Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA)

Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA): Setting the Standard for Nature Guiding and Wildlife Education

The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) is the leading professional body for nature guides, field rangers, trackers, and wildlife educators across Southern Africa. Founded in 1990, FGASA plays a critical role in developing and maintaining industry standards for guiding, environmental education, and responsible tourism within the nature-based tourism sector.

FGASA’s mission is to promote professional guiding practices through structured training, quality assurance, and the certification of guides operating in game reserves, national parks, and wilderness areas throughout the region. It provides a comprehensive framework of nationally recognised qualifications, aligned with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), and tailored to meet the specific needs of the ecotourism industry.

The association works closely with training providers, lodges, and conservation bodies to ensure that all guides not only possess accurate ecological knowledge but also uphold high standards in interpretation, ethics, and guest safety. FGASA-certified guides are highly respected within the international safari and conservation community.

FGASA also encourages lifelong learning and career development, offering specialisations in areas such as birding, marine guiding, and cultural guiding. This helps expand employment opportunities and supports the professionalisation of guiding across diverse environments and ecosystems.

As a voluntary membership-based organisation, FGASA also advocates for sustainable tourism and conservation awareness, reinforcing the guide’s role as an ambassador for both nature and responsible travel.

Whether you’re an aspiring field guide, a tour operator seeking credible staff, or a nature lover wanting to deepen your understanding, FGASA is the benchmark for excellence in Southern Africa’s guiding industry.