What in-person wildlife courses do you offer?
We currently run five in-person courses:
We also offer:
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A Wildlife Conservation Program in collaboration with GVI
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Advanced Safaris, for those who have been on safari before, and are now looking for something that goes a steo further that the typical safari.
How long are the courses?
Our flagship course, the IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course, is 6 or 12 months. The 12-month option includes a six-month work placement at a lodge or camp in various wildlife reserves.
The Practical Game Management Course is 6 or 12 months long. The 12-month options includes a six-month work placement at a reserve, game farm or other wildlife organisation or lodge.
The Wildlife Marketing Management Course is 6 or 12 months long. The 12-month option includes a six-month work placement for eligible South African students in a marketing role within the safari, wildlife, tourism or hospitality industries.
Our IFGA Safari Guide & Conservation Course is a deep dive into both safari guiding and conservation. It spans 12 months, including six months of training to become a fully qualified safari guide and a six-month placement with one of our conservation partners.
Our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course is shorter at just 2 months but still allows you to earn essential qualifications to become a guide.
Our IFGA Trails Guide Course is a 35-day course that allows you to gain experience, hours, and wildlife encounters on foot. You may also be assessed to become a Backup Trails Guide or Advanced Trails Guide, depending on your prior experience.
Our two experience programs, IFGA Safari Guide Training Experience and Safari Guide Training Taster range from 3-28 days and are ideal for those who don’t have 2 months to get qualified but want to learn and get more in-depth bush experience.
The Wildlife Conservation Program varies in length from two weeks to a year.
Our Advanced Safaris range from 3 to 28 days. There are set package dates, and the option to customise your stay.
Do you offer financial aid?
We understand that paying for education is a big commitment! That’s why we offer Bushwise Foundation grants of up to R100,000. These grants are open to everyone, so anyone can apply. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build on your experience, we encourage you to apply to determine what grant amount you qualify for. Apply today to see if you’re eligible. You can also learn about our payment plans and other funding options on our financial aid page.
Where are these courses held?
Our courses take place at the following campuses:
IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (6/12 months) and IFGA Safari Guide & Conservation Course (12 months).
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Mahlahla Campus
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Sabi Sabi Campus
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SAWC Campus
Practical Game Management Course (6/12 months) and Wildlife Marketing Management Course (6/12 months)
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Mahlahla Campus
IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course (2 months)
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Selati Campus
IFGA Trails Guide Course (35 days)
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Mahlahla Lodge Campus
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Nkuwa Wilderness Camp
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Jobs’s Halt Camp
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Xidulu Private Game Lodge
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Ubungane Lodge
Accommodation depends on availability, your chosen safari dates, and whether you’ve booked a set package or a custom itinerary.
Please visit our campus pages to read more about these amazing locations.
Do you offer any shorter in-person courses?
Yes! We offer unique in-person courses that are shorter than 6 months. From 35 days to 2 months, you can join us in the bush. Our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course - 2 months is everything you need to enter the competitive ecotourism and conservation industries. Our IFGA Trails Guide Course - 35 Days is focused on becoming a qualified trails guide where you will lead safaris in a big five environment. Whether you want a career in wildlife or just want to spend two months living in the bush and learning about nature, this is a great short option for those who don’t have 6 or 12 months.
Are there any age requirements?
There is no maximum age to join a Bushwise course! The minimum age to participate in our IFGA Professional Safari Guide courses is 18, and you must be 21 to get your PrDp and guide in a vehicle. We are flexible to accommodate under 18s on our shorter experience programs – contact us to learn more. It’s never too soon to start working towards your career!
Who else will be on this course with me?
Like-minded people with a passion for nature, love of wildlife and keen interest in making a difference in conservation. Our student body is quite diverse, representing many countries, cultures, ages, backgrounds and points of view. It’s a great way to meet new people while gaining new skills.
How many students are on each course?
Each of our campuses hosts 10-20 Bushwise students at a time, to ensure plenty of personalised training opportunities and support. This allows us to have a ratio of about 5-7 students for every trainer.
Are there language requirements?
Yes, as all of our course lectures and exams are delivered in English. We welcome people who speak English as a second language! Many of our trainers also speak Afrikaans and other South African languages.
General industry terminology:
Game Ranger, Field Guide, Safari Guide and Wildlife Tourism Professional: What’s the difference?
Field guide vs safari guide
These terms are used interchangeably, and both of these roles are focused on guest experience and wildlife interpretation. As a field or safari guide, you’ll take guests out on game drives or bush walks, share wildlife facts, explain conservation topics, and help guests connect with nature. Your main focus is hosting, safety, and storytelling.
In South Africa, the official qualification required for this role is the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2). This qualification can be obtained through our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course 6/12 months, the Bushwise Game Management Course (6/12 months) and our IFGA Conservation and Safari Guide Course (12 months).
Game ranger
A game ranger’s role is largely behind the scenes, focusing on reserve management and conservation operations. Their daily tasks centre around habitat management activities like controlled burns and erosion control, as well as infrastructure maintenance such as fixing fences, maintaining roads, and managing water points.
Game rangers also play a critical role in wildlife monitoring, conducting regular game counts to track animal populations and movements. They assist with anti-poaching efforts and often support wildlife vets during game captures and medical procedures. Unlike field guides, game rangers typically don’t work directly with guests, their primary focus is maintaining the health of the ecosystem and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the reserve.
Wildlife tourism professional
The term wildlife tourism professional is a broad, umbrella category for anyone working in eco-tourism, conservation, or hospitality roles within the wildlife sector. This could mean working as a field guide or safari guide, focusing on guest experiences and interpretation. It could also include roles like game rangers, who manage the land and wildlife.
Other wildlife tourism professionals work in lodge and camp management, coordinate guest activities, provide hospitality services, or support conservation projects behind the scenes.
