
Short courses,
big impact

What makes
Bushwise different?
Only Bushwise
trains to NQF4*¹
97%
employment rate*²
Employment
Guarantee*³
Exclusive IFGA
Southern Africa provider
* 1. Bushwise's IFGA training includes the NFQ4 qualification as part of the standard program. *2. Since 2012, 97% of South African graduates of the IFGA course (12 months) have secured permanent employment (excludes the COVID pandemic). *3. We guarantee eligible South African graduates of our 12 month IFGA course will receive a job offer within twelve months of qualifying. Learn more here.

Fast-track your wildlife career
Bushwise short courses are designed for career seekers, upskillers, nature lovers, and wildlife professionals who want to step away from technology and into the African bush. Whether you have two months, three months, or just a few weeks, each course offers a mix of practical, hands-on training with time in your bush classroom to complement your field experience. On our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course (2 months) and the IFGA Professional Safari & Trails Guide Course (3 months), you’ll earn your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 qualification, with the opportunity to earn the NQF4 qualification after a year of guiding experience. These courses are ideal for those looking to start a career in wildlife guiding and conservation, giving you the foundational skills, qualifications and practical experience to succeed. Our other short courses, including the Wildlife Hospitality Short Course, Conservation Short Course, and Wildlife Marketing Short Course, are perfect for gaining field experience, upskilling, or simply having an unforgettable bush adventure. You’ll complete each course with an in-house Bushwise certificate, practical skills, and memories to last a lifetime. The 27-day IFGA Trails Guide Course is aimed at already qualified safari guides who want to earn hours and encounters toward their Foundational or Advanced Trails Guide certification, but it’s also open to those who simply want to experience Africa from a different perspective. On our various courses, you can earn valuable qualifications and certificates like: – CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 – CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF4 – IFGA Certification – Track & Sign (Cyber Tracker) – Advanced Rifle Handling – A range of in-house certificates – Wilderness First Aid – Reptile Handling All of our courses are led by top trainers in the industry, and throughout your time with Bushwise, you’ll be part of a diverse, like-minded community who share your passion for wildlife. After the course, as a Bushwise graduate, you remain connected to our network, with access to our alumni program and recruitment services that link you to lodges and conservation organisations – all designed to help you take the next step in your wildlife career. We’re proud of our students@heart policy, and we know this experience will change your life! Whether you're a career or experience seeker, there’s a Bushwise wildlife course for you!
Your next adventure starts here
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Bushwise is the exclusive Southern African training provider for the International Field Guide Association (IFGA) certification and standards.
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How does an IFGA certification compare?
Projected
career path
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Guide at a range of lodges
Primarily recognised in Southern Africa
No additional designation
The minimum requirement to guide in South Africa
No
Shaping ultimate
Global
career potential
Award
wildlife guides
Recognition
The International Field Guide Association (IFGA) sets globally transferable standards for wildlife and safari guides.
The letters IFGA, by their name, mean a guide has been successfully assessed against the industry's only fully guest-centred criteria and is prepared to exceed guest expectations, every step of the way.
Bushwise is the exclusive Southern African training provider for IFGA certifications. For the select students in our IFGA 6 or 12-month course who qualify, IFGA certification comes at no additional cost.
Selective admissions?
OTHER
QUALIFICATIONS
Guide at a range of lodges
Projected career path
Global career potential
Primarily recognised in Southern Africa
Award
No additional designation
Recognition
The minimum requirement to guide in South Africa
Selective admissions?
No

IFGA
CERTIFICATION
Guide or head guide at luxury lodges, hosting international guests
Internationally recognisable, with placement opportunities across five continents
The letters IFG after your name
A distinction in guest experience, earned over and above basic guiding credentials
Yes. Approximately 20% of candidates are successful

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