SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Guiding

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119885	Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Guiding
ORIGINATOR
EcoTraining (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate	Field 11 - Services		Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2032-07-10

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Guiding is designed to provide qualifying learners with the necessary skills and competencies to successfully take up a guiding position in the field of wildlife, dangerous animals, and nature guiding.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to organise and facilitate creative and innovative guiding experiences in natural and conservation environments in line with legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, it will support the enabling of professional, well-planned, informative, and enjoyable guided experiences for both national and international tourists focusing on experiences in natural environments within South Africa.

The qualification aims to accomplish the following:

Equip learners with the relevant background and understanding of the principles of guiding specifically in wildlife, dangerous animals and nature guiding within a South African context.

Prepare learners for entry into guiding wildlife, dangerous animals, and nature by means of establishing the necessary planning, execution, and service provision skills to enable a positive, informative experience for tourists.

Establish the relevant underpinning knowledge to support operation as a regional, provincial, or national guide within the specialisation of wildlife, dangerous animals, and nature guiding.

Rationale:
Tourist Guiding and the provision of tourist guiding services take place in a highly regulated environment. It is a legislative requirement that any individual operating as a Tourist Guide in South Africa needs to register with the National Department responsible for tourism. Such registration is dependent upon the learner complying with the requirements as laid down at the time by the relevant governing body.

The successful completion of this qualification does not allow the successful learner to operate as a tourist guide without satisfying all the requirements laid down by the governing authority. These requirements for legal and regulatory compliance include:

Evidence of recognised training against qualifications registered on the NQF or proof of a qualification issued by a governing body.

Adequate specialisation in terms of operating as a site, regional, provincial, or national tourist guide.

Being in possession of a current first aid certificate.

Being in possession of a current public driver's permit (PDP) where applicable.

Being in possession of required firearms proficiency certificates and licensing if applicable, in the case of guiding dangerous game including the big five.

The qualification introduces learners to the basic principles, theory, and practice of guiding as well as the relevant knowledge and experience in the specialisation of nature guiding as it applies to the viewing of game, and dangerous game on foot. It provides exposure to the knowledge underpinning the handling of guiding within a natural or conservation area context whilst making provision for the handling of safety associated with the viewing of wildlife and dangerous animals, to support the provision of career path development in tourism and specifically the guiding environment.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, without endorsement.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,115 Credits:

End User Computing, 10 Credits.

English Communication, 10 Credits.

Introduction to Ecotourism and Nature Guiding in South Africa, 15 Credits.

Guiding ethics and safety, 5 Credits.

Planning and conducting a guided experience, 20 Credits.

Basic Ecology, 20 Credits.

Animal Studies, 20 Credits.

Vegetation Studies, 10 Credits.

Animal Tracking, 5 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 5 Credits (select one module)

Viewing Dangerous Animals on Foot, 5 Credits.

Navigation, 5 Credits.

Birding, 5 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate the effective use of communication skills in support of the execution of guiding experiences and environment.
2. Apply knowledge and understanding of ecology in support of the planning and execution of a wildlife and nature guiding experience.
3. Demonstrate the management of self and people to ensure the maintenance of ethical conduct, minimal environmental impact practices and safety during a nature guiding experience.
4. Demonstrate effective planning skills in the development of a nature guiding experience on foot in an area that includes potentially dangerous game.
5. Demonstrate the use of navigation or birding skills and knowledge to enhance an ecotourism guiding experience.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply computer literacy skills to draw up word documents, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations in support of the planning and execution of guiding activities.

Develop and present documentation in support of different types of communication.

Gather, Interpret, consolidate, and present information in support of different operational areas in the guiding environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identify, interpret, and provide information pertaining to climate and weather patterns relevant to a selected guiding environment.

Identify, interpret and provide information about obvious and distinctive geological features in the area of operation.

Identify and point out the most prominent stars, planets, and constellations in the night sky in support of a nature-guiding experience.

Identify, interpret, and provide information relating to human habitation and cultural history as it applies to a selected natural or conservation environment.

Identify and interpret obvious sights, sounds and behaviour patterns relevant to a range of fauna in the natural environment.

Identify, interpret, and provide information pertaining to a range of flora in the natural environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply knowledge and understanding of the tourism environment in terms of the nature-guiding context.

Explain the legal context in which guiding functions and operates from the perspective of its impact on nature guiding.

Apply effective planning skills in the development of a nature-guiding itinerary for a group of tourists in a selected natural / conservation site.

Conduct a nature-guiding experience by approaching, viewing, interpreting, and explaining animal behaviour both in terms of ecological and safety impact.

Apply guiding practices in support of the execution of a nature guiding experience.

Conduct nature-guiding experiences to meet customer needs and expectations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Conduct a guiding experience involving potentially dangerous animals to meet customer needs and expectations.

Conduct a nature-guiding experience by approaching, viewing, interpreting, and explaining animal behaviour both in terms of ecological and safety impact.

Apply the management of self and people to ensure the maintaining of ethical conduct, minimal environmental impact practices and safety during a nature guiding experience involving potentially dangerous game.

Demonstrate firearm proficiency and action drills as it applies to the handling of an attack by potentially dangerous game.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply guiding practices including navigation or birding knowledge and skills in support of the execution of a nature guiding experience.

Apply navigation or birding skills to enhance an ecotourism guiding experience.

Conduct a nature-guiding experience by using, interpreting, and explaining navigational or birding information to participants.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and must ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. For this purpose, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification.

Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably aligned. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values shown in the qualification should be integrated through the practical application of skills in relevant environments. Assessment of the communication, language and the execution of guiding activities should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic contexts wherever possible.

A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

During integrated assessments, the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.
Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. It is required that learners can arrange for assessment in an appropriate natural environment.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: Australia
Institution: The Mara Training Centre/ Natucate
Qualification Title: Certificate IV in Tourism (Guiding)

Purpose/Modules in Qualification
The Australian qualification in Tourism Guiding (SIT40107 Certificate IV in Tourism (Guiding) Australia) provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in a broad range of highly-developed technical guiding skills or specialisation in a limited range of skills and knowledge. This is a very similar approach followed due to the reality that guiding is an occupation that relies on a knowledge base of particular destinations, local areas or regions, sites, tourist precincts or subject matter.

Compulsory Modules:

Work with colleagues and customers

Work in a socially diverse environment

Follow health, safety, and security procedures

Identify hazards, and assess and control safety risks

Work as a guide

Coordinate and operate a tour

Lead tour groups

Prepare and present tour commentaries or activities

Develop and maintain the general and regional knowledge required by guides

Develop and update tourism industry knowledge

Apply first aid

Elective Modules:

Environmental Sustainability

Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainable Food and Beverage

Provide table service of alcoholic beverages

Provide responsible service of alcohol

Conduct a product tasting for alcoholic beverages

Provide specialised advice on Australian wines

Provide first aid in remote situation Guiding

Provide arrival and departure assistance

Manage extended touring programs

Research and share general information on Australian Indigenous cultures

Interpret aspects of local Australian Indigenous culture

Prepare specialised interpretive content on flora, fauna, and landscape

Prepare specialised interpretive content on marine environments

Prepare specialised interpretive content on cultural and heritage environments

The Australian qualification's compulsory modules compare very well to the fundamental and core focus areas of the S qualification in terms of a strong focus on communication, effective planning and conducting of a guided experience and the acquisition of relevant knowledge of a guided focus area.

The SA qualification differentiates itself in that it provides a clear and specific focus on Wildlife, Animals and Nature guiding - a component provided as an elective contextual area in the Australian qualification. (SITTGDE010A Prepare specialised interpretive content on flora, fauna, and landscape)

The elective stream in the Australian qualification has a strong tourism and hospitality focus which is not included in the elective stream for the SA qualification since guiding experiences in South Africa are often provided within a tourism context already providing these support services. The aim of the SA qualification, with its broader range of wildlife, thus selects to provide a broader focus on the context of the guided activity - with the result that a lot more emphasis is placed on Ecology and the study of Fauna and Flora within the diversity of the South African nature environment. Likewise, thus the option to specialise in the viewing of dangerous animals.

Country: Kenya
Institution: Kenyatta University School of Hospitality and Tourism
Qualification Title: Diploma in Tour Guiding and Administration (Tour Guiding)
Duration: Two years

Module focus areas in Qualification
Module 1 consists of the following courses:

Fundamentals of tourism.

Natural history of East Africa Fauna and Flora.

Tour guiding techniques.

Touristic history.

Travel operations and customer care.

Module 2 is made up of the following courses:

Tour operations.

Travel agency operations.

Tourism geography.

Fundamentals of hotel operations.

Foreign language.

Tourism accounting.

Tourism economics.

Business plan.

Module 3 incorporates the following courses:

Principles and practices of management.

Tourism policy and planning.

Tourism product development.

Eco tourism.

Tourism marketing.

Public relations.

Research project operations.

Similarities

Both qualifications have a strong emphasis on guiding skills as well as a solid orientation towards tourism as well as technical knowledge pertaining to Fauna and Flora of the region.

The Kenyan qualification is a guiding qualification in the same field with similarity to the South African wildlife environment.

Differences:
The qualification is however in essence a Tourism and Travel qualification with a very strong focus on travel and tourism - an area of study that in the South African context consists of its own qualification stream and learning pathway.

The Kenyatta University School of Hospitality and Tourism qualification is a two-year qualification while the south African is one year.

Conclusion:
The concluded international comparison provides strong support in terms of the content and focus of the envisaged SA qualification. It is evident from the qualifications perused that the focus as per the core modules compares very well within nature guiding similarities. The SA qualification clearly provides a strong specialisation in terms of guiding focus.

Differences observed, can be explained in terms of the differentiation between the Tourism and Guiding sectors in the South African context as well as the differences in duration. Provision for specialisation in the viewing of dangerous animals is a pertinent difference in terms of comparisons concluded - but is necessitated by the approach to Eco-Tourism and the expectations of tourists and clients in South Africa utilising a guide within a nature and wildlife environment. The emphasis on wildlife and dangerous game safety is thus regarded as a positive rather than a restrictive difference in qualification and specialisation approach.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Ecotourism Management, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate: Travel and Tourism, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Tourism Management NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Travel and Tourism, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Ecotourism Management, NQF Level 6.

Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism Management, NQF Level 7.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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