Step into
something wilder

Bushwise
Practical Wildlife Management Course (60 days)

This is your chance to get hands-on wildlife experience quickly, while having the adventure of a lifetime! Build practical skills in reserve management, track and sign, animal behaviour, and wildlife ranging, all while living within South Africa’s Big Five territory.

DURATIONS:60 DAYS

NEXT START DATE: 7 JAN 2027

FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS

ACCREDITATION: BUSHWISE

AGE: 18+

Course details

Broad field experience for reserve management careers

If you've always loved animals and nature and want an intensive, practical introduction to wildlife reserve management, this is for you!

Operating from inside Big Five territory, this condensed two-month course trades traditional classroom blocks for direct, hands-on experience in 4x4 driving, tracking, advanced rifle handling, and camera trapping. Participants gain broad exposure to daily reserve operations by running wildlife counts, conducting vegetation surveys, and assisting wildlife veterinarians during animal darting operations.

Designed for anyone who wants to work with wildlife but feels unsure which role is the right match, this course opens doors to a wide variety of career paths. Students sample different sectors – including eco-tourism, wildlife research, hospitality, and wildlife ranging – to get a feel for how the industry works. Testing out these areas provides the clarity needed to choose a confident career track.

It’s a fast-paced, practical launchpad where nature lovers live alongside like-minded peers, build foundational skills, and prepare to step into the wild.

Why choose Bushwise?

Award-winning trainers

The Bushwise team includes award-winning guides such as Pioneer Moyo and Nico Brits, category winners 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 entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany, and more, making us a specialised and committed team.

Focused, job-ready skills

This course focuses on the real, boots-on-the-ground skills needed to work on a wildlife reserve. Daily life means getting out from behind a desk to learn tracking, vehicle troubleshooting, and the day-to-day operations that keep a wildlife reserve running smoothly.

No.1 Rated on TrustPilot

We’re proud to be the top-rated 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.

Industry’s only 360° recruitment division

Bushwise is the only training provider with a built-in 360° recruitment division designed to support all working professionals, lodges, and reserves. 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, wildlife farms, and reserves to hire top-tier candidates.

Whether it’s permanent placements, short-term contracts, or seasonal roles, our recruitment team works with graduates and experienced professionals 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, wildlife farms, and reserves in building strong teams, our recruitment division connects the best people with the best opportunities – all under one roof.

Have an adventure

Spending 60 days living and training in the African bush combines structured learning with a real adventure. Spend time with like-minded people, sharing incredible experiences every single day. Everyone gets involved in the field action, taking part in animal darting, rifle handling, 4x4 driving, camera trapping, tracking, and wildlife counts.

Trusted for over 20 years

For more than two decades, Bushwise has been a trusted name in the safari, wildlife, and hospitality training sectors. 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.

Support at every step

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.

What’s a typical day?

Out here, your day mirrors life on a real reserve with early starts, full days, and hands-on, outdoor learning. You’ll balance practical work with classroom theory, with each module shifting the focus for the day.

Life on this Bushwise course

An average day could look like this, with slight variations based on season, weather conditions, and the module you’ll be focusing on:

5-5:30am

Wake up and grab a coffee or tea and a light breakfast before the first activity starts.

6-10am

Hit the bush for morning field training. Depending on the week, this involves tracking wildlife, counting wildlife, checking fences and roads, or setting camera traps.

11am

Head back to camp for a hearty cooked brunch. This could be French toast, chicken and potatoes, or pancakes.

Midday

Move into the classroom to cover theory lessons on ecology or reserve management. Other days include guest speakers, workshops, or just time to study and rest around camp.

3pm

Start the afternoon session. This could involve a mix of field tasks and classroom work, covering anything from conservation operations to first aid.

6pm

Wrap up the day with dinner around the campfire. Evenings stay casual for group chats, trainer feedback, or just relaxing by the fire.

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Dates & fees

Program fees (incl VAT)

2027

£8,150

Discounts are valid until the end of this month and are subject to availability. Only one discount per person may be applied, and it cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion, or grant. All bookings are subject to confirmation by Bushwise. Bushwise reserves the right to amend course fees or dates at any time. By accepting a discount, you agree to pay the remaining course fees according to the payment schedule provided. 12-month course fees may vary depending on optional modules or add-ons.

Start dates

Payment plans

Plan 1

Payment in full

Plan 2

A deposit secures your booking
First installment due 20 weeks before the course start date
Final installment due 12 weeks before the course start date

Plan 3

Custom deposit to secure your booking
The balance is split into six installments leading up to the course start date

2027

7 January
13 June
13 September

Fund your Bushwise course!

Discounts of up to £2,200
Grants & scholarships of up to £4,500
Student loans available

Prepare before arrival: Online course

Training starts before you arrive with free access to the 8-week online Bushwise Field Guiding course. This gets you up to speed with foundational theory, making it much easier to jump straight into the physical work on day one. It is also a great way to meet the rest of the group and chat before arriving on campus.

Course structure
Once you’re on campus, you’ll train from Monday to Friday. The full two months are action-packed, alternating between classroom lessons, study time, bush walks, and wildlife drives. We bring in guest instructors for specific topics, and complete weekly tests to check your progress before final exams.

Topics include:

Reserve management and conservation operations

Study the core principles of running a wildlife reserve or wildlife farm. Analyse soil types, check vegetation health, study wildlife diseases, and calculate carrying capacities. Out in the field, you run wildlife counts, complete grass assessments, set up camera traps, and clear out invasive plant species. You’ll also work directly with wildlife vets on occasion during real animal dartings and assist with wildlife capture logistics.

Wildlife ranger skills

Take care of the physical upkeep and security of a reserve. This involves fixing wire fences, maintaining dirt roads, managing water points, and troubleshooting basic vehicle and equipment faults. On the shooting range, training covers firearm safety and advanced rifle handling (PFTC). You’ll also understand how to read maps, work with K9 units, and learn the art of wildlife tracking.

Track & sign and trailing

Learn how to read the stories left behind in the bush through tracks, markings, and other subtle signs of animal activity. Training covers track identification, ageing spoor, animal movement patterns, and the fundamentals of trailing wildlife on foot. You’ll also develop observation, concentration, and interpretation skills while learning how tracking and sign can be used to understand behaviour, enhance guest experiences, and navigate the bush with greater awareness.

Free time

With South Africa’s Lowveld landscape as your home base, you’ll be just a short drive away from incredible wildlife parks, world-renowned conservation areas and iconic destinations. Spend your free weeks exploring all South Africa has to offer – from a weekend in Kruger National Park to a week in Cape Town!

Weekend and day trips

Blyde River Canyon

The largest green canyon in the world (with lush vegetation and deep cliffs), and the third largest next to Fish River Canyon and the Grand Canyon. The Blyde River Canyon is only 30 minutes from Hoedspruit and is a destination for camping, hiking, bird watching and boat tours.

Kruger National Park

At over 2 million hectares, Kruger is a massive protected area including the iconic Big Five, wild dogs, cheetahs, endangered species, and so much more. Tourist roads wind through this incredible landscape, just 10 minutes from our SAWC campus, with another access point only a few minutes from our Sabi Sabi Game Reserve campus.

Panorama Route

This scenic driving route takes you along the northern Drakensberg escarpment, featuring viewpoints, waterfalls, hikes, and cultural interest points. Attractions include God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Graskop gorge.

Mariepskop Nature Reserve

A lush mountain ecosystem, with unique biodiversity including rare and endemic bird species. Mariepskop towers in the distance past Hoedspruit, and is even visible from some of the Bushwise campuses. This reserve is excellent for hiking, bird watching and forest exploring.

Hoedspruit Town

South Africa’s safari town, Hoedspruit, is just an hour from our Mahlahla and Selati campuses. Here you’ll have access to all essentials and more, including a local brewery, restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and medical facilities. A great place to meet people and see local life.

Neighbouring wildlife reserves

Limpopo and Mpumalanga are home to many of South Africa’s top public and private wildlife reserves. You can plan a day trip to some of them, including wildlife drives and meals, or treat yourself to a weekend away at a lodge.

Further afield

Drakensberg Mountains

This 200km long mountain range across South Africa and Lesotho is by far the region’s most impressive, with tumbling cliffs, rising peaks, crashing waterfalls and rolling valleys. Explore its hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails or go rock climbing or kloofing.

Cape Town

Head to the Mother City and visit Robben Island, Table Mountain, the District 6 Museum and Boulders Beach. A short flight from Johannesburg or Hoedspruit, it’s well worth spending some time in Cape Town during an off week or just after your course.

Durban

Located on South Africa’s east coast, Durban is a warm beach-front destination city. Surfing, diving, paddling and swimming are popular activities here. Enjoy the unique dune landscapes and coastal forests. Grab a bunny chow or ice cream cone and walk the promenade.

Johannesburg

South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg, is roughly a five-hour drive from campus. While many people use Joburg as a stopover city, it’s well worth a visit on its own. Absorb history and culture at the city’s many museums (like the Apartheid Museum) or on a walking tour.

Meet the team

With nearly a century of experience combined, we are a specialised team with experts in entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany and more. Join us and work with award-winning staff, including Nico Brits, a category winner from the Safari Guide of the Year competition 2022 and 2023. Get to know these amazing individuals:

Best trainers in the industry

Darryn - Head Trainer, Mahlahla

My passion for the bush came from my parents, spending many holidays all over South Africa in various game reserves or on birding trips. I completed my training course in 2012 and began my career in the Waterberg region of South Africa. I have since gone on to work in several reserves around South Africa including Entabeni, Madikwe, Klaserie and Greater Kruger National Park. My qualifications include Professional Field Guide, Professional Trails Guide and SKS Birding. I’m currently working towards mentor status.

Watch Darryn's video

Wayne - Head Trainer, Mahlahla

As a child growing up in Johannesburg, I always knew that I would be doing something nature-related when I grew up. I completed my training course in 2012 and began my career in the Lowveld close to Hoedspruit. I have worked in reserves around South Africa including Kapama, Madikwe and Greater Kruger National Park. I currently hold Field Guide and Trails Guide qualifications.

Simone - Trainer, Mahlahla

From a young age, my deep love for wildlife guided me toward a career as a nature guide. Starting in the hospitality industry at 19, I found joy in sharing my knowledge and passion with guests from around the world. Now, my goal is to give back to the industry by mentoring and empowering the next generation of guides. I aim to inspire them to be ethical stewards of our natural world, equipped with the skills to make a meaningful impact.

Aneen - Trainer, Mahlahla

I grew up in Paarl and from a young age my parents introduced me to the Kruger National Park, sparking my love of the bush. I made a few detours as a singer and actress before realising that I want to spend my life sharing my passion and knowledge with guests and students. My husband, Wayne, and I are based at the Wildlife College campus. I still keep my creative side alive through my art business. What better inspiration than the African bush!?

Our support staff

Claudia - Campus Operations

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to experience the eastern coast of South Africa through to the west coast. Only in 2017 was I introduced to the bush. It has taken hold of my soul and I am so privileged to be able to assist the next generation of field guides in becoming the best they can be!

Rose - Chef, Mahlahla

Cooking is a passion of mine and I love spending time in the kitchen and experimenting with the food I make. I started as camp chef with Bushwise in 2007. Other than a period from 2012-2015, when I was a freelance chef at various lodges, I have worked for Bushwise. I’ve been the chef at the Mahlahla campus since 2015. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working and interacting with the students. There is always something new to see and learn on campus! My sister Iris, my best friend, also works on campus which I love.

Pulane - Housekeeping, Mahlahla

I’ve been working as a housekeeper at the Bushwise Mahlahla campus since 2011. I love living and working in the bush, it’s my favourite place. I really enjoy learning about nature and have endless opportunities to do that here. I’ve learned so much about the plants, trees, birds and animals we see around camp. The students have helped me learn some of these things and I always enjoyed speaking with the students and meeting new people.

Esther - Housekeeping, Mahlahla

Hi, I'm Esther Chabangu from Enable Village. I'm always eager to learn new things and take on new challenges. I work as a housekeeper at Bushwise Field Guide, and I absolutely love it! I’m a university graduate, and working with my team in such a dynamic environment is something I really enjoy. Being surrounded by nature every day has sparked a deep interest in wildlife for me. I feel lucky to be part of Bushwise Field Guide, where I get to learn more about the natural world and its amazing creatures.

Philip - Groundsman & Maintenance, Mahlahla

The Bushwise Mahlahla campus has been my home and place of work since 2018. I’m responsible for all the groundskeeping and maintenance of the camp. I enjoy making sure that everything looks good and is in running order for the rest of the staff and students. Before coming to Bushwise, I worked in anti poaching, which is where my love of nature began. I find it peaceful and relaxing in nature. I have a great time working with the students, I enjoy chatting with them and getting to know a little more about them.

Included

Your course fee covers your training, accommodation, meals, assessments, access to all amenities, and much more. Read through the following lists to find out what’s included.

Learning resources

Bushwise exams/tests and assessment fees
Training conducted by experienced long-term staff
Online masterclasses led by industry experts - completed before arrival

Activities

Overnight sleep-outs under the stars in a wildlife reserve
Entrance fees for excursions
Assistance with booking other extracurricular activities pre- and post the course

Living resources

Accommodation includes:
- Shared room
  Desk, cupboard, and fan
  Boma and braai area
  Space to exercise
  Social area
  Free Wi-Fi
  Library of field guiding books
  Communal or shared en-suite bathroom
  Limited laundry services
Two sets of uniforms
Fleece jacket, cap and beanie
All meals (except during off weeks)

Support services

Pre-departure support
Location orientation
24-hour in-country support
24-hour emergency phone
Emergency support from Bushwise on-site staff
Daily briefing
Final feedback session
Access to our alumni program

Exclusions

Flights and transfers to and from our camp
Medical and travel insurance
Police clearance or background check fees
Personal workwear, such as hiking shoes and jackets
International and domestic airport taxes
Additional drinks and gratuities
Recommended reference books
Extra local excursions

What’s not included?

The following is not included in your program:

Flights and transfers to and from our camp
Transfers to and from your work placement
Professional driver's permit (required to work as a field guide in vehicle-based safaris. You must be 21 years of age to apply for this permit)
International and/or domestic airport taxes
Medical and travel insurance
Police clearance or background check fees
Personal workwear, such as hiking shoes and jackets
International and domestic airport taxes
Additional drinks and gratuities
Compulsory and recommended reference books
Meals, laundry and transport during free-time weeks during the course
Extra local excursions

Welcome to your wild home

For 60 days, you’ll call the South African bushveld home. Depending on final allocations, your training takes place at either the Mahlahla or Selati campus. Both locations sit inside or on the border of Big Five wildlife reserves, where you’ll wake up to the sounds of birds, and sometimes, elephants, and even lions!

To help you settle in quickly, a pre-departure WhatsApp group connects you with your trainers and classmates before you even arrive.

Mahlahla Campus

Mahlahla Campus borders the 25,000-hectare Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve. Here, you live in a shared room within a safe, fenced camp environment. The classroom, kitchen, and social areas are all a short walk from your living quarters, and small wildlife like antelope frequently wander through the grounds.

This campus offers reliable electricity and Wi-Fi to keep in touch with home, as well as regular laundry services, allowing you to focus on your course. On your days off, you can easily plan weekend trips to nearby attractions like Kruger National Park and the Blyde River Canyon.

Selati Campus

Selati Campus is located deep inside the 28,000-hectare Selati Game Reserve. This camp is unfenced and completely off-grid along the banks of the Selati River, giving you an authentic wilderness experience. You stay in a shared tented room with twin beds and have access to communal bathrooms with gas-heated showers.

The camp relies on solar power, includes a regular laundry service for your uniforms, and provides limited Wi-Fi access. Just like Mahlahla, Kruger National Park is just over an hour away for weekend excursions.

Campus facilities

Accommodation

Living quarters consist of shared rooms or canvas tents for two students, complete with single beds, linen, and fans. Shared bathrooms provide hot showers, and every doorstep looks right out into the bush, where you can regularly spot smaller wildlife.

Facilities

A short walk connects the sleeping quarters to the dining area, kitchen, and a library filled with books. Classrooms are partially open-sided, allowing everyone to look out at the wilderness during training sessions.

Meals

On-site staff prepares two hot meals a day, serving hearty brunches and dinners in the communal dining area or around the campfire. Coffee, tea, fruit, and snacks remain available throughout the day to grab when you feel peckish.

Communication

Wi-Fi hotspots are available around the main camp buildings, and local cell networks help everyone stay in touch with family. Keep in mind that signal strength and Wi-Fi access vary depending on which campus you are allocated to.

Transportation

Students can drive themselves to campus or book a road transfer through Bushwise. We handle all group transport for off-site training activities and field trips, so you do not need your own vehicle during the week.

Braai and boma

Evenings usually wrap up around the boma fire pit. This serves as the main social area for sharing stories under the stars, relaxing after a long day, and hosting weekend braais (barbecues).

Safety and security

Staff remain on site 24/7, and emergency medical services are accessible nearby. Mahlahla uses full perimeter fencing to keep larger wildlife out of the living area, while Selati remains completely unfenced.

This 60-day course builds a portfolio of practical skills and field certificates. The training focuses on hands-on, practical skills that can be applied to a real working environment.

Firearm Proficiency SASSETA
Unit Standard: 117705 – Knowledge of the Firearm Control Act
Unit Standard: 119651 – Handling and use of a manually operated rifle  or carbine
Unit Standard: 123519 – Handling and use of a manually operated rifle  or carbine for business purposes
Basic Wilderness First Aid – US ID: 119567: Perform Basic Life Support and First Aid Procedures
Cybertracker Track and Sign

In-house and other certificates

Bushwise Wildlife Management Certificate
Dangerous wildlife experience
Advanced rifle handling

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Fund your Bushwise course!

Discounts of up to £2,200
Grants & scholarships of up to £4,500
Student loans available

Apply today!

Enquire now

What makes this
course different?

Employment

Guarantee*

Course includes an

NQF2 qualification

Learn practical,

job-ready skills

Award-winning

trainers

Trusted for

20 years

No 1

rated on Trustpilot

* We guarantee eligible South African graduates of our 12 month Practical Game Management course will receive a job offer within twelve months of qualifying. Learn more here.

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About us

Step into something wilder

Bushwise Practical Wildlife Management Course (60 days)

Course details

Fund your Bushwise course!

What makes this course different?

Employment

Guarantee*

Course includes an

NQF2 qualification

Learn practical,

job-ready skills

Award-winning

trainers

Trusted for

20 years

No 1

rated on Trustpilot

* We guarantee eligible South African graduates of our 12 month Practical Game Management course will receive a job offer within twelve months of qualifying. Learn more here.

Fund your Bushwise course! Discounts of up to £2,200, Grants & scholarships of up to £4,500 & Student loans available

Step into
something wilder

Bushwise
Practical Wildlife Management Course (60 days)

What makes this
course different?

Fund your Bushwise course!
Discounts of up to £2,200, Grants & scholarships of up to £4,500 & Student loans available