Frankfurt to field guide: Starting a safari career in South Africa

It’s Monday. I’ve just said goodbye to my friends and family at the airport, and now I’m sitting at the gate watching travellers pass by. Each person around me is heading somewhere, maybe a honeymoon, a business trip, a long-awaited reunion. As for me? I’ve got field boots on, a sleeping bag clipped to my backpack, and a head full of nerves, excitement, and an overwhelming sense of adventure.

I’m Nathalie, though most people call me Nats. I grew up in Frankfurt, Germany, in a family that’s always had a strong connection to southern Africa. Over the years, we’ve spent a lot of time here in South Africa, so much so that it stopped feeling like a destination. It started feeling like home. The people, the landscapes, the rhythm of life… it all just resonated. Some of the friendships we’ve made along the way have grown into something more lasting, and returning here always feels like reconnecting with a part of myself.

I’ve always known I wanted to follow my passion for Africa, so I studied tourism management. I even spent a semester abroad working for a tour operator in Cape Town, then continued in the tourism industry back in Germany. For a while, that path made sense.

Then one day, I had to prepare a university presentation on sustainable tourism. One section was focused on the status of animal poaching in South Africa’s national parks. It was a small section, only a few slides, but while I spoke, something clicked. For context, I usually over-prepare for presentations (public speaking isn’t my favourite), but that day I barely glanced at my notes. I just spoke from the heart – my professor had to cut me off, and told me he’d never seen someone speak with so much passion. That moment stayed with me. I knew then that I needed to connect my love for Africa and wildlife in a more hands-on and meaningful way.

After months of research, late nights at work, and questioning everything, one email changed the course of my life: You’re booked.

Fast forward to July 8th: I’m sitting at OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa, waiting for my transfer to Bushwise Mahlahla Campus. That’s where I meet my classmates – the people I’ll spend the next six months learning and growing with. We’re a mixed bunch: some fresh out of school, some international students who’ve never set foot in Africa, and a few seasoned South Africans who probably learned to track animals before they could walk. We’re different in many ways, but united by one thing – a deep love for the bush and its wildlife. Being surrounded by people who share that passion is incredibly energising.

The first few days at camp flew by. New faces, settling into a new rhythm, carrying a torch to the bathroom at night, and quickly learning the golden rule: always check your boots before putting them on.

Once orientation and admin were behind us, it was time for our first sleep-out in the bush. You could feel the buzz of excitement among all of us. We stocked up on snacks in town, packed our gear, and loaded up the safari vehicles. There’s something incredibly humbling about being out in the wild without the comfort of a vehicle or a roof over your head. Your senses sharpen, and every rustle and distant call feels amplified. That night reminded me why I fell in love with South Africa, and why the idea of a traditional nine-to-five just doesn’t appeal to me anymore.

During my watch duty (everyone on a sleepout takes turns to keep an eye out for any species that might walk past), I heard lions roaring in the distance. Possibly a leopard, too! After my turn, I climbed back into my sleeping bag, looked up at the stars, and realised that every moment of doubt and every step along the way – it’s all led me here. And here? This feels right. I can’t wait to see what’s next in this beautiful country.

If Nathalie’s story resonated with you and you’d like to explore the wild for yourself, Bushwise offers a selection of wildlife courses designed to help you turn your passion into purpose.