Connect with nature
from your home
Bushwise
Nature Enthusiast Online Course
Become an African nature and wildlife expert. Attend expert-led masterclasses, learn through engaging discussions and earn a certificate from the top-rated provider of field guide qualifications.
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Course overview
You have a keen interest in wildlife, conservation and nature. You’d like to learn more through an online wildlife course, and maybe work towards getting your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification one day, but don’t want to take the leap into a full-time field guide course just yet. You have some free time and an internet connection and would like to learn more about African wildlife.
If this sounds like you, then this course is a great option. Our interactive online conservation course is an incredible way to spend 10 hours a week, over 8 weeks, learning all about wildlife and conservation.
Through the Nature Enthusiast Online Course, you can start gaining CATHSSETA NQF2 and NQF4 knowledge from the comfort of your home. Upon successful completion of the course, you’ll also receive a Bushwise Nature Enthusiast certificate. This accredited online course is an excellent starting point for anyone considering a wildlife career, or just keen to expand their knowledge.
This course is designed for anyone – high school students, new graduates, mid-career professionals with a bit of free time and a passion for nature, retirees and citizen scientists. Whatever your background, if you’re interested in wildlife and passionate about conservation, you’re welcome on a Bushwise course! If you’re interested in starting a field-guiding career, this online course is the first step toward reaching that goal.
If you’d like to start your journey towards CATHSSETA NQF2 qualification, upgrade your experience to the 12-week online Bushwise Field Guiding course. Then book to join us on campus to complete the practical portion required to earn your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 qualification!
Course specifics
- 8 weeks, 10 hours per week
- Self-paced
- 16 years and above (We welcome individuals of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels)
- English
On completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
- Identify different African species and ecosystems
- Identify, read and understand African animal tracks
- Explain different types of African animal behaviour
- Identify African bird species by song and appearance.
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.
It’s our passion, respect and dedication to nature and our students that drives us to keep on improving our courses.
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.
