A life-changing wildlife experience
Immerse yourself in the African bushveld and get a glimpse of what a career as a field guide might offer. In 60 days of hands-on practical safari guide training and classroom-based learning, you can earn these essential guiding certificates: CATHSSETA NQF2, Bushwise Safari Guide, CyberTracker Track & Sign, Wilderness First Aid and more.
You will become a fully qualified safari guide, ready to enter this competitive industry as a Bushwise graduate. For our international students, all you need to join this course is a visitor’s visa!
Course overview
Awake each morning to the chorus of birds. Fall asleep each night hearing the distant roar of a lion. Welcome to the Lowveld. Welcome to your safari career.
Training on our 60-day Safari Guide course is held in Big Five territory, where you’ll observe animals in their natural habitat. Days are spent studying, going on game drives, observing wildlife, learning new skills and putting knowledge into practice. Train with expert and award-winning instructors as you learn wildlife theory, hospitality, storytelling, conservation, lodge management, animal behaviour and much more. Bushwise has built a reputation as a leading training provider in the safari industry and offers the most comprehensive courses available.
The aim of the safari guide course is to provide a well-rounded and specialised education, and is specifically developed to provide vocational skills and qualifications required by employers in the Southern African region.
Qualifications
On this course you’ll earn your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification, the main qualification required to guide in South Africa. Bushwise is directly accredited by CATHSSETA and we will register you for this certification when you pass your assessments. You’ll also earn many other certificates, including First Aid, Reptile Handling, Track & Sign and more. Learn more in the qualifications tab above.
Why study with Bushwise?
Bushwise Field Guides was founded by a passionate conservationist. After her long and fruitful career in conservation, she realised there is a need for professional field guides to help ethically sustain our natural environment. This passion gave birth to Bushwise in 2006, and since then, we’ve delivered the cream of the crop to the safari industry. It’s our passion, respect and dedication to nature that drives us to keep on improving our courses.
92% of lodges prefer Bushwise grads
When lodges see the Bushwise and IFGA name, they know you’ve received the top-tier field guiding education. In fact, lodges regularly request Bushwise grads for open positions. That’s because we understand what employers are looking for, and prepare you in the best way possible to enter the industry. We also work closely with key players in the wildlife sector to align our curriculum with the latest industry requirements.
Why study with Bushwise?
Bushwise Field Guides was founded by a passionate conservationist. After her long and fruitful career in conservation, she realised there is a need for professional field guides to help ethically sustain our natural environment. This passion gave birth to Bushwise in 2006, and since then, we’ve delivered the cream of the crop to the safari industry. It’s our passion, respect and dedication to nature that drives us to keep on improving our courses.
No.1 rated on TrustPilot
Our courses consistently rank highest on multiple review platforms, from No.1 on TrustPilot to our top ratings on Google, Facebook, GoAbroad, and GoOverseas. We produce the best field guides entering the industry, and lodges regularly contact us to request alumni for their job openings.
Award winning trainers
The Bushwise team includes award-winning staff, including Pioneer Moyo and Nico Brits, category winners from the Safari Guide of the Year competition 2022 and 2023. Our trainers are experts in their field, and are constantly gaining experience and knowledge themselves. We are a specialised and committed team, with nearly a century of experience combined. We have experts in entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany and more.
Personalised learning
Our courses and training are completely personalised, to understand each individual’s strengths and growth opportunities. When you need extra guidance on a topic, our trainers will be there to give you the support you need. During our classroom-based workbook sessions, you will engage directly with our trainers. You’ll also be taken through a detailed consolidation session of your workbooks in preparation for exams and assessments.
Support at every step
Feel safe and supported throughout your time with us. Safety and first aid training are a priority that we take seriously. Bushwise’s practical courses are unique due to the amount of learning support we give students. When you need extra guidance on a topic, our trainers will be there to give you the support you need.
