Why Bushwise?
What sets Bushwise apart
Since launching our first course in 2006, Bushwise has offered world-class field guide training to students from across the globe. We combine top-tier theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience, setting the highest industry standards. This approach ensures our graduates secure the best opportunities – supported by our exclusive employment guarantee for eligible graduates. You can learn more about our guaranteed here.
It’s our passion, respect and dedication to nature, and our students, that drives us to keep on improving our courses. We train our students to deliver the best guided experiences and to be a valuable addition to wildlife research programs.
Why
Bushwise?
Award-winning trainers
The Bushwise team includes award-winning guides such as Pioneer Moyo and Nico Brits, category winners at the Safari Guide of the Year competition in 2022 and 2023. Our trainers are experts dedicated to continually expanding their knowledge and skills. Together, they bring over 150 years of combined experience across specialities like entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany, and more, making us a specialised and committed team.
Bushwise is the exclusive Southern African training provider for the International Field Guide Association (IFGA) certification and standards.
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Exclusive IFGA training provider
We are the only Southern African training provider that offers IFGA certification. This globally recognisable certification highlights guides who excel in soft skills such as communication, presence, storytelling, and the ability to create unforgettable guest experiences. It reflects a guide’s ability to connect, lead, and leave lasting impressions on every guest. IFGA certification helps candidates stand out and signals to lodges which guides are exceptional.
Employment guarantee*
Bushwise offers the only employment guarantee in the industry. We’re confident in the quality of our training, so much so that we guarantee eligible South African graduates of our 12-month IFGA course will receive a job offer within twelve months of qualifying.
Learn more about our guarantees here.
*Available to eligible students only. Terms and conditions apply.
Global opportunities
Bushwise opens doors to unique work placements in remote and exciting destinations like Costa Rica, Thailand, Madagascar, and more. Many of our students have leveraged their training to build careers around the world, with graduates working in places like Patagonia, the USA, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, and beyond.
No.1 rated on TrustPilot
We’re proud to be the top-rated field guide training provider on TrustPilot, with consistently high ratings across other review platforms like Google, Facebook, GoAbroad, and GoOverseas. Our graduates leave well-prepared, professional, and confident, and their reviews speak volumes about the quality of our training and support.
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Guaranteed work placements*
For our IFGA 12-month course students: after completing six months of training, you’ll embark on a six-month work placement at a real lodge, reserve, or conservation organisation. This invaluable experience boosts your CV, helps you build a professional network, and gets your foot in the door. Placements include luxury lodges across Southern Africa, as well as international opportunities in destinations such as Kekoldi, Costa Rica, or Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Learn more about our guarantees here.
7 campuses across Big 5 wilderness areas
Bushwise students have the opportunity to train across seven campuses, more than other field guide training providers in Southern Africa. This gives them a chance to experience a variety of Big 5 habitats and diverse ecosystems, with over 86,000 hectares of wilderness as their classroom.
One of our key locations is within the Greater Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas. Here, in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, students learn in an environment known for its rich biodiversity, strong conservation history, and some of the highest leopard densities on the continent.
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Trusted for over 20 years
For more than two decades, Bushwise has been a trusted name in field guide training. Our long-standing commitment to quality education and industry partnerships means generations of guides have launched successful careers with our support, making us a reliable foundation in the safari and hospitality industries.
100% employment rate for qualified graduates
Since 2012, every South African graduate of our IFGA Professional Safari Guide course (12 months) has secured employment, excluding the COVID-19 period when hiring freezes affected the industry. This success stems from our graduates being exceptionally well-prepared, equipped with practical skills and experience that go beyond theory and exceed industry expectations.
Ethical guiding
We’re aware of the damaging practices that exist in the industry, from crowding animals to poor guest management and tip-driven decisions. That’s why our courses emphasise respect for wildlife, ecosystems, and ethical guest experiences. As an added layer, we go beyond the industry standard by training all staff and students in child and vulnerable adult protection policies, preparing our graduates to act responsibly and professionally in every situation.
Support at every step
At Bushwise, you’re never on your own. From day one, we prioritise your safety, wellbeing, and learning. Our practical courses stand out for the level of personalised support we offer, including thorough first aid training and ongoing academic guidance. Whether you need help grasping a concept or navigating field life, our trainers, office, and support staff are there every step of the way.
Industry’s only 360° recruitment division
Bushwise is the only field guide training provider with a built-in 360° recruitment division designed to support both guides and lodges. With our large network of lodge partners across Southern Africa and beyond, we make it even easier for qualified professionals to find the right job and for lodges to hire top-tier candidates.
Whether it’s permanent placements, short-term contracts, or seasonal roles, our recruitment team works with graduates and experienced guides alike. We also offer free one-on-one career advice to help you navigate your next step. From job matching and personalised support to assisting lodges to build strong guiding teams, our recruitment division connects the best people with the best opportunities – all under one roof.