Senior Course Overview
Senior Course Overview
Nestled on a beautiful private game farm in the heart of the Northern Cape near Douglas, our dedicated training institution offers a range of industry-leading courses designed for passionate individuals eager to work in the farming, eco-tourism and wildlife management sectors.
We specialize in core programs such as Field Guiding, Game Lodge- and Game Ranch Management, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in farming, conservation and hospitality. Our students benefit from hands-on experience, which is a crucial part of our philosophy – Learning by Doing.
All our courses are delivered by experienced industry experts, ensuring the highest standards of training.
The practical component is the cornerstone of our training – students actively participate and engage in real-world operations rather than just observe. This immersive approach ensures they gain genuine skills, confidence and readiness for the workplace.
We operate beyond the classroom by taking students to other game farms/game lodges, giving them invaluable, real-world experience. This holistic training prepares students to do the work – to develop a strong work ethic, character and practical expertise.
At Northern Cape Nature Academy we are tight-knit family. With only 14 students per year, we ensure personalised attention, quality instruction and meaningful mentorship. We don’t just train, we guide each student step-by-step through CV building, job applications and supporting them throughout their career journey.
Our program is ideal for those with a passion for the outdoors and farming. It will challenge you on multiple levels – pushing you to grow personally and professionally. The journey is about more than skills; it’s about character, resilience, and shaping lifelong connections.
Come and immerse yourself in the serenity of the Northern Cape’s nature, meet inspiring people and network with professionals who can make a significant difference in your career. Here, you will not only learn, but thrive as part of a supportive, dedicated community focused on your growth and success.
Do you know what is the best part? All of this is presented in our beautiful language, AFRIKAANS.
Our Game Ranch Management Course – and accredited Unit Standard based NQF 4 program is designed to equip you with essential skills for a successful career in South Africa’s vibrant wildlife industry. This course combines theoretical instruction with hands-on practical experience, ensuring you are fully prepared to excel in the workplace.
Our curriculum covers diverse topics, and we emphasize real-world experience, encouraging students to actively participate in every aspect of game farm operations as this is the most effective approach.
We aim to develop motivated individuals capable of delivering exceptional work and making meaningful contributions to the industry.
South Africa’s wildlife sector is promising and ever-expanding, offering exciting opportunities for passionate individuals interested in wildlife and sustainable farming. This course will prepare you to thrive in this dynamic industry of Game Farming.
· Game capture and Removal Operations/ Transport and Permits
· Intensive wildlife production, Monitoring and Data Collection
· Conservation Management Plan
· Accredited Basic Wildfire Fighting Course
· Maintenance of Infrastructure
· Ethical Problem animal Control/Management
· Ethical hunting and Hunting Conservation
· Water and Nutrition Management
· Diseases and Parasites
· Sustainable Soil and Veld management
· Basic and practical Marketing
· Economical aspect of Game Farming
· Crucial Conservation Issues
· General Livestock Management (Cattle, Sheep, Boer goat)
Basic firefighting
Our Game Lodge Management Course is designed to equip you with skills to run a successful business. Whether you want to become a lodge manager or be the owner of a business one day, this course combines practical and theoretical training to provide a great learning experience.
In the practical component students are placed at various lodges and guest farms, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in real working environments with actual guests. This allows students to develop essential operational skills and to understand day-to-day management firsthand. The theoretical component complements the course and prepares students for the administrative part of the workplace.
Although it is not an accredited qualification, our program maintains high standards to ensure students acquire practical knowledge and overall management expertise necessary for success in the lodge industry.
· Exceptional client service
· Welcoming and hosting guests
· General management skills
· General administrative duties
· Housekeeping
· Stock-take
· Food preparation and Serving
· Meetings and Interviews
· Communication
· Wines and Serving Etiquette
· Quality Control
Our Field Guide Course is an accredited FGASA NQF 2 course, presented by Motsumi Bush Courses.
It offers the perfect opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural environment while fostering personal growth. It helps students to interpret and appreciate the beauty and complexity of nature, encouraging a respectful and sustainable approach to the environment.
This diverse curriculum aims to equip you with a well-rounded knowledge base, blending theoretical understanding and practical skills. It is far more than just classroom-based learning, it is hands-on field experiences, mentored by an experienced facilitator. It promotes key personal qualities such as communication, responsibility and leadership-skills vital for working effectively as a professional field guide.
The program provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a field guide or simply seeking knowledge in order to understand the natural environment. It serves as a stepping stone for further learning and development.
· 17 Different modules covering most aspects of the natural environment
· Practical training include daily guided game drives and nature walks
The Safari Kitchen Course is an immersive outdoor experience where students transform their knowledge and practical skills into action. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the veld under evening night sky, students learn to prepare delicious meals over open fire whilst hosting guests. It combines hospitality, teamwork and creativity to ensure an unforgettable experience.
This course is a hands-on adventure and cover menu planning, working within a budget, costing and delivering exceptional service.
Our First Aid Level 1 training is an accredited course designed specifically to meet our needs as a training institution for wildlife enthusiasts.
It covers all essential skills for basic first aid, with expanded theory and practical components tailored to our line of work. For over 13 years, our experienced facilitators have been dedicated to equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to incidents encountered in nature.
This course emphasizes practical skills to help students remain calm and operate efficiently during emergencies, ensuring they are prepared to assist guests and handle situations confidently.
Participation is mandatory for all students, emphasizing our commitment to safety and preparedness.
Certification issued by Supreme First Aid Training.
This course is a valuable non-accredited short course to enhance essential communication skills vital for business success. It holds great importance as it teaches students how to communicate effectively, convey information clearly, interpret and explain ideas convincingly.
The course focus on fostering creativity, strategic planning and preparation, empowering students to develop their vision and take actionable steps toward their goals.
Goal setting is emphasized to help students create a plan for their future, ensuring they are well-prepared and motivated to move forward.
Overall, it provides guidance to find direction, build confidence and improve your ability to communicate and achieve goals.
Additional Courses
COST PROVIDED UPON ENQUIRY
Course Requirements:
Fluent in Afrikaans (main language of instruction, materials in English) South African
National Matric Certificate
Age: 18 – 25 years
Campus visit or an online interview must be arranged
Necessary documentation
Bernadette Visser - Phone: +27 83 660 1148
Email: bernadette.ncna@gmail.com