Blog
Driving the path less travelled by
The 3rd week at Toro campus started off rather hectic! We wrote our exams on botany and introduction to guiding which we were all glad to get sorted. Following this was our individual practical drives, where we take turns twice a day to be the guide for a full trip...
Radio procedures, driving skills and more
There has been great excitement this past week here at the Mahlahala Campus. Between lectures on radio procedures to botany, basic vehicle training, and almost 20 hours of practical drives so far, we definitely could tell that our course had really started with a...
The second week of firsts
Week two at Toro campus kicked off with a two-day wilderness first aid course. Role-playing with several snake bites, broken limbs, and resuscitations, we all passed with full marks. A good thing too as it didn’t take long before we had to put some of our new skills...
New arrivals at Mahlahla campus
It is a very daunting task that lies ahead of everyone at Bushwise. Nonetheless, it is where we all start our amazing journey. Even though we feel a bit lost and everything seems unfamiliar, we started to get to know our fellow students and trainers. We all come from...
What’s new in 2020 at Bushwise Field Guides
Bushwise is growing! In 2020 we have welcomed a record number of 32 students completing the long term comprehensive course with us. Split between two campuses each group will have experienced trainers at their disposal to mentor and train them. Put in smaller groups...
New places and new faces
After a long day (or two) of travelling, we arrived at the new Toro campus located inside Makalali game reserve. With views overlooking the Makutsi river where elephants, hyena and buffalo are right on our doorstep. It did not take long for the eight of us to feel...
The importance of being above average
Becoming the best field guide that you could possibly be is probably one of the most important goals any field guide or ranger can set for themselves. Becoming a field guide, in itself is not that hard, but it requires passion. Becoming one of the best in the industry...
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...