
Out here
nature
teaches us

What makes
Bushwise different?
97%
employment rate*¹
Employment
Guarantee*³
Exclusive IFGA
Southern Africa provider
Only Bushwise
trains to NQF4*²
*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 NFQ4 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.

Our field guide
courses are wilder
Our courses offer immersive time in the African bush, blending practical fieldwork with classroom learning in Big Five environments. Training takes place at our Bushwise campuses in the Greater Kruger National Park, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve, Babanango Game Reserve and Makalali Game Reserve. These locations provide diverse ecosystems, hands-on experience and the chance to learn alongside a like-minded community of wildlife enthusiasts. Our longer 6- or 12-month courses are designed specifically for those pursuing a career in safari guiding, conservation or wildlife tourism. On the IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (6 or 12 months), you’ll work towards your CATHSSETA NQF2 qualification during your training, with the option to achieve your NQF4 after gaining a year of guiding experience and returning for assessment. The 12-month courses include guaranteed work placements and an employment guarantee for eligible students, giving you access to the Bushwise recruitment network and alumni community. Students who meet the criteria may also earn an International Field Guide Association (IFGA) designation. This structured pathway gives you experience and access to the wider Bushwise network and recruitment services, helping you take your first steps into a wildlife career with support and confidence. Our short courses are ideal for upskillers, nature lovers or those seeking an introduction to the safari industry. The IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course (2 months) and the IFGA Professional Safari & Trails Guide Course (3 months) include the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 qualification, with the option to progress to NQF4 after a year of guiding experience. Specialist courses, including Wildlife Hospitality, Conservation and Wildlife Marketing, focus on skills development and gaining meaningful bush experience. Each course includes an in-house Bushwise certificate and practical, hands-on training. For qualified guides, the 27-day IFGA Trails Guide Course offers the opportunity to gain hours and encounters toward Foundational or Advanced Trails Guide certification, and is also open to anyone wanting to explore the bush from a new perspective. On our various courses, you can earn qualifications and certifications like: – CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 – CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF4 – IFGA Certification – Track & Sign (Cyber Tracker) – Advanced Rifle Handling – A range of in-house certificates – Wilderness First Aid – Reptile Handling
The wild is your office
You may be eligible for a Bushwise Foundation Grant of up to R100,000 towards your course fees!
A limited number of December grants are still available, so don’t wait! Grant applications are open to everyone.
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Go further with
placements across
5 continents
The knowledge and experience you’ll gain at Bushwise is transferable across our wild planet. Our graduates have gone on to work in lodges, reserves and national parks, as park rangers, tour guides, researchers and conservationists.
In addition to placements in every corner of South Africa, our international work placements include:
-
Costa Rica: Research assistant in a rainforest conservation organisation
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Namibia: Game Ranger in the Etosha National Park
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Fiji: Wildlife researcher
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Thailand: Conservation officer working in elephant rehabilitation
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Canary Islands: Wildlife research analyst
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Bushwise is the exclusive Southern African training provider for the International Field Guide Association (IFGA) certification.
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How does an IFGA certification compare?
Projected
career path
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
Guide at a range of lodges
Primarily recognised in Southern Africa
No additional designation
The minimum requirement to guide in South Africa
No
Shaping ultimate
Global
career potential
Award
wildlife guides
Recognition
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.
Selective
admissions?
OTHER
QUALIFICATIONS
Guide at a range of lodges
Projected career path
Global career potential
Primarily recognised in Southern Africa
Award
No additional designation
Recognition
The minimum requirement to guide in South Africa
Selective admissions?
No

IFGA
CERTIFICATION
Guide or head guide at luxury lodges, hosting international guests
Internationally recognisable, with placement opportunities across five continents
The letters IFG after your name
A distinction in guest experience, earned over and above basic guiding credentials
Yes. Approximately 20% of candidates are successful




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