* Bushwise’s Professional Safari Guide & Trails Guide course includes the NFQ4 qualification as part of the standard program.
This course runs for 87 days and gives you a solid foundation in two core areas of guiding – vehicle-based field guiding and walking safaris. You’ll qualify as an NQF2 Nature Site Guide and begin logging trails hours towards your Foundational Trails Guide certification or your Advanced Trails Guide qualifications – the perfect way to build both vehicle-based and trails guide experience.
In just three months, you’ll take two major steps towards your guiding career. First, spend two months in safari guide training, developing the skills and knowledge needed to earn your CATHSSETA NQF2 and NQF4 Nature Site Guide qualifications. Then, shift gears into 27 days of trails guide training, where you’ll learn to track wildlife on foot and log hours towards your Foundational Trails Guide certificate.
By the end of the course, you’ll have real experience both behind the wheel and on foot – a solid foundation for a successful guiding career.
Life on this course is immersive from the very first morning. Every experience challenges you to think like a guide – observing wildlife, interpreting behaviour, and developing the problem-solving skills that set great guides apart.
You’ll train under award-winning instructors, gaining more than just technical skills. Leadership, storytelling, and ethical guiding are woven into your daily routine, helping you grow into a confident, well-rounded professional. By the end of the three months, you’ll have the experience, knowledge, and self-assurance to step into the world of guiding with confidence.
At Bushwise, your training goes beyond the basics. This course includes CATHSSETA NQF4-level training at no additional cost – a benefit unique to Bushwise, as other training providers often charge extra for this. Once you’ve gained a year of guiding experience, you can return to complete your NQF4 practical assessment and achieve your full qualification, free of charge from July 2026.
To make sure everyone arrives prepared, all students complete the online Bushwise Field Guiding Course before coming to campus, which includes the CATHSSETA NQF2 Nature Site Guide exam. This ensures the whole group can jump straight into advanced NQF4-level content from day one.
If you haven’t passed the exam before arrival, don’t worry – you’ll receive a printed manual on campus and another chance to write the exam. Just note that daily lectures are taught at NQF4 level, so they won’t align directly with the NQF2 material.
During this course, you’ll start by earning the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification, which is completed online before you arrive on campus. From there, you’ll progress through the course working towards your NQF4-level qualification, giving you the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to advance your guiding career.
To achieve the full NQF4 qualification, you’ll need to complete a year of guiding experience. Once you’ve done that, you can return to Bushwise for your practical assessment and officially graduate at NQF4 level.
Along the way, you’ll also earn practical certificates in areas such as First Aid, Reptile Orientation, Track & Sign, and more. During the 27-day trails guide portion, you’ll log hours on foot, track wildlife, and record encounters – all of which contribute towards your Foundational Trails Guide certificate.
For a full list of qualifications and certificates included in the course, see the Qualifications tab above.
Bushwise was founded in 2006 by a passionate conservationist who, after a long and rewarding career in the field, saw a growing need for professional, qualified field guides to help protect and sustain our natural environment.
That same passion continues to guide us today. Since our early days, we’ve been committed to producing top-tier graduates for the safari industry, known for their skill, ethics, and deep respect for nature. It’s this dedication that drives us to constantly refine and improve our training and to help shape the future of ethical guiding in Africa.
We’re proud to be the top-rated field guide 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.
We are the only Southern African training provider that offers IFGA certification. This globally recognisable 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.
The Bushwise team includes award-winning guides such as Nico Brits, a category winner at the Safari Guide of the Year competition in 2022 and 2023. Our trainers are experts dedicated to continually expanding their knowledge and skills. Together, they bring over 150 years of combined experience across specialities like animal behaviour, conservation, rifle handling, botany, and more, making us a specialised and committed team.
Our courses and training are completely personalised, delivered with an understanding of each individual’s strengths and growth opportunities. When you need extra guidance on a topic, our trainers will be there to give you the support you need. During our classroom-based workbook sessions, you will engage directly with our trainers. You’ll also be taken through a detailed consolidation session of your workbooks in preparation for exams and assessments.
At Bushwise, you’re never on your own. From day one, we prioritise your safety, wellbeing, and learning. Our practical courses stand out for the level of personalised support we offer, including thorough first aid training and ongoing academic guidance. Whether you need help grasping a concept or navigating field life, our trainers, office, and support staff are there every step of the way.
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