Short courses,
big impact
What makes
Bushwise different?
*1. Since 2012, 97% of South African graduates of the IFGA course (12 months) have secured permanent employment (excludes the COVID pandemic). * 2. Bushwise’s IFGA training includes the NQF4 qualification as part of the standard program. *3. We guarantee eligible South African graduates of our 12 month IFGA course will receive a job offer within twelve months of qualifying. Learn more here.
Fast-track your wildlife career
Bushwise short courses are designed for career seekers, upskillers, nature lovers, and wildlife professionals who want to step away from technology and into the African bush. Whether you have two months, three months, or just a few weeks, each course offers a mix of practical, hands-on training with time in your bush classroom to complement your field experience.
On our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course (2 months) and the IFGA Professional Safari & Trails Guide Course (3 months), you’ll earn your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 qualification, with the opportunity to earn the NQF4 qualification after a year of guiding experience. These courses are ideal for those looking to start a career in wildlife guiding and conservation, giving you the foundational skills, qualifications and practical experience to succeed.
Our other short courses, including the Wildlife Hospitality Short Course, Conservation Short Course, and Wildlife Marketing Short Course, are perfect for gaining field experience, upskilling, or simply having an unforgettable bush adventure. You’ll complete each course with an in-house Bushwise certificate, practical skills, and memories to la...
Your next adventure starts here
IFGA Safari & Trails Guide
Three months in the bush, combining field and trails guiding. Earn your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2 and NQF4) qualification while gaining hands-on experience on game drives and walking trails, building the skills to start your guiding career and progress towards your Back-Up Trails Guide certification.
IFGA Professional Safari Guide
Two months of bushveld bliss, perfect for career seekers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Learn from experts about the natural world, understand animal behaviour, and earn your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2 and NQF4) qualifications.
Practical Game Management
This is your chance to get hands-on wildlife experience quickly, while having the adventure of a lifetime! Build practical skills in reserve management, track and sign, animal behaviour, and game ranging, all while living within South Africa’s Big Five territory.
Practical Wildlife Veterinary
Gain front-row access to the exhilarating world of wildlife veterinary science while living and learning in a Big 5 reserve in South Africa. Shadow experienced wildlife vets, explore real conservation challenges and build valuable experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes.
IFGA Trails Guide
Start your journey to becoming a qualified Trails Guide! Whether you’re working toward your Foundational Trails Guide certification, gaining more experience on foot for your Advanced Trails Guide assessment, or exploring Africa’s wildlife from a new perspective, this course is for you.
Primitive Trails
Spend your days walking through a private game reserve alongside a fully qualified trails guide. Spend your days tracking, trailing and sleeping under the stars in a new camp every night. Whether you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime or to log hours and encounters towards your trails guide certification, this course is for you.
Fund your Bushwise course!
- Discounts of up to R50000.
- Grants & scholarships of up to R100000.
- Student loans available.
Shaping ultimate
wildlife guides
The International Field Guide Association (IFGA) sets globally transferable standards for wildlife and safari guides.
The letters IFGA, by their name, mean a guide has been successfully assessed against the industry’s only fully guest-centred criteria and is prepared to exceed guest expectations, every step of the way.
Bushwise is the exclusive Southern African training provider for IFGA certifications. For the select students in our IFGA 6 or 12-month course who qualify, IFGA certification comes at no additional cost.
How does an IFGA certification compare?
IFGA
CERTIFICATION
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
IFGA
CERTIFICATION
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Exclusive
benefits at Bushwise
Learn from experts
and inspiring trainers
150+ years of experience, experts, award winners, highly-trained professionals.
Nico: winner of Safari Guide of the Year category in 2023.
A close-knit team of conservationists, driven by passion and love of the bush.
