BUSHWISE
ACADEMY
WHAT IS BUSHWISE ACADEMY?
Creating Opportunity Through Safari Guide Training
Bushwise Academy is the not-for-profit social development arm of Bushwise. With the support of funding partners, we identify talented young people from underserved communities neighbouring South Africa's protected wildlife areas and provide them with fully funded access to Bushwise's 12-month Professional Safari Guide Course. Built on more than 20 years of training excellence, Bushwise Academy combines accredited training, practical experience, and direct pathways into employment to help young people build meaningful careers in the wildlife tourism sector. Through their work, graduates contribute to conservation by educating guests, supporting responsible tourism, and benefiting local communities. Bushwise provides expert-led training, accommodation, meals, facilities, equipment, uniforms, and the industry network that underpin the program, while our funding partners make it possible for students who would otherwise be unable to afford the opportunity to participate.
.avif)
WHY WE STARTED BUSHWISE ACADEMY
South Africa's wildlife economy offers real career opportunities, yet many young people living alongside protected wildlife areas remain excluded from them. Financial barriers, limited access to education, and high unemployment rates mean that local communities are often underrepresented in an industry built around their natural heritage.
​
Bushwise Academy was created to change that. By removing the financial barriers to professional safari guide training, we help talented young people access sustainable careers while contributing to a conservation sector that is more inclusive, representative, and connected to the communities that surround it.
OUR VISION
We envision a future where every young person with the passion and potential to become a professional safari guide has the opportunity to do so, regardless of their financial circumstances.
​
By connecting local communities with meaningful careers in conservation and ecotourism, we aim to strengthen livelihoods, support local participation in conservation, and help build a more inclusive future for South Africa's wildlife economy.
GET INVOLVED
Bushwise Academy is working to sponsor hundreds more students over the coming years, creating new opportunities for talented young people to build careers in South Africa's growing ecotourism sector.
​
Whether you're a corporate partner, foundation, individual donor, or simply interested in learning more about our work, we'd love to connect.