Why
Bushwise?
Why Bushwise?
What sets Bushwise apart
Since launching our first course in 2006, Bushwise has offered world-class wildlife career training to students from across the globe. To date, we have trained thousands of graduates from 58 countries, combining top-tier theoretical knowledge with immersive, hands-on field experience.
Our courses are designed to take you out of the office and away from screens, so learning happens in the bush, alongside wildlife and like-minded peers. This approach ensures our graduates secure the best opportunities – backed by our exclusive employment guarantee for eligible graduates and the support of the wider Bushwise network, connecting students to industry contacts, alumni, and partner lodges. You can learn more about our guarantees here.
It’s our passion, respect, and dedication to nature and to our students’ growth that drives us to keep improving our courses. We train our students to develop practical skills that employers value, and contribute meaningfully to our natural world.
97% employment rate since 2012
Since 2012, 97% of our South African graduates of our IFGA Professional Safari Guide course (12 months) have secured employment within six months of qualifying, excluding the COVID-19 period when hiring freezes affected the industry.
This success stems from our graduates being exceptionally well-prepared, equipped with practical skills and experience that go beyond theory and exceed industry expectations. This figure is based on students who chose to remain in the industry, are over the age of 21, and successfully passed all Bushwise modules.
Bushwise trains to NQF4*
Bushwise is the only field guide training provider that includes an NQF Level 4 qualification as part of its standard courses.
Unlike other providers who offer this as an optional extra, with us, it’s built into your training from the start. Once you’ve gained a year of guiding experience, come back for reassessment and earn your full NQF4. With Bushwise, you stand out from the rest.
Recognised accreditations
Bushwise graduates leave fully qualified and industry-ready. Our nationally recognised accreditations include CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide qualifications (NQF2 & NQF4), IFGA certification (for top candidates), Cybertracker Track and Sign, firearm proficiency, Basic Wilderness First Aid, and more. On top of this, in-house courses including birding, reptile orientation, dangerous game experience, hospitality, and social media skills give our guides an extra edge in the safari industry.
Exclusive IFGA training provider
We are the only Southern African training provider that offers IFGA certification. This globally relevant certification highlights guides who excel in soft skills such as communication, presence, storytelling, and the ability to create unforgettable guest experiences. It reflects a guide’s ability to connect, lead, and leave lasting impressions on every guest. IFGA certification helps candidates stand out and signals to lodges which guides are exceptional.
Award-winning trainers
The Bushwise team includes award-winning guides such as Nico Brits, a category winner at the Safari Guide of the Year competition in 2022. Our trainers are experts dedicated to continually expanding their knowledge and skills. Together, they bring over 150 years of combined experience across specialities like entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany, and more, making us a specialised and committed team.
An industry-first employment guarantee*
Bushwise offers the only employment guarantee in the industry. We’re confident in the quality of our training and our industry connections, which is why we guarantee that eligible South African students who complete any of our 12-month courses will receive a job offer within 12 months of qualifying, or get 50% of their course fees back.
Learn more about our guarantees here.
*Available to eligible students only. Terms and conditions apply.
Ethical guiding specialists
We’re aware of the damaging practices that exist in the industry, from crowding animals, prohibiting animal movement, to poor guest management and tip-driven decisions. At Bushwise, we train guides to be ethical guiding specialists, a skill that is more important than ever in today’s wildlife and conservation industry. Our courses include a dedicated module and assessment on Ethical Guiding, ensuring students learn to lead responsibly and sustainably.
No.1 rated on TrustPilot
We’re proud to be the top-rated wildlife training provider on TrustPilot, with consistently high ratings across other review platforms like Google, Facebook, GoAbroad, and GoOverseas. Our graduates leave well-prepared, professional, and confident, and their reviews speak volumes about the quality of our training and support.
Guaranteed work placements*
For our 12-month course students: after completing six months of training, you’ll embark on a six-month work placement at a real lodge, reserve, or conservation organisation. This invaluable experience boosts your CV, helps you build a professional network, and gets your foot in the door. Placements include luxury lodges across Southern Africa, with international opportunities also available (at an additional cost) in destinations such as Costa Rica, Thailand and other locations depending on the opportunities available. Speak to our team to find out more about the international placement options
Learn more about our guarantees here.
Trusted for over 20 years
For more than two decades, Bushwise has been a trusted name in field guide training. Our long-standing commitment to quality education and industry partnerships means generations of guides have launched successful careers with our support, making us a reliable foundation in the safari and hospitality industries.
Industry’s only 360° recruitment division
Bushwise is the only field guide training provider with a built-in 360° recruitment division designed to support both guides and lodges. With our large network of lodge partners across Southern Africa and beyond, we make it even easier for qualified professionals to find the right job and for lodges to hire top-tier candidates.
Whether it’s permanent placements, short-term contracts, or seasonal roles, our recruitment team works with graduates and experienced guides alike. We also offer free one-on-one career advice to help you navigate your next step. From job matching and personalised support to assisting lodges to build strong guiding teams, our recruitment division connects the best people with the best opportunities – all under one roof.
7 campuses across Big 5 wilderness areas
Bushwise operates across seven campuses, more than other wildlife careers training providers in Southern Africa, covering 100,000 hectares of prime wilderness areas.
One of our key locations is within the Greater Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas. Here, in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, students learn in an environment known for its rich biodiversity, strong conservation history, and some of the highest leopard densities on the continent.
Global opportunities
Bushwise opens doors to unique work placements in remote and exciting destinations around the world, with international opportunities available at an additional cost. Depending on availability, these can include destinations such as Costa Rica, Thailand, and more. Many of our students have also leveraged their training to build careers around the world, with graduates working in places like Patagonia, Alaska, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Namibia and and beyond.
