FGASA is pleased to announce a new collaboration with Prof. Gerhard Nortjé from the University of South Africa (Unisa), aimed at advancing best practices in sustainable game drives and off-road driving within the tourist guiding industry.
This initiative builds on the recent release of Sustainable Game Drives and Off-Road Driving: Management, Principles, and Rehabilitation—a practical, research-based booklet authored by Prof. Nortjé in partnership with &Beyond. As a pioneering luxury travel company, &Beyond has long championed responsible tourism and conservation, curating extraordinary adventures in some of the world’s most irreplaceable wild places. This publication reflects that ethos, providing scientifically grounded guidance on how guides and lodge operators can minimise ecological disturbance while delivering outstanding guest experiences. Drawing from extensive field research and conservation expertise, it highlights how responsible vehicle use supports biodiversity, soil and vegetation resilience, and long-term ecosystem health—values that lie at the heart of &Beyond’s purpose-driven approach to travel.
Recognising the strong alignment with FGASA’s mission to uphold professional guiding standards, FGASA will incorporate key principles from the publication into the FGASA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework.
Planned actions include the following:
1. Book inclusion: The booklet will soon be available through the FGASA bookshop, both online and in print.
2. CPD course development: A new online short course based on the booklet is in development, featuring recorded lectures, case studies and discussion sessions led by Prof. Nortjé.
3. Practical field components: In addition to the theory modules, optional field-based workshops will be hosted in partner lodges and reserves, giving guides the opportunity to apply sustainable off-road and vehicle-management techniques in real-world conditions.
4. Research engagement: Selected summaries and applied findings from ongoing research will be shared through the FGASA Research Repository, fostering knowledge exchange between academia and guiding professionals.
“Sustainability in the guiding industry begins with understanding the land (soil) beneath our tyres,” notes Prof. Nortjé. “Every path (track) we leave should reflect both our respect for nature and our responsibility as interpreters of the wild.”
FGASA Managing Director Michelle du Plessis adds: “This collaboration strengthens our commitment to evidence-based training and continuing professional development. It bridges the gap between scientific research and practical guiding skills, and it will benefit our entire community.”
More details on the CPD course, practical sessions and book availability will be announced soon. FGASA members are encouraged to stay tuned for updates and take advantage of these new opportunities to enhance their guiding expertise.