuesday : Peninsula Tours as a formative assessment for students Wednesday : Winelands Tour 1 as a summative assessment for students Thursday : Winelands Tour 2 as a summative assessment for students Friday : Exam day

Wine Exam for Online Courses : this will follow the final exam and be done online within a month of completing the 8 week course.

Duration of practicals:

Day time practical tours starting at 08:30 till approximately 17:00

Wine Industry Course:

The intermediary certificate course on the wine industry is presented as part of the course syllabus.

Course Material:

A set of notes in two comprehensive manuals, covering all aspects of the course, will be available online as well as videos covering all the theory.

Online weekday practicals : Century City My Citibus terminus at R20 per day. Exam day – Intaka Island, Century City – free parking

Registration:

The completed registration form (p. 3-4 of Prospectus).
A short CV containing information pertaining to your education and employment history.
Proof of highest qualification
A recently certified copy of your RSA I.D. OR
A recently certified copy of Alternate ID (if applicable): Work Permit (TOURISM RELATED) / Passport / Refugee Status Document / ( Permanent) Residency Document etc.
A PASSPORT Number is very important if you have an Alternate ID.
A recently certified copy of your highest qualification
If you speak a language other than ENGLISH and AFRIKAANS or the other 9 official languages of South Africa, you are required to hand in proof of fluency for the relevant language/s. A letter from an official body such as a university or embassy shall suffice.

For your convenience please deposit the required amount directly into the account of Tourist Guide Institute. See the bank account details on registration form. If payment has been made via EFT or bank deposit then the deposit slip and completed registration form must be emailed to the office. See details on the Registration Form.

First Aid Training:

It is a prerequisite to obtain a basic First Aid Certificate to qualify for registration as a tourist guide. It can be done through any accredited First Aid Training Institution e.g. St. Johns Ambulance; Frontline Emergency Care, Edumed or Dynamikos Training Network. The contact details are available under the First Aid page of this website.

Or download registration form here .

After qualifying to be registered as a local Cape Town and Environments tourist guide, the tourist guide can apply for the information on the below areas. These notes cover the five sites that make up the Western Cape Province tours.

Garden Route
Klein Karoo &Great Karoo
Olifants River Valley
Port Elizabeth and environs
Namaqualand

If this exam is done within a month of doing the course, the exam cost is included in the initial course cost with just R250 for the manual. If this phase is done at a later stage, the study material is available from our office at a cost of R850 (The examination cost is included).

Phase Three

After registration guides can extend their area of operation by self-study of other provinces. Once the candidate is ready, the knowledge of the Site (province) is tested in an examination paper set by the Tourist Guide Institute. The Tourist Guide Institute has been accredited to evaluate tourist guides (for all areas) who want to qualify for additional areas.

Eastern Cape Province Free State Province Gauteng Province Kwa Zulu Natal Province Limpopo Province Mpumalanga Province Northern Cape Province Western Cape Province (for those who trained as guides in other provinces)

Once a tourist guide feels that he/she is ready to be tested on an additional site/region/province an appointment is made with TGI for an online written exam. If successful TGI will issue him/her with a certificate for the new qualification. The cost for these exams are R600.00 per site/region/province.

Guiding nationally To qualify as a ‘National Tourist Guide’, a candidate needs to have completed the 134+ credit, National Certificate: Tourism: Guiding. However, if you completed the 34 credit Skills Programme then you can still qualify for all provinces and guide nationally. A candidate has to (after completing Phase 2) also complete Phase 3 for all the regions/sites/provinces.

Contact Details Tel: 021 685 0299 Mobile: 082 445 7625 Email: [email protected] Banking Details Bank: Standard Bank Branch: Thibault Square Branch Code: 02-00-0900 Account Holder: Tourist Guide Institute Account Type: Cheque Account Number: See prospectus Swift Code: SBZAZAJJ

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Mpumalanga and Limpopo Province Educational Tour
TOURISM – WAY FORWARD FOR SOUTH AFRICA

28-day Safari Guide Course

This is a great course for those who are still deciding if a career as a safari guide is what they want to pursue.

Bush experience

This course is aimed at those wishing to experience a bush holiday while also learning about the surrounding environment. You will gain excellent practical and theoretical knowledge of the natural environment during a month spent at one of our wilderness camps, as well as an inside look at what it’s like to be a field guide.

This course, the first of its kind in the safari sector, was created to give participants a window into the daily activities of a safari guide. This short wildlife course is a condensed version of the accredited 55-day Field Guide Course (NQF2) and teaches participants practical and theoretical knowledge of the natural environment. Participants will learn how to identify and interpret elements of the natural environment.

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What to expect from the 28-day Safari Guide Course

Immersive wilderness experience.

Expect an immersive wilderness experience that goes beyond a mere qualification. You will learn about ecology, geology, soils, vegetation identification, birds, tracking, mammals, guiding skills, astronomy, climate, sleep-out, bushcraft, fish, taxonomy, grasses, habitat management, historical human habitation and basic firearm theory.

Gain first-hand experience as a safari guide

This course is an ideal way to gain first-hand experience as a safari guide and to connect with nature while exploring your passions. The course is designed to help you become a custodian of the natural world while learning to decode nature, from reading wildlife tracks to identifying plants and bird calls.

Where the course takes place

The 28-day Safari Guide Course is split between at least two of our EcoTraining Camps in Southern Africa.

The benefits of taking the 28-day Safari Guide Course

By taking this unique wildlife course, you can gain practical and theoretical knowledge of the natural environment and experience the life and work of a safari guide. You will learn how to identify and interpret elements of the natural environment and understand the techniques and roles of a professional field guide.

This course provides an immersive learning experience that can help you decide if a career as a safari guide is right for you. With this course, you will gain a competitive edge and improve your chances of pursuing your dream career. The course is designed to help you become a custodian of the natural world.

What you can expect to graduate with

Entry level requirements, what to pack.

We’ve put together a useful packing list for you so you know what you need to bring on this course. Everything you’ll need to be comfortable and make the most of your time in the African bush.

Course dates

02 September – 29 September 2023 ( Mashatu ) 07 May – 03 June 2024 ( Mashatu ) 03 September – 30 September 2024 ( Mashatu )

FAQ about the 28-day Safari Guide Course

There are several ways to become a qualified safari guide (also known as a field guide). The 55-day Field Guide Course (NQF2) and the 1-year Professional Field Guide Course cover subjects from geology to the history of human habitation, botany to ecology and animal behaviour.

Have more questions? Check out our general FAQ page or get in touch for more information.

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From the field on the 28-day safari guide course, useful links, quick links, get social with us, newsletter subscription.

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Become a JHF Tour Guide!

Have you ever thought of becoming a JHF tour guide? Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to join our next Tour Guide Training Course – free to members! See all the details below…

TRAINING OF TOURIST GUIDES

Tourist guides must be trained by accredited training providers for their application for registration to be considered. Tourist guides are responsible for verifying the registration status of the training providers before commencement of training.

A full list of accredited training providers and assessors can be obtained on the Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) website www.cathsseta.org . Information about tourist guiding programmes which are recognised by SAQA can be obtained from the SAQA website www.saqa.org.za . Alternatively, enquiries can be made at the Tourist Guides Registration Offices across Provinces.

Requirements to Register to become a Tourist Guide

Provincial Registrars are appointed in each of the nine provinces to register tourist guides. In order to be registered as a tourist guide in South Africa, a person must meet the following minimum requirements:

be a South African citizen or be in possession of a valid work permit;
must have undergone training with a CATHSSETA -accredited training provider or any other accredited institution which offers programes recognized by SAQA ;
be in possession of a valid first aid certificate from institution recognized by Department of Labour;
pay a registration fee of R240 (Renewable every 3 years)
submit 4 passport-size photos;
must submit a completed and signed registration form and the code of conduct and ethics upon registration.

Tourist Guide Registrars

The National Registrar of Tourist Guides, in conjunction with the Provincial Registrars, facilitate maintenance of the Central Tourist Guides Register as well as the registration of Tourist Guides at provincial level. In this section, browsers will be able to access the contact details of the National and Provincial Registers.

PROVINCIAL REGISTRAR'S CONTACT LIST

How to become a Takealot driver: A quick step-by-step guide

The Takealot app has become one of the most popular online platforms in South Africa, with millions of customers using the shopping platform to take advantage of the wide-ranging items available. Becoming a Takealot driver ensures you will always be kept busy and paid. How do you become one?

Takealot is a massive organisation that has grown significantly since its official launch in June 2011, with some partnerships strengthening the company's growth. In 2014, Takealot acquired Mr D, formerly known as Mr Delivery, increasing its brand power.

A Takealot delivery job is ideal for individuals who do not want a standard nine-to-five office job and enjoy being kept on their toes. There are no qualifications or extensive list of requirements needed to qualify as a driver for the company, except documents showing you can drive safely, along with identification and bank statements

How do you become a driver for Takealot?

Before we detail other helpful information regarding working for Takealot, what is required to become a Takealot driver in South Africa? The Takealot driver application process is simple, done in just a few steps.

To apply for the job, you can visit their website's driver onboarding page and include the relevant documentation, along with following the simple steps, which are all needed to become a driver for the company once they accept your application. The process is quick, simple, and has minimal requirements. Drivers need to download the Takealot driver app with their unique Takealot driver login details for security reasons.

Do I need a PDP to drive for Takealot?

Takealot driver registration requires various documents for you to qualify to become a driver. According to their website, the process requires the following documentation:

An ID book, ID card or passport.
Work permit or asylum document for non-South African citizens.
Own a motorbike or light vehicle.
A valid driver's license card.
A valid roadworthy certificate.
A valid vehicle license disk.
A vehicle registration form (RC1).
A proof of address document.
Relevant documentation showing proof of bank.
Own a smartphone with Android V7 or higher (Takealot driver app and GPS).
A clear criminal record.

Benefits of working for Takealot

Apart from not having to sit in an office daily, working for Takealot offers more benefits than just freedom from a restricting office environment. Here are the benefits of becoming a driver for the brand, according to the company's website:

The company operates from Monday to Sunday, giving you frequent income.
Premium rates are offered from Friday to Sunday (incentive).
Providing drivers with personal injury insurance to cover them from injury while on duty.
Free training is given to successful applicants.
Access to free road emergency response service.

Do Takealot drivers use their own cars?

Certain delivery companies provide drivers with a vehicle, promoting curiosity on whether Takealot drivers are given transport or need their own. The company states in their requirements that employees need their own motorbike or light vehicle.

Does Takealot pay for petrol?

Since it is required to use your car, does the company reimburse you for the petrol used? Unfortunately, drivers must cover their petrol and other associated expenses.

How much money does a Takealot driver make?

A Takealot employee's average income depends on their role, and the values are reported differently on multiple platforms. It is written as anywhere between R6,416 and R8,000.

According to Glassdoor, drivers may earn an estimated bonus of R6,000 annually, resulting from commission, stock, a bonus, profit sharing or tips. Despite curiosity about what Takealot drivers' salary per delivery may be, they do not get paid per trip and are paid a flat income monthly.

Employee reviews

If you are still determining whether the job is for you, we have pulled some driver reviews off Indeed to give you a better understanding of the working experience with the company. One reviewer said:

'Very good company to work at, but you can only start to do parcels after three months have gone by. A Typical day would consist of picking parcels up and doing food orders during your trip to deliver your parcels, and management keeps you updated if you show offline on the Takealot driver app, and you can buy a car through them after six months.'

Takealot driver working hours

Takealot drivers' working hours are reported differently by various sources. According to SASSA&Loans, the company operates from Sunday to Monday, and one online source mentions shifts from 07h00 to 15h00 or a complete shift from 07h00 to 19h00.

Indeed reported in 2017 that the hours were from 07h00 to 17h00, 08h00 to 18h00, and 09h00 to 19h00. These times may no longer be accurate, but they are worth noting as the working hours are reported differently on various sites.

Takealot contact numbers

You can use the Takealot driver contact number to compliment a driver, make a suggestion, or report a driver incident on 087 362 7666. For general customer service queries, you can call 087 362 7500.

Becoming a Takealot driver is a simple process, with just a few requirements to be eligible as a driver for the company. Working with Takealot ensures you are free from the restraints of an office job, with bonuses and incentives.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions. Any action you take based on the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

Using a bus to move around the country is a cost-effective way to get to your desired destination if you are not in a rush. Briefly.co.za wrote an article about the City to City bus liner, focusing on ticket prices and times.

How much does a ticket cost you to major cities in South Africa as of 2024? Here is everything to know about purchasing a ticket and using the bus liner.

How to become a Takealot driver: A quick step-by-step guide

More From Forbes

Discover 7 must-do activities in stellenbosch, south africa.

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Equally rich in wine and natural beauty, Stellenbosch offers extraordinary experiences that cater to ... [+] both the wine aficionado and the enthusiastic traveler alike.

Set in the heart of South Africa's Western Cape, Stellenbosch is widely regarded as one of the top wine regions in the world. Famed for its full-bodied reds and crisp chenin blancs, the region is equally acclaimed for its jaw-dropping landscape of lush vineyards set against towering mountains. Equally rich in wine and natural beauty, Stellenbosch offers extraordinary experiences that cater to both the wine aficionado and the enthusiastic traveler alike. Here’s some of the best things to do on your visit to this remarkable region.

The incredible view from Jordan's outdoor tasting room.

Jordan Wines

If you can visit only one winery in Stellenbosch, Jordan is the one not to miss. This leading estate offers an unparalleled experience that combines world-class wines with captivating scenery and engaging activities.

Start your tasting experience by savoring Jordan's exquisite wines on their outdoor deck, where you'll be awed not just by the flavors of the wines but equally by stunning views of the majestic Stellenbosch Mountains. For an even more immersive experience, go on the unique 360° tasting tour, which takes you on a vehicle ride through the picturesque vineyards complete with gorgeous vistas of False Bay and Table Bay. You’ll enjoy premium tastings as you take in the views and learn about the flora and fauna of the Cape Winelands.

After your wine tasting, indulge in an unforgettable culinary journey at The Jordan Restaurant, helmed by the celebrated Chef Marthinus Ferreira. This sought-after dining destination offers an elevated farm-to-table experience that shows off the rich flavors and ingredients of Stellenbosch and South Africa. The multicourse dining feast, paired with thoughtfully selected wines, is a truly unparalleled gastronomic feast that ranks as one of the top dining experiences in the country.

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Finally, as if offering a word-class dining and tasting experience were not enough, Jordan also offers luxury accommodation in the heart of the winelands. These beautifully appointed suites are a welcome getaway with unmatched panoramas of the vineyards and the Stellenbosch Mountains.

Le Grand Domaine Enoteca Wine Bar

Located on Stellenbosch’s bustling Church Street, this trendy wine bar is beloved by oenophiles and prides itself on showcasing the top vintages the area has to offer. There are over 30 of the best regional wines available for side-by-side tastings, making it an essential stop for those looking to explore Stellenbosch’s impressive range of vineyards. Enoteca is also an eatery favoured by locals that serves bistro-style fare like Darling sauvignon blanc steamed mussels, truffle parmesan fries, delicious kingklip and more. It’s an ideal spot to wine and dine with fellow noble grape lovers.

Middelvlei stands out as one of the few wineries (or wine farms, as they’re called in South Africa) ... [+] in the region that invites guests to experience firsthand the creative process of wine making with its wine blending experience.

Middelvlei stands out as one of the few wineries (or wine farms, as they’re called in South Africa) in the region that invites guests to experience firsthand the creative process of winemaking with its wine blending experience. The session begins with a guided tasting, where you'll learn about the nuanced flavors of Pinotage, merlot and shiraz, accompanied by freshly baked potbrood and a delectable snoek pate. Next, you take on the role of wine maker as you blend the varietals to create your very own bottle of personalized wine that you get to take home with you. There’s no better souvenir of Stellenbosch! Don’t leave without grabbing lunch at the winery’s Boerebraai Restaurant, where you’ll be treated to an authentic South African braai (barbeque), including perfectly grilled lamb and sausage, as well as incredibly tasty pumpkin fritters and Braaibroodjies (barbecued cheese and tomato sandwiches).

Weltevreden Estate Winery

This historic boutique winery, renown for its line of bold Bertha wines, offers something for every interest and age range. The most popular experience is the handmade macaron and wine pairing, which allows visitors to indulge in a delightful fusion of flavors. The winery is also home to the exceptional Jonkershuis restaurant, where guests can savor elevated cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Families with young kids won’t want to miss the Kids Carnival area, providing an entertaining space for children to enjoy while their parents explore the estate’s acclaimed outdoor art collection.

Stellenbosch is best discovered via walking tour so you can see first hand the lovely Cape Dutch ... [+] architecture, art scene and lively street life.

Stellenbosch On Foot

Stellenbosch is not just the name of an acclaimed wine region, it’s also a beautiful city with a fascinating history and vibrant art and food scene. It’s worth spending the time to get to know this bucolic university town and one of the best ways to do so is via a walking tour. Led by knowledgeable guides like Juliana, Stellenbosch on Foot offers a historic tour that gives participants an intimate look at Stellenbosch's stately, oak-lined avenues, interesting historic personalities and iconic Cape Dutch architecture.

As you stroll through the "village of the oaks," your enthusiastic guide shares fascinating stories and insights into one of South Africa’s key historic urban centers. Guides also freely dispense insider advice on the best not-to-be-missed eateries, local shops and picturesque streets during the pleasant promenade. Art-focused walking tours (Stellenbosch is one of the country’s premier art centers and has stunning displays peppered throughout) are also available.

Kayamandi Township Tour

Discover a different side to Stellenbosch as you explore Kayamandi, the second oldest township in the country. The walking tour of Kayamandi, which means "nice home" in Xhosa, is done with a local guide and provides guests with a unique insight into the area’s complex and dynamic history and culture. Highlights include street art, the chance to meet local entrepreneurs and sampling traditional foods. Also considering signing up for the Djembe drumming session.

It may be worth hiring a professional driver to navigate South Africa's most celebrated wine region.

Oswald Tours

When visiting the winelands, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no viable public transportation and renting a car can be difficult for those who want to go on several wine tastings and are not used to driving on the left side of the road. That where Oswald Tours comes in. The company offers affordable and reliable personalized chauffeur services, ensuring that you can enjoy your wine tastings and explore the region in comfort. Their knowledgeable, friendly drivers (like Francois) are equally as skilled at driving safely as they are at providing insightful and engaging commentary about the wine region’s' rich history and culture. The company also offer airport pickups, as well as a variety of pre-set tours like Cape Town and whale watching.

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Registration Requirements
Requirements to Register to become a Tourist Guide. Provincial Registrars are appointed in each of the nine provinces to register tourist guides. In order to be registered as a tourist guide in South Africa, a person must meet the following minimum requirements: be a South African citizen or be in possession of a valid work permit;
How to Become a Tour Guide In South Africa
Learn about the qualifications, categories, and registration process for tourist guides in South Africa. Find out how to choose a training provider, assessor, and specialization for your guiding career.
Tourist Guide Institute
Course dates for 2024. Tour Operator Course: see details under Training Courses Cost : R 3 000. Tourist Guide Courses: 4 x Full time courses: 08:30 - 17:00. 22 Jan - 2 Feb 2024 6 - 17 May 2024 FULL
Tourist Guiding
Tourist guiding is a critical component of the tourism value chain. They play an essential role in ensuring repeat tourist visitation to South Africa through creating memorable experiences and subsequently, a positive image of our country. For more information on tourist guiding, click on the links below: . Information on becoming a tourist ...
How to Become a Tour Guide in South Africa (2024)
Tour Guide License: In South Africa, it's mandatory to obtain a Tour Guide license from the Department of Tourism. This involves passing a written examination and, in some cases, a practical assessment. The license demonstrates your competence and ensures you comply with legal requirements. 5. People Skills.
How to Register
Upon registration, the tourist guide will be issued with a unique tourist guide registration number, tourist guide badge and an identification card. For registration to be completed successfully, tourist guides must submit the following: A completed and signed application form. Signed Code of Conduct and Ethics.
Registration as a Tourist Guide
Basic steps for registration as a tourist guide in the Western Cape:. Step 1: Training; Step 2: Registration ; Step 3: Marketing; Queries ; Training. The first step is to complete an accredited tourist guide training course. You can get more information and a complete list of trainers and assessors through the Culture Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority ...
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The Institute Of Professional Tourist Guides Of Southern Africa ( IPTGSA) PO Box 53 ,Bergbron ,1712 Web :www.iptgsa.org Email : [email protected] Fax : 086516797& Contact No : 083 655 1997 Company Registration Number:2011/109026/08
South African guides are required to undergo training and registration (GL)
South African tourist guides can be trained at accredited institutions. Registered guides are issued with identity cards and badges which must be worn at all times when conducting tours. They can specialise in a specific categories such as nature, culture or adventure, and at three levels - site, province or national. Many of fluent in other languages. Qualified tourist guides must also adhere ...
Full Time Training Courses
Course Fee for 2024: R7,600 with a non-refundable deposit of R3,600.00 for full time courses in Cape Town. Course Content for Cape Town courses: The course comprises two Modules: Module 1: Module 2: Conducting a practical tour. Five day tours are done under the guidance of experienced tourist guides.
How to Become a Tourist Guide in South Africa
Learn about the categories, qualifications, training and registration process of becoming a tourist guide in South Africa. Find out the resources, code of ethics and links for finding work as a guide.
Guide Academy
The new-age Tourist Guide Become a modern, experience-driven professional guide The TDM Guide Academy The TDM Guide Academy was established as a result of a shortage of international-language-proficient speaking tourist guides. The TDM Guide Academy created its own platform to recruit and train any individuals pursuing a career as exceptional tourist
South African Tourist Guide Training Resources
The Three Categories of Tourist Guides in South Africa. Site Guides are tourist guides that have attained the minimum qualification to allow them to guide in a limited geographical area. This is a site-specific qualification that allows you to guide visitors on a hike on Table Mountain, a tour of the Kwazulu-Natal Battlefields, or a tour of the ...
Tourist Guide course Online in South Africa
Register as normal and select appropriate course date. Indicate whether you want to do the Culture, Nature or combined Tour Guiding Course. You can now start at any time that is convenient for you. Alternatively please contact us on+27 (0) 71 684 7184 for a clear outline of the process. Registration and Dates.
Tourist Guide Institute
Share your love for Cape Town and South Africa with others by becoming a tourist guide. "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not." ... Tourist Guide Institute offers both full time and online courses to individuals who want to become registered tour guides and/or tour operators in South ...
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Tourist guides are further categorised according to the are-as in which they operate e.g. site or provincial guides. A site guide is a person who usually guides within a site e.g. at Cango Caves, Shakaland etc. A provincial guide is a person who guides in one or more provinces e.g. Gauteng and/or Western Cape, KwaZulu-
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Tour Guide A tour guide travels with the tourists from their place of arrival to all places they would like to visit in South Africa (specifically in Provinces where tour guide is registered) Tour Operator A tour operator is someone who makes all the arrangements for the tourists who will be visiting SA e.g. accommodation, transport and places ...
Field Guide Course
Become a Field Guide in 55 Days. Always wanted to be a field guide? This high calibre FGASA endorsed, CATHSSETA accredited course will kick-start your career in eco-training and prepare you to become more confident in navigating the African bush in 55 days. One of the most underrated elements of a safari holiday, are the guides.
How To Become A Tour Guide In South Africa
Learn about the categories, qualifications, training and benefits of being a tourist guide in South Africa. Find out how to market yourself to tour operators and join the National Database of registered guides.
Online Training Courses
Tourist Guide Institute offers online tourist guide training courses: Online weekday practicals. Online theory for 7 weeks followed by 5 days of weekday practicals, 1 practical on a Saturday morning and one weekday exam day. Culture Site Guide: LEVEL 4 (SAQA ID: Tg/CultSiteGd/4/0031) (Western Cape Province Regional Guide) To qualify for this ...
Safari Guide Training Course
How do I become a safari guide in South Africa? There are several ways to become a qualified safari guide (also known as a field guide). The 55-day Field Guide Course (NQF2) and the 1-year Professional Field Guide Course cover subjects from geology to the history of human habitation, botany to ecology and animal behaviour.
Become a JHF Tour Guide!
Northwards 21 Rockridge Road, Parktown Johannesburg, South Africa, 2193. Tel: +27 (60) 813 3239
Tourism Guides
Requirements to Register to become a Tourist Guide. Provincial Registrars are appointed in each of the nine provinces to register tourist guides. In order to be registered as a tourist guide in South Africa, a person must meet the following minimum requirements: be a South African citizen or be in possession of a valid work permit;
How to become a Takealot driver: A quick step-by-step guide
The Takealot app has become one of the most popular online platforms in South Africa, with millions of customers using the shopping platform to take advantage of the wide-ranging items available.
Discover 7 Must-Do Activities In Stellenbosch, South Africa
The walking tour of Kayamandi, which means "nice home" in Xhosa, is done with a local guide and provides guests with a unique insight into the area's complex and dynamic history and culture.

How to Become a Tour Guide in South Africa (2024)

Requirements to Become a Tour Guide in South Africa

1. Passion for South Africa

2. Knowledge

3. Language Skills

4. Licensing and Certification

5. People Skills

6. Safety and First Aid

7. Problem-Solving Skills

8. Professionalism

Best Institutions to Train as a Tour Guide in South Africa

1. Cape Town Tourism Guide Training

2. University of Cape Town – Centre for Extra-Mural Studies

3. South African Tourism Institute (SATI)

4. National Department of Tourism

Job Opportunities for a Tour Guide in South Africa

1. Tour Companies

2. National Parks and Reserves

3. Cultural and Heritage Sites

4. Adventure Tourism

5. Self-Employment

6. Educational Institutions

7. Cruise Ships

Tour Guide Job Description in South Africa

How Much Does a Tour Guide Earn in South Africa?

The Importance of a Tour Guide in South Africa

1. Cultural Exchange

2. Economic Contribution

3. Education

4. Environmental Awareness

5. Job Creation

6. Promotion of Local Businesses

5 FAQs about Becoming a Tour Guide in South Africa

Q1: How do I obtain a Tour Guide license in South Africa?

Q2: Can I specialize in a particular type of tour, such as wildlife or adventure tours?

Q3: Do I need to have my transportation for guiding tours?

Q4: Are there opportunities for Tour Guides to work internationally?

Q5: How can I enhance my language skills as a Tour Guide?

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