Category: FGASA Field Guide Course

Field guiding: FGASA practical assessment

Weeks of hard work and practice have led us to this point: FGASA practical assessment. Hours of practice driving, reading and studying the natural world around us culminates in each student leading a three-hour safari. Photo blog by Louise Pavid 2 min read FGASA practical assessment week is always the most hyped five days of...

Anthropomorphism and the safari experience

In this blog, Bushwise award-winning trainer Nico Brits discusses anthropomorphism (the act of attributing human qualities to animals) on the African safari. Does it have a place in guiding? Let’s see what Nico has to say about it… 3 min read As a guide and trainer, anthropomorphism is something that I must deal with more...

Gratitude versus gratuity

In this blog, Bushwise Trainer Darryn Murray discusses gratitude versus gratuity. This delicate question is one that often arises with new field guide trainees. As Darryn describes, it’s essential that we as guides are just as appreciative of earnest gratitude, as we are of generous gratuity.  Read time: 5 mins How do you measure gratitude...

Training as a nature guide in the African bush

Nature guide, nature site guide, field guide or safari guide. You might have heard these terms used interchangeably before. In South Africa, these are all terms used for people who lead guided experiences in the African wilderness.  Safari guides are most often associated with iconic African wildlife, like lions and elephants.  But with the same...

The best way to become a FGASA field guide

So you want to become a FGASA field guide. You might have read that there are a few different avenues you can follow to reach your goal. In this blog, we outline some of the most common ways to become a safari guide, and our recommendations to start your wild career! Read time: 5 min...

What is a field guide? About field guide books

What is a field guide? So you’re interested in guide books. Let’s look at the main features of a field guide book and where you can find them. Read time: 4 mins Here at Bushwise, we train field guides – people who are passionate about nature and want to become ambassadors of the natural world. ...

Training in the bush

If you want to become an ultimate field guide, then you need some training in the bush! Read time: 5 min Francois Theron is the head trainer at Bushwise’s campus in the Greater Kruger National Park, where we train field guide students alongside the Southern African Wildlife College. Back in 2004 when Francois trained to...

Different types of bats: how many are there?

Bats are the second-largest group of mammals, after rodents, and there are tons of different types of bats all around the world. How many different kinds you ask? Well, let’s find out.  All bats fall under the scientific name Chiroptera, a Greek word meaning “hand wing.” Bats can be found almost everywhere in the world....

All about the different types of grasses of Southern Africa

Part of field guiding is uncovering the spectacular in something seemingly mundane – like talking about the different types of grasses of Southern Africa – for example. But you may be surprised by just how interesting the different types of grasses can be, and how important they are to our ecosystems.  While the rustling sound...