The knowledge you need to be
an ultimate guide
Bushwise
Introduction to Field Guiding Online Course
Learn with the top-rated online field guide trainer. Engage in personal, interactive learning experiences delivered by our academy of experts. Make connections, start your dream career.
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Course overview
Ready to become the best guide you can be? Once you’ve completed our Nature Enthusiast Online course, you can join our Introduction to Field Guiding Online course! This 4-week program covers the essentials of properly guiding a tour in the bushveld.
Learning is facilitated through weekly discussions of real-world case studies. This helps to ground the theory in the practical application of field guiding, getting you ready to enter this exciting industry.
The six modules included in this course complement the 17 ecology-focused modules of the Nature Enthusiast Online course. They are designed to develop you into an exceptional field-guiding professional and develop the advanced safety skills required to give clients the up close and personal wildlife interactions they hope for.
Course specifics
- 4 weeks
- 10 hours per week
- Self-paced
- 18 and above (We welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels.)
- English
On completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Understand the role and responsibilities of the field guide
- Lead and engage large groups of diverse people from around the world
- Understand the recommended ethical guiding practices and carry out an ethical guided experience in the natural environment
- Carry out research on suitable sites in preparation for your guests
- Ensure the health and safety of your clients on a guided experience.
Why study with Bushwise?
What sets Bushwise apart
Since the first Bushwise course was held in 2006, we’ve provided world-class field guide training to students from around the globe. Bushwise online delivers the highest standard of theoretical knowledge for guiding in South Africa and beyond.
No.1 rated on TrustPilot
Our courses consistently rank highest on multiple review platforms, from No.1 on TrustPilot to our top ratings on Google, Facebook, GoAbroad and GoOverseas. Students love how interactive, flexible, eye-opening and educational our online courses are.
More than the fundamentals
Our courses follow IFGA and Bushwise curriculum, to ensure you get the highest quality education. But we don’t stop there! By attending our masterclasses, you’ll gain insight into various aspects of conservation including anti-poaching initiatives and innovative conservation strategies.
Flexibility for all lifestyles
Join us for 4 to 12 weeks while continuing your normal daily life. Classes are designed to be flexible, with pre-recorded segments and live lectures. Study in your own time. Our online courses are designed for everyone from students to nature enthusiasts, bush lovers, career seekers, future guides and people with a little extra time who just want to learn!
Award winning trainers
The Bushwise online courses are led by award-winning staff — including Nico Brits, category winner from Safari Guide of the Year competition 2022. Our trainers are experts in their field, and are constantly gaining experience and knowledge themselves. We are a specialised and committed team, with nearly a century of experience combined. We have experts in entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany, and more.
Soft skills
Guiding goes beyond sharing knowledge. It’s also about how you connect with your guests and lead their experience. The soft skills truly set a world-class guide apart: communication, leadership, empathy, creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, and more. We’re committed to training our students in these essential areas to help them become the best guides they can be.
Support at every step
Feel supported throughout your time with us. Bushwise’s online courses are unique due to the amount of learning support we give students, including interactive online platforms and proactive communication. When you need extra guidance on a topic, our trainers will be there to give you the support you need.
