Bushwise trainer, Author at Bushwise

Learning the language of the bush: Cybertracker track and sign

Track and sign with Cybertracker is a valuable and wonderful part of Bushwise Professional Field Guide training. Bushwise students learn valuable skills that help them interpret the footprints and other marks they see in the bush. Anti-poaching units, such as K9 units, also use these tactics when working in the field. Trainer Darryn Murray...

How do birds get their colour?

A question many of us have asked ourselves at some point in time: How do birds get their colour? Bushwise trainer Wayne Lubbe brings his expertise to explain why we see those vibrant colours. Feathers have made it possible for birds to take to the air efficiently and successfully, enabling species to spread globally. The...

Animal social structures – solitary or gregarious?

In this blog, Nico (trainer with Bushwise and finalist for Safari Guide of the Year 2022) describes animal social structures. Discussing animal groupings, animal behaviour and animal dynamics is all part of being a successful guide. As a guide trainer, it’s important to have the skills to pass this information on to your students. ...

Advanced rifle handling with Bushwise

Bushwise trainer Darryn Murray describes advanced rifle handling training scenarios and safety. ARH is an important part of becoming a trails guide. “The name is Bond, James Bond….” Hopefully we have all heard this line at least once in our lives? “James Bond, licence to kill…” Well, when field guides are trained to use a rifle...

South African plants and cultural beliefs

South Africa is home to a huge variety of plant life, with many plants holding important cultural, medicinal and spiritual values. Bushwise trainer Francois Theron explores the role of South African plants and why this knowledge is important for safari guides. South Africa is exceptionally rich in plant diversity and accounts for more than 20,000...

Astronomy and mythology: written in the stars

This article was written by Ben Coley, Bushwise Trainer and author of the new Specialist Astronomy Qualification now offered by FGASA. Since the dawn of time, humans have looked to the heavens to understand the world. From learning to interpret the passing of time, to navigating at night, to predicting the best times of the...

Safari in Africa: sightings that last a lifetime

This blog was written by Darryn, one of the Bushwise trainers. Here, Darryn reflects on his incredible experiences working in the bush, including two unforgettable memories on safari. BY: Darryn Murray Since I started my guiding career 11 years ago, I have heard guests make remarks such as, “You have the greatest job in the...

The Birmingham Pride

Lions. Lions are without doubt the most sought after sighting for safari-goers throughout Africa. First timers and veterans alike will always be delighted at the sight of Africa’s largest cat. And even more so, the famed, revered and iconic white lions of the Timbavati. But what is in a white lion? What makes...

A Nature Nerd’s Paradise

By: Callum Evans Callum, a Bushwise graduate, looks back on all the weird and wonderful, small and elusive animals he spotted during his time with Bushwise Field Guides. When I arrived at Bushwise for the Bushwise Professional Field Guide course, I was prepared to see a decent amount of animals and plants. But during my...

Exciting Collaboration: Bushwise Field Guides and the Southern African Wildlife College

By: Annie DuPre, FGASA NQF2 and Apprentice Trails Guide We are beyond thrilled to announce a new collaboration between Bushwise Field Guides and the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC). Our two organisations have entered into a symbiotic training agreement, focused on trainer transformation and developing the gold standard for guide training. This agreement kicked off...