Becoming a tour guide in Cape Town offers an exciting opportunity to share the city’s rich cultural heritage, awesome landscapes, and fascinating history with visitors from around the world. Cape Town is a top tourist destination, making it an ideal place for passionate, knowledgeable individuals to build a career in the tourism industry. Whether leading walking tours through historic neighbourhoods, guiding scenic drives along the Cape Peninsula, or introducing guests to local cuisine and wine, tour guides play a key role in shaping memorable travel experiences. How to become a tour guide in Cape Town, South Africa – you must meet specific legal and professional requirements.
Complete an Accredited Tour Guide Training Course
You must complete a training course that is:
Accredited by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA).
Specific to the region (e.g., Western Cape) and type of guiding (e.g., nature guide, cultural guide, adventure guide).
Course Topics may include:
South African history & heritage
First aid training
Communication & customer service
Safety & environmental awareness
Legal & ethical guiding practices
Get a Valid First Aid Certificate
It must be from a recognized provider (such as St John, Red Cross, or other accredited institutions).
Level 1 is usually the minimum, but higher levels are recommended.
Register with the Department of Tourism
After completing your training:
You must register with the Department of Tourism as a legal tour guide.
You will receive a Tour Guide Registration Card, which must be worn while guiding.
Requirements for registration:
Certified ID/passport copy
Certified copies of training and first aid certificates
Proof of residence
Passport-sized photo
Completed registration form (provided by your provincial tourism office)
NOTE: In Cape Town, registration is done via the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
Choose Your Guiding Category
South Africa classifies tour guides into:
Site Guide – specific locations (e.g., museums, Robben Island)
Regional Guide – specific provinces or regions
National Guide – whole of South Africa
(Most start as Regional Guides for the Western Cape).
Optional but Helpful Additions include –
Language skills (especially German, French, or Mandarin)
Driver’s license and Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) if transporting tourists
Membership in professional bodies like FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa), if guiding in nature or adventure tourism
How Long Does It Take?
Training courses typically last 6–12 weeks (full-time), or longer if part-time.
Becoming a Tour Guide in Cape Town offers a few employment opportunities in the tour guide profession including historical guides, adventure guides, museum guides, nature guides, city tours, park guides, and freelance guides. The industry also cover related occupations such as event planners, tour operators, and travel agents.
Tour Guide Roles
Historical Guide – Focuses on leading visitors through historical landmarks and sites.
Adventure Guide – Leads groups on outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, or kayaking.
Museum Guide – Provides information and tours within museums, showcasing their exhibits.
Nature Guide – Educates visitors about the natural environment, including flora, fauna, and ecosystems.
City Guide – Leads tours of a specific city, highlighting its landmarks, culture, and attractions.
Park Guide – Works in national parks or reserves, educating visitors about the park’s features and resources.
Freelance Guide – Works independently, offering guiding services for various organizations or directly to clients.
You can find a list of CATHSSETA-accredited training providers and assessors on the CATHSSETA website. The Tourist Guide Registration Office is located at the Ground Floor, NBS Waldorf Arcade, 80 St George’s Mall, Cape Town. For general inquiries, you can call 0860 142 142 (select option 3) or email Registrar.Registrar@westerncape.gov.za.
