Blog
It’s time
Tensions were running high on campus as every student prepared for their final FGASA exam, and practical drive. A lot of preparation took place, but was it all worth it? We started off with a morning coffee to give us the caffeine boost we required for the exam. We...
Biting the bullet
Along with mock drives preparing us for our assessment drives, the first little bit of rain came, preparing us for the summer rains; or so we thought during a coffee stop as people sheltered under a tablecloth. With the hopes of rain quickly dampened and quenched...
Feeling the changes
As we all returned from our respective destinations after an off week, for many of us (well, me at least) there was distinct trepidation. This wasn’t going to be our final term at Bushwise; but it was undoubtedly going to be our most important, with all aspects of our...
Letting go of control can be a good thing
The most terrifying part about joining Bushwise is letting go of control. You have all the power to determine whether or not you will be successful in the field or the classroom but have to give that control up when it comes to the work placement. I have always had a...
Pangolin sighting a highlight
The third semester is in full swing and we are all ready to take it on. I’ve enjoyed capping off each night with a cup of coffee as I focus on studying. In the bush, you need to be aware of your surroundings and always check dark corners in your room carefully,...
Spotlighting spotted cats
‘Friday PM-BOTANY REVIEW’, these words stood etched onto the board in the ‘not so functional’ whiteboard markers that never quite work properly, but always give an ounce more of ink just at the right time as if they know and thus avoid being thrown away. I have always...
How to navigate a tricky situation with dangerous game
Humans have been super predators for some time, and animals have thus developed an instinctive understanding of this fact which in turn has led to various responses to humans in terms of this understanding. Essentially animals do not want confrontation with a...
In nature, nothing is perfect and everything is perfect
This last week we were treated to an amazing opportunity to visit a raptor rehabilitation centre near Dullstroom. With great anticipation, we set out on our two-and-a-half-hour journey. While driving over the escarpment and the majestic Drakensberg, with faces pushed...
My best experiences as a Field guide – Part 4
Lee was at Entabeni Game Reserve around the same time I was there and what a legend…One of the perks of living and working as a field guide must be the days off when there are no guests in camp and sometimes, at the right lodge, at the right time the ability to go and...
Record breakers in the animal kingdom
As humans, we recognise our champions and those with very special achievements with a gold medal or a Nobel Peace Prize. Some humans with other very special abilities or special physical features are recorded in the Guinness World Records book. But for millions of...