KPSGA Bronze, Silver and Gold Certifications for Tour Guides

The Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) offers a tiered certification program aimed at improving the skills and professionalism of safari guides in Kenya. This structured program ensures that guides possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to offer high-quality wildlife and cultural experiences to visitors. The certification is divided into three main levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold, each with increasing complexity and requirements.

What is KPSGA Certification? #

KPSGA Certification refers to the professional accreditation offered by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA), aimed at elevating the standards of safari guiding in Kenya. The certification process includes three levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—each representing progressive expertise in wildlife knowledge, guiding skills, and environmental conservation.

KPSGA-certified guides are recognized for their adherence to ethical standards, in-depth understanding of Kenya’s wildlife and ecosystems, and their ability to deliver high-quality safari experiences. This certification is highly regarded by employers, international tour operators, and regulatory bodies, making it a benchmark for professionalism in the safari industry.

KPSGA Membership Benefits #

Paid-up members of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) enjoy numerous benefits, including:

1. Industry Recognition: KPSGA certification is highly regarded across the safari and tourism industry, with many employers seeking candidates with KPSGA membership.
2. Career Advancement: Employers often offer salary increments based on a guide’s KPSGA level, and international operators prefer KPSGA-certified guides.
3. Professional Growth: KPSGA offers voluntary exams that provide opportunities for guides to demonstrate the advancement of their knowledge and skills throughout their careers.
4. Licensing Assistance: Members receive a letter from KPSGA to fulfill the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Class E license requirement, a valuable benefit for freelance guides and owner-operators.
5. Government and Industry Support: KPSGA collaborates with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF), and other key bodies to represent and advocate for safari guides.
6. Exclusive Training Opportunities: Members access sustainable ecotourism training, guiding workshops, and expert-led lectures for continuous learning. See more on Green Tour Kenya.
7. Resource Access: Members enjoy free access to a growing library of online resources, including books, articles, videos, and more.
8. Networking and Updates: Regular newsletters, events, and industry updates keep members informed of key developments in the tourism sector.
9. Administrative & Legal Support: KPSGA provides administrative and legal assistance, helping members navigate regulatory processes.

KPSGA’s collaboration with KWS, MOTW, KATO, and other key institutions ensures high standards and recognition for certified guides, positioning them as leaders in Kenya’s safari industry.

Membership Fees: #

• Bronze Member: KES 2,500/- per year
• Silver Member: KES 3,500/- per year
• Gold Member: KES 4,000/- per year

1. Bronze Level Certification #

The Bronze certification is the entry-level qualification for guides and is designed to ensure that they have basic knowledge of the flora, fauna, and geography of Kenya, along with essential guiding skills. It is the most accessible level and is ideal for guides with limited experience who are just starting their careers in the safari industry.

• Requirements:
  • Applicants must have at least 6 months of guiding experience in Kenya.
  • Pass a written examination that covers general wildlife knowledge, safety, first aid, and customer care.
  • Basic understanding of the behavior of common animals, birds, and plants in the region.
• Skills Focused:
  • Identification of common mammals, birds, and trees.
  • Ability to conduct an organized game drive.
  • General knowledge of Kenya’s ecosystems and major parks.
  • Basic safety and first-aid protocols.
• Benefits:
  • Ideal for junior guides who want to establish themselves in the tourism industry.
  • Recognized across Kenya as a professional benchmark for entry-level safari guides.

Recommended Books to read;

• A Safari Guide To Kenya – Compiled by Tana Helfer Herbert (available from the KPSGA office for KES 1,800/-)
• The Kenyan Safari Quiz Book – Leckie Nature Consultants (available from the KPSGA office for KES 1,750/-)
• The East African Safari Quiz Book – Bogdan & Stefan Rozwadowski (unfortunately out of print)
• Stuart’s Field Guide to the National Parks & Game Reserves of East Africa – Chris & Tilde Stuart
• Secondary School Atlas
• Form 1-4 Geography Text Books
• Form 1-4 History Text Books

As of late September 2024, there are 881 Bronze-certified KPSGA certified guides.

2. Silver Level Certification #

The Silver certification is the next step up from Bronze and is intended for guides with several years of experience in the field. This level tests a guide’s deeper understanding of ecology, conservation, and advanced guiding techniques. A Silver-certified guide is expected to not only lead safaris but also provide in-depth knowledge of the wildlife, culture, and environment, along with interpreting complex behaviors of animals.

• Requirements:
  • At least 2 years of experience as a Bronze-certified guide or equivalent.
  • A recommendation from a senior guide or company.
  • Pass a more challenging written and practical exam that includes topics such as ecology, conservation practices, animal behavior, and tourism ethics.
  • Demonstrate competence in birding, botany, and tracking.
• Skills Focused:
  • In-depth knowledge of mammal and bird identification.
  • Understanding the intricacies of predator-prey relationships.
  • Basic understanding of geology, astronomy, and the local Maasai culture.
  • Practical navigation and tracking skills.
• Benefits:
  • Recognition as an experienced, knowledgeable guide who can lead more demanding and specialized tours.
  • Enables guides to charge higher fees for their services due to their advanced expertise.

As per KPSGA’s webpage on recommended books to read, below is a list recommended for Bronze level certification/exams;

• KPSGA Silver Syllabus  (Available at KPSGA head office for KES 1,300/-)
• St John’s Ambulance First Aid Handbook
• Pathfinder: Illustrated For Naturalists – Janesta Pullela 
• Kenya: A Natural History – Stephen Spawls and Glenn Matthews 
• The Wilderness Guardian – Tim Corfield 

As of late September 2024, there are 269 Silver-Certified KPSGA guides.

3. Gold Level Certification #

The Gold certification is the highest and most prestigious level awarded by KPSGA. It is reserved for the most experienced and skilled guides who possess comprehensive knowledge of wildlife, advanced ecology, and conservation issues. Gold-certified guides are expected to be leaders in their field, often taking on roles such as trainers, mentors, or safari camp managers. They must demonstrate the ability to handle difficult guiding situations and provide expert-level insights into the natural world.

• Requirements:
  • At least 3 years of experience as a Silver-certified guide.
  • Provide multiple recommendations from senior professionals within the industry.
  • Pass a rigorous examination that includes advanced wildlife knowledge, cultural awareness, and field-tested guiding skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership in conservation initiatives, involvement in community projects, or contributions to wildlife research.
• Skills Focused:
  • Expert-level knowledge of Kenyan ecosystems, endangered species, and advanced tracking.
  • Deep understanding of the role of conservation in tourism and the broader environmental challenges faced by Kenya.
  • Ability to lead specialized safaris, such as bird-watching tours, photography safaris, or scientific research expeditions.
  • Skilled in delivering exceptional customer experiences with a focus on interpretation and storytelling.
• Benefits:
  • Gold-certified guides are regarded as experts in their field and can command premium fees for their services.
  • Opportunity for career advancement into management, training, or advisory roles within the tourism industry.
  • Access to exclusive guiding opportunities, such as working with high-profile clients or scientific teams.
• There are currently 32 Gold-certified KPSGA guides.

Below are all other recommended books by KPSGA; #

Birds

• Birds of East Africa (2^nd Edition) – Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe (Android & iOS smartphone app also available)
• Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania – Dale Zimmerman, Ron Pearson, Don Turner
• Merlin Bird ID (free smartphone app published by Cornell University)
• Birds of Africa (free smartphone app published by the African Bird Club)
• Birds of Africa South of the Sahara – Peter Ryan & Ian Sinclair
• Beat About the Bush: Birds – Trevor Carnaby
• Birds: The Inside Story – Rael & Helene Loon
• Birds of Prey of Africa and its Islands – Megan and Alan Kemp

Mammals

• Kingdon Guide to African Mammals (2^nd Edition) – Jonathan Kingdon (Android & iOS Smartphone app also available)
• Field Guide to the Mammals of Africa – Chris and Mathilde Stuart (Android & iOS Smartphone app also available)
• The Behaviour Guide to African Mammals – Richard D. Estes
• Safari Companion –Richard D. Estes
• Wild Ways – Peter Apps
• Beat About the Bush: Mammals – Trevor Carnaby
• Understanding Elephants: Guidelines for safe & enjoyable elephant viewing

Plants

• Common Trees and Shrubs of East Africa (3^rd Edition) – Najma Dharani
• Kenya Trees, Shrubs, & Lianas – Henk Beentje (out of print, but best book if you can find it)
• Trees of Kenya – Tim Noad & Anne Birnie
• Wildflowers of Kenya & Northern Tanzania – Anne Powys
• Wayside Flowers – Theresa Sapieha
• Acacias of East Africa – Najma Dharani
• Medicinal Plants of East Africa – Najma Dharani & Abiy Yenesew

Invertebrates

• Insects of East Africa Pocket Guide – Dino Martins (Discounted at KPSGA Office)
• Butterflies of East Africa Pocket Guide – Dino Martins & Steve Collins (Discounted at KPSGA Office)
• Invertebrates of Southern Africa and their Tracks & Signs – Lee Gutteridge
• Spiders of Southern Africa – Astri and John Leroy
• Filmer’s Spiders of Southern Africa – Norman Larsen & Martin Filmer
• Insects of Southern Africa – Mike Picker, Alan Weaving, Charles Griffith
• Butterflies of Southern Africa – Steve Woodhall
• Insectlopedia: The secret world of southern African insects – Erik Holm

Reptiles & Amphibians

• Field Guide to East African Reptiles – Stephen Spawls et. Al
• The Amphibians of Kenya – Stephen Spawls, et. Al (discounted at KPSGA Office)
• Field Guide to the Frogs & Other Amphibians of Africa – Alan Channing & Mark-Oliver Rodel

Tracks & Signs

• Field Guide to the Animal Tracks of Southern Africa – Louis Liebenberg (available free online HERE)
• Photographic Guide to Tracks and Tracking in Southern Africa – Louis Liebenberg
• Mammals of Southern Africa and their Tracks & Signs – Lee Gutteridge
• Field Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Southern, Central & East African Wildlife – Chris & Tilde Stuart
• Tracker Manual – Alex Van Den Heever, Karel Benadie, Renias Mhlongo

Conservation/General/Other

• Wildlife Conservation And Tourism in Kenya – Daniel M. Nyeki
• The Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Chapter 376, including all amendments
• 50 Years of Challenge & Achievement – The National Parks of Kenya (KWS)
• The Guide’s Guide To Guiding – Garth Thompson
• The Origins of Humanity in Africa – Emma Mbua (available at Kenya Museum Society)
• Laikipia Natural History Guide
• Nairobi National Park guide (Booklet available from KWS Giftshop at KWS HQ)

Comparison of the 3 KPSGA Certification Levels; #

Here’s an expert table comparing all KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association) certifications across several important criteria:

Key Differences: #

• Experience Required: Each level builds on experience, starting from 6 months for Bronze, 2 years for Silver, and 5 years for Gold.
• Knowledge Areas: Bronze focuses on basic wildlife knowledge, while Silver introduces more in-depth ecological understanding and conservation ethics. Gold demands expert knowledge in ecology, conservation, and cultural awareness.
• Key Skills: Bronze-level guides are competent in basic animal identification and safety. Silver guides have advanced skills in birding, tracking, and ecology. Gold guides demonstrate leadership in conservation and expert-level wildlife interpretation.
• Exam Type: Bronze is a straightforward written exam, while Silver includes both written and practical components. Gold is the most rigorous, assessing not only knowledge but leadership in the field.
• Typical Role: Bronze guides are entry-level, Silver guides are experienced safari leaders, and Gold-certified guides often take on roles in training, conservation leadership, or management.
• Career Benefits: As you progress through the levels, your earning potential, responsibilities, and opportunities for specialized roles increase significantly.

We require all our driver-guides to have signed KPSGA Code of Conduct; #

MasaiMara.ke requires all its drivers to sign the KPSGA Professional Code of Conduct, which upholds the professionalism and integrity of the guiding profession. This code, introduced by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA), ensures high standards are maintained by all members. Here is an expert summary of the code that is vital for all safari guides in Kenya.

1. General Conduct #

Every member of the Association shall:

• Observe the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Do nothing to bring the Association, its Members, or the profession of safari guiding into disrepute.
• Demonstrate integrity, respect, and professionalism at all times while guiding.

2. Compliance with Laws and Regulations #

Every member shall:

• Familiarize themselves with and comply with all applicable laws, codes, regulations, rules, directives, and orders issued by Parliament, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, KPSGA, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), County Governments, Group Ranches, private landowners, or other authorities.
• Take all reasonable steps to ensure that all clients guided comply with these regulations.
• Maintain harmony between tourism activities and wildlife conservation, respecting park rules and responsible wildlife interaction.

3. General Rules for Wildlife Areas #

Members must ensure compliance with the following general rules in any wildlife area which closely resemble the game drive etiquettes:

• Do not disturb wildlife (avoid unnecessary noise, flashing lights, getting closer than 20 meters, or sudden movements).
• Avoid inconveniencing or disturbing other visitors.
• Do not drive on roads that are closed.
• Do not litter; use designated receptacles for waste disposal.
• Avoid discarding burning objects or creating any fire hazards.
• Drive carefully and do not exceed 40 km/h (or the applicable speed limit).
• Do not stand up on the roof or any external surface of the vehicle.
• Enter and exit the area only through authorized entrances or exits and stay within authorized hours.
• Prevent unnecessary damage to the environment, including vegetation and structures.
• Avoid entering areas closed to the public.
• Do not bring pets into wildlife areas.
• Use integrity, honesty, and fairness when interacting with local communities.
• Respect local culture, traditions, and customs.
• Obtain consent before taking photos of any person and respect common decency.
• Never feed wildlife.

4. Discipline #

Every member shall:

• Submit to the jurisdiction of, and comply with any orders issued by, the KPSGA Disciplinary Committee.
• Treat all complaints made against them as privileged.

5. Badges and Identification #

Every member acknowledges that:

• Any badge, certificate, plate, or membership card issued by KPSGA remains the property of the Association.
• The badge must be prominently displayed on the upper portion of the front of their body while guiding.
• The badge, certificate, plate, or membership card must be returned immediately if membership is suspended or ceased.

6. Indication of Membership #

• Every bronze, silver, and gold member of the Association may indicate their membership by using the letters MKPSGA after their name, signifying their professional status within the Association.

By adhering to this KPSGA Code of Conduct, Masai Mara Kenya ensures its drivers provide high-quality services, respect wildlife and local laws, and enhance the overall safari experience for guests.

Conclusion #

The KPSGA certification system is designed to enhance the professionalism of safari guides in Kenya, ensuring that guides at each level are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide world-class safari experiences. From basic wildlife knowledge at the Bronze level to advanced conservation leadership at the Gold level, these certifications are a critical benchmark for improving the quality of guiding services across Kenya’s renowned safari destinations, including the Masai Mara.