Train as a Field Guide in South Africa, with Bushwise

¨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!"

An extract from the book 'A Guides guide to Guiding'- Garth Thompson

	Charles Delport Charles is an instructor at the Mahlahla campus. He has over 6 years guiding experience in various lodges all over South Africa. He has FGASA level 3 and is a fully qualified trails guide with advanced rifle handling and first aid certification. Charles has also formally studied guiding in the form of a Diploma in Game Ranging and Lodge Management and has attended various nature courses. Charles is very passionate about guiding and nature, especially in the Birding and Astronomy fields.
	Shirell Lynch Shirell is responsible for the daily operation of both campuses. She is in control of all meals cooked for you and all the “behind the scene” aspects of running the training centres including the marketing, customer relations and accounts department for both campuses. Shirell has a Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resources Management and an extensive business background. She has traveled and lived in various countries all over the world, such as the UK, Ireland and Australia. Shirell has a keen interest in Birding and Mammals.
	Wayne Te Brake Wayne is an instructor based at the Garonga campus. He studied Nature Conservation after school and ended up working in the Kruger National Park where he started guiding part time. Wayne now has 5 years experience in the bush, from being a Tour Leader, leading tours around the natural areas of Southern Africa, to guiding walking trails in big game areas, to lodge based guiding from a few of the lodges in the Greater KNP. He has a FGASA Level 3 Trails Guide qualification, and is particularly interested in birds and trees.
	Daryl Robinson Is an instructor at the Mahlahla Campus and been in the guiding and lodge industry for the past 9 years. He has an Advanced Rifle Handling qualification as well as View Potentially Dangerous Animals qualification. He is also a qualified Trails Guide and First Aider. His special interests include birds, ethology, large predator behaviour as well as the smaller functioning aspects of the environment. He also is a keen wildlife photographer.
	Mark Montgomery Mark is the Manager and the Head lecturer of Bushwise. He was born in SA where he went to an agricultural school. After that he did his National Service and work at a petrochemical factory for eight years. He got bored with his job and found a job in Zambia doing horse trails and canoeing on the Zambezi River. After four months of doing that he started working for Makalali Private Game Reserve, where he gained most of his skills an knowledge of the bush. He is a registered field guide and has a FGASA Level 3 (SKS) Dangerous Animals qualification and registered with DEAT and Theta. He loves dangerous game and doing guided walks in dangerous game areas. He has an Advanced Rifle Handling qualification and is a FGASA National Assessor and a qualified EFR First Aider. He is a big fan of rugby and Moto GP. Mark is married to Ilze and they have two young boys.
	Sean Robertson Sean is the senior instructor and has a world of experience in the training environment of field guides. He has been in the guiding and training industry for the last 6 years and is a qualified Level 3 (SKS) Dangerous Animals guide. Sean is also a FGASA National Assessor, registered with Deat and Theta and qualified in EFR Primary and Secondary First Aid. He is very passionate about the bush, especially the smaller species like insects, botany and amphibians. He has an Advanced Rifle Handling and View Potential Dangerous Animals qualification. Sean is responsible for the course material and facilitation. He has worked abroad in the guiding and training industry and he would love for you to join this course!
	Robin van den berg Robin is an instructor at the Garonga Campus. He was born in South Africa but lived many years in the Netherlands. After a career in Business Consultancy he decided to change his life and return to the Lowveld. He worked as a field guide in Makalali Private Game Reserve after graduating from Bushwise. Robin has a motivating and open personality, speaks 5 languages and loves to discuss environmental topics and historic events. He also has great guiding knowledge which he loves to share. Robin has a specific interest in plants and grasses and has a passion for bush stories, astronomy and medicinal uses of trees. Robin has a FGASA Level 2 qualification and is a qualified first-aid trainer as well. He will make sure you feel at home at the campus to experience and enjoy this beautiful area.