Nature Enthusiast online course

Info

Become an African nature and wildlife expert. Attend expert-led masterclasses, learn through engaging discussions and earn a certificate from the top-rated provider of field guide qualifications.

Next start date 08 January 2024

Course Frequency Every 3 months

Duration 8 weeks

Time Commitment 10 hours per week

Format Self-paced, online

Age 16 and above

Language English

price From £ 720

enquire

Overview

Is this online conservation course the right one for you?

You have a keen interest in wildlife, conservation and nature. You’d like to learn more through an online wildlife course, and maybe work towards getting your FGASA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification one day, but don’t want to take the leap into a full-time professional field guide course just yet. You have some free time and an internet connection, and would like to learn more about African wildlife.

If this sounds like you, then this course is a great option. Our interactive FGASA-endorsed online conservation course is an incredible way to spend 10 hours a week, over an 8 week period, learning all about wildlife and conservation. 

Through the Nature Enthusiast FGASA Online Course, you can start gaining NQF2 and NQF4 knowledge from the comfort of your home. You can also write the Nature Enthusiast exam and receive your FGASA Nature Enthusiast certificate. This accredited online course is an excellent starting point for anyone considering a wildlife career, or just keen to expand their knowledge. 

This course is designed for anyone – high school students, new graduates, mid-career professionals with a bit of free time and a passion for nature, retirees and citizen scientists. Whatever your background, if you’re interested in wildlife and passionate about conservation, you’re welcome on a Bushwise course!

If you’re interested in starting a professional field guiding career, this online course is the first step towards reaching that goal. The study materials and registration fees for the FGASA Nature Site Guide NQF2 (formerly Apprentice Field Guide or Level 1) and qualification exam are included in the course fee. 

If you’d like to start your journey, complete the online Bushwise FGASA Field Guiding course (comprised of this Nature Enthusiast course and our Introduction to Field Guiding course), then join us on campus to complete the practical portion required to earn your FGASA NQF4 (formerly known as FGASA Level 2). Over 90% of those who complete their FGASA NQF4 with us are offered a job upon graduation.

Course details

Course specifics
  • 8 weeks

  • 10 hours per week

  • Self-paced

  • 16 and above (We welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels)

  • English

What you’ll learn

On completion of this course, you’ll be able to:

  • Identify different African species and ecosystems
  • Identify, read and understand African animal tracks
  • Explain different types of African animal behaviour
  • Identify African bird species by song and appearance.

Join this online course to attend live lectures delivered by leaders in their field who have over 50 years of combined experience. See the African wild through their eyes, informed by in-depth knowledge developed over many years. Listen to their stories and learn from their successes and mIssteps. Ask them questions and receive personal feedback.

Why choose us?

With our quality learning experiences, Bushwise is the top-rated provider of Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA) qualifications.

Unlike similar FGASA courses that require learners to study the material by themselves, we offer a highly supportive and interactive learning experience featuring expert instructors and lots of opportunities for participant engagement and practical application. 

You’ll be joined on your learning journey by people from around the world who are just as passionate about African nature and wildlife as you are. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss real-world case studies that put the theory you’re learning into context.

Through regular knowledge-check quizzes and assignments, you’ll see your expertise grow and get to apply your acquired knowledge to things you might see and experience while in wild African spaces.

You’ll complete the first 16 official FGASA modules. Topics covered include African mammals, plants, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects and fish. You’ll also learn about African ecosystems, geology, climate and even astronomy. This online wildlife course goes beyond the fundamentals, delivering additional NQF2 and NQF4 knowledge and preparing you for further training if you’d like to become a safari guide or conservationist.

By attending our masterclasses, you’ll gain insight into various aspects of conservation. You’ll also learn about innovative conservation strategies and how anti-poaching initiatives are run. Bring your specific interests to this course and ask our certified instructors for guidance. We’re here to help you get the most out of your online course.

Info

Become an African nature and wildlife expert. Attend expert-led masterclasses, learn through engaging discussions and earn a certificate from the top-rated provider of field guide qualifications.

Next start date 08 January 2024

Course Frequency Every 3 months

Duration 8 weeks

Time Commitment 10 hours per week

Format Self-paced, online

Age 16 and above

Language English

price From £ 720

enquire

Testimonials

We pride ourselves on the success of our students. Their success starts with the quality and depth of our courses. Our online courses are no different.

We value the power of reviews and the importance they play in decisions for our prospective students.

Take some time to read what our alumni have to say. The testimonials from students around the world who completed our online courses will hopefully help you in making your decision to join the Bushwise team.

Read the testimonials below.

Bushwise is a fantastic and informative course that is presented ...

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I found the course to be extremely helpful and informative. ...

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Want to become a professional nature guide? Join BUSHWISE they ...

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To future students, from all the places I could've chosen, ...

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Thank you for the most amazing, engaging and interesting courses ...

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The course exceeded my expectations. It went into so much ...

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I am a gap year student who loves nature and ...

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I definitely enjoyed the course, you gain a lot of ...

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I enjoyed every week while on the course. The course ...

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I really enjoyed the course. It was interesting and nice ...

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Overall this course was amazing I have learned so much ...

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For anyone (and everyone) wanting to learn a little bit ...

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It’s been an absolutely great time and a super introduction ...

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A wonderful course filled with loads of information, all set ...

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This is hands down the best online nature-related course I ...

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I thought I had average knowledge about nature but very ...

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The online course was a fantastic experience. It allows you ...

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Bushwise provided an efficient platform that made the learning process ...

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Great course, very informative, amazing course material. I was surprised ...

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Big shout out to all the people at Bushwise for ...

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I loved this course – was very informative and helpful. ...

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I have followed this amazing online course. It’s definitely a ...

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The course was really insightful and interesting! There is plenty ...

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Highly recommended! The course was very interesting, and I will ...

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Very in depth course providing lots of knowlege on a ...

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The online course was an incredible experience! I went in ...

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Info

Become an African nature and wildlife expert. Attend expert-led masterclasses, learn through engaging discussions and earn a certificate from the top-rated provider of field guide qualifications.

Next start date 08 January 2024

Course Frequency Every 3 months

Duration 8 weeks

Time Commitment 10 hours per week

Format Self-paced, online

Age 16 and above

Language English

price From £ 720

enquire

The Bushwise difference

Bushwise’s founder is 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 the wonderful planet we call home. This passion gave birth to Bushwise in 2006, and we have been delivering the cream of the crop to the safari industry in qualified field guides.

It’s our passion, love and dedication for mother earth that drives us to constantly evolve in our learning methods. As a result, there is a substantial difference in experience and education that you receive at Bushwise, and that is why we deliver field guides of the highest standards. This is why we can confidently offer an employment guarantee to all our South African students

Highest quality
field guide trainer in South Africa

Bushwise is well known in the industry as a provider of the highest quality field guide trainer in South Africa. This online course aims to provide a level of quality and support which is no different.

Support above
and beyond other providers

The Bushwise team are extremely passionate about nature and the field guiding industry, and focus on providing support above and beyond other providers. Whether it’s assisting students to reach specific learning-based milestones, or providing support towards a new career path in the safari industry.

Expert-lead personal learning experiences

Bushwise’s online courses are unique due to the amount of personal and guided learning time the student gets. There are weekly live webinars hosted by the instructors, allowing you to engage with students in discussions and Q&As. There are also student forums available to interact with fellow students, discuss topics of interests, ask questions and learn new things.

Info

Become an African nature and wildlife expert. Attend expert-led masterclasses, learn through engaging discussions and earn a certificate from the top-rated provider of field guide qualifications.

Next start date 08 January 2024

Course Frequency Every 3 months

Duration 8 weeks

Time Commitment 10 hours per week

Format Self-paced, online

Age 16 and above

Language English

price From £ 720

enquire

Syllabus

The course is made up of 16 official FGASA modules. The aims of each module are listed below.

Week 1

Get important information about the course. You will also meet your peers, your course trainer, facilitators and student support team.

You will know and understand the meaning of geology, be able to provide explanations for the types of plant life and associated animal life that occurs in an area based on soil and rock types.

You will be able to describe the influences on the Southern Africa climate and explain weather conditions that apply to the area where you are guiding.

Week 2

You will know and understand the main interesting features of the night sky, season by season and how to include this in enhancing your clients’ experience.

You will know and understand how the various components fit into the larger ecosystems and understand its importance in safari guiding.

Week 3

You will know and understand how the dynamics of a particular area interact and the role of each element in the functioning of that area.

You will know and understand how the structures of taxonomy interrelate with the plants and animals in an area.

Week 4

You will know and understand basic botany related topics such as plant processes, be able to identify various plants and learn interesting facts related to traditional beliefs associated with specific species.

You will know and understand how to identify arthropods at a basic level, as well as be able to provide basic information that relates to interesting facts in respect of amongst other things, feeding habits and behaviour.

Week 5

You will know and understand how to identify common species of fish as well as the ecological importance of fish.

You will know and understand how to identify common species of frogs and toads, be able to identify them by means of their calls as well as understanding their ecological role.

Week 6

You will know and understand how to identify the different species based on their features, interesting facts relating to survival strategies and reproduction in the various different species.

You will know and understand how to identify the different species based on their features, interesting facts relating to survival strategies and reproduction in the various different species.

Week 7

You will know and understand how to identify the different species seen on safari in the African bush based on their features, interesting facts relating to survival strategies and reproduction in the various different species.

You will know and understand wild animal behaviour as individuals, but also group behaviour. You will be able to explain different communication methods, territories and interpret the signs and sounds of animals.

Week 8

You will know and understand what conservation practices are used in the natural environment and why these are carried out. You’ll learn how field guides can play a role in conservation alongside their safari guiding duties.

You will know and understand interesting facts about early human history, and the distribution of traditional southern African cultures.