¨Guiding is essentially about a genuine enjoyment and an honest appreciation of, and dedication to all the many faces nature has to offer us. It is indeed a privileged occupation. Imagine being paid to take people out into the wilds of Africa!" |
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Bushwise runs a professional course that trains students to a high standard of theoretical knowledge and practical experience.If you are looking to work within big 5 reserves, our tailormade course provides all practical training in game reserves with dangerous animals including elephant, lion, hippo, buffalo, leopard and rhino. Our course structure and syllabus enables you, the student to become a competent field guide, gain a work placement and perhaps future employment on a big 5 reserve and wildlife research programmes. We have a strong emphasis on producing high quality guides with excellent practical skills and not solely theoretical knowledge. Bushwise has gained an excellent reputation in the field guide industry by producing high achieving students with outstanding passrates, both practically and academically. 2007 Course average passrate was 96% for FGASA Level 1 theory exams Bushwise has been set up by experienced personnel who have been working extensively in training, programme logistics, field guiding, and the lodge and ecotourism industry. Bushwise and its staff, are directly linked with Global Vision International (GVI) an internationally recognised organisation which assists with marketing, recruitment, pre-country and in-county support. GVI has a wealth of experience in volunteer and student placements as well as training and course development. Every year they currently send over 1000 people into the field worldwide. Together GVI and Bushwise have combined their experience and skills to develop a training programme of excellence. Mark Montgomery - Manager of Bushwise, Head Instructor of Mhlahla Campus Mark Montgomery - Mark has extensive experience in field guiding having been a ranger/field guide for the past 9 years at Makalali Private Game Reserve in the Limpopo Province. At Makalali he has held the position of head ranger for 4 years. Mark is a well respected, accredited FGASA assessor and has trained and assessed many guides throughout the years. Sean Robertson – Head Instructor of South African Bushwise Garonga campus Course Sean has a world of experience in the training environment of field guides. He has been in the guiding and training industry for the last 7 years. He is very passionate about the bush, especially the smaller species and fauna. Sean is responsible for the course material and facilitation and he has assisted in setting up and running several other training courses. Mark and Sean are accredited assessors for the following levels: * FGASA level 1, 2 and 3 Sophie Niemann - Director and Logistics Coordinator Director and Logistics Coordinator Sophie Greatwood (BSc Honours) - Sophie has been working for GVI for the past 7 years setting up and running GVI programmes in Africa. She started out working for CCAfrica for a number of years as a field guide at Makalali game reserve and then moved over to student programmes, predator research, programme planning, logistic and management with GVI. Sophie currently oversees over 15 research and training programmes in Africa (Namibia, Uganda, Kenya and South Africa), including a South African National Parks training and internship programme, Wildlife and Marine programmes in Kenya working with the Kenyan Wildlife Service and predator research programmes in South Africa. She brings huge experience in student management, training and logistics to the team. The Managers are supported by a team of equally well qualified staff in their fields.
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