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African vs Cape Buffalo: What’s the Difference, Really?
Spend a little time around safari chatter and you’ll hear people use the words African buffalo and Cape buffalo like they mean the same thing. It’s an easy mix-up – after all, they look pretty similar, they’re both part of Africa’s famous Big Five, and they both have that same “don’t mess with me” stare. But there is a difference. Let’s start with the basics. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is the umbrella species – the big picture term. Within that species, there are a
Kerryn Morrison
Nov 212 min read


The Lowveld of South Africa: A look at its fauna and flora
The Lowveld is the low-lying, subtropical region of north-eastern South Africa, mostly below 1 000 metres. It is known for its warm climate, open bushveld, and rich wildlife. Many people think of this area as the “classic African landscape” because of its broad valleys, rivers, and variety of plants and animals. The climate of the Lowveld is a key factor in shaping its vegetation and wildlife. Summers are hot and wet, with most rain falling between October and April. The rest
Kerryn Morrison
Nov 142 min read


Understanding and protecting Africa’s elusive leopards
This blog was written by Tia Bell, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience. The leopard is one of Africa’s most mysterious and graceful creatures. Powerful, stealthy, and beautifully patterned, it’s an apex predator and one of the Big Five, a true sign of a healthy ecosystem. But despite being such a master of survival, leopards are facing more threats than ever. Human activity is
Kerryn Morrison
Oct 312 min read


The ultimate Bushwise packing guide
Wondering what to pack for your Bushwise course? Student Emma Dalmeijer, an IFGA Professional Safari Guide student , shares her...
Bushwise Student
Oct 103 min read


Why Cheetahs Belong to Acinonyx, Not Panthera
Cheetahs are often lumped in with other big cats, but the reality is that they have very little in common with lions, leopards, and...
Erin Herbst
Aug 222 min read


Living my dream under the African sun – My field guide journey
This blog was written by Gunther Bauer, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Apr 173 min read


The secret life of giraffes – Facts about Africa’s tallest animal
This blog was written by Runé Jansen van Vuuren, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager,...
Bushwise Student
Apr 113 min read


The humble dung beetle: Nature’s unsung hero
This blog was written by Cari van Eeden, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Apr 43 min read


Everything you need to know about the greater kudu
This blog was written by Whian Kruyshaar, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Mar 283 min read


Luxembourg to the Lowveld – My Field Guide Journey
This blog was written by Mara Belacchi, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Mar 113 min read


What can an expert guide learn from Bushwise? This is Daniel's story
Daniel Razafimandimby, an experienced tour guide from Madagascar, recently travelled to South Africa to join the Bushwise IFGA...
Nikita Coetzee
Dec 6, 20244 min read


From rugby fields to the African bush: My field guide journey
This blog was written by Charlie Birch, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Nov 22, 20243 min read


Through the lens: A birder's paradise
This blog was written by Alex Rivarola , a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Nov 15, 20242 min read


'I have found my true passion': A life-changing Bushwise journey
This blog was written by Surprice Shabangu , a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Nov 1, 20243 min read


Inspiring the next generation of female field guides
This blog was written by Lihle Donecia Mndawe, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager,...
Bushwise Student
Oct 25, 20243 min read


The call of the bushveld
This blog was written by Jon-Harry van Wyk, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Oct 11, 20243 min read


A wilder path: Why I quit my desk job for a life in the South African bush
This blog was written by Aleisha Carter, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Sep 27, 20243 min read


Tracks, signs, and transferable skills: How art helped me master the bush
This blog was written by Chané Jansen, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Sep 20, 20244 min read


The resilience of the cheetah
This blog was written by Eline Kemper, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Sep 12, 20244 min read


Wild encounters: A leopard on the prowl
This blog was written by Keagan Rowe, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and...
Bushwise Student
Sep 6, 20244 min read
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