Learn the work
behind the wild places
Bushwise
Conservation Short Course - 2 months
A short, immersive course offering practical insight into conservation practices and ecological management.
DURATIONS: 53 DAYS
NEXT START DATE: 19 OCT 2026
FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS
ACCREDITATION: BUSHWISE
AGE: 18+
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A focused step into the world of conservation
Hands-on conservation training for anyone passionate about wildlife and ecosystems
This hands-on Wildlife Conservation Short Course gives you practical experience working with ecosystems and wildlife. Over about eight weeks, you’ll learn to monitor populations, manage habitats, and understand key ecological processes.
The course includes a week to rest, study, or explore nearby highlights like Kruger National Park or Blyde River Canyon. By the end, you’ll gain real conservation skills, knowledge of Southern Africa’s ecosystems, and insight into how to make a real impact.
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Build practical conservation skills in the field
Across the 53-day Wildlife Conservation Short Course, you’ll gain hands-on experience and field-ready skills to work in wildlife management and conservation. Each module combines practical exercises with real-world scenarios to help you understand ecosystems, wildlife, and human interactions.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a well-rounded, hands-on skill set and practical experience in the world of wildlife conservation.
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll explore:
Foundations of southern African ecology & biomes
Understand savanna, fynbos, karoo, and other ecosystems, their key processes, and species interactions.
Wildlife population dynamics & management
Learn to monitor populations, plan interventions, and apply techniques like translocation, rewilding, or contraception.
Human-wildlife conflict & community-based conservation
Explore strategies to reduce conflict, protect livelihoods, and work effectively with local communities.
The “Big 5” of modern conservation threats
Study habitat loss, poaching, climate change, invasive species, and pollution, and their effects on biodiversity.
The business of conservation
Gain insight into funding models, conservation levies, private vs state funding, NGOs, and ecotourism as a sustainable revenue source.
Field research & data monitoring
Practise surveys, camera trapping, animal identification, and data recording to support conservation decisions.
Conservation communication & storytelling
Learn to translate complex data into compelling, accurate stories that engage the public and stakeholders.
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Itinerary
This is an example of what you might cover over a 4-day period. Modules and activities can be adjusted depending on focus, weather, and operational needs. Each day begins with a morning briefing over coffee and ends with a shared dinner around the fire, surrounded by the bush.
During your course, there will be an off week where you can rest, study, or go sightseeing.
Day 1 - Ecology and biomes
Start by exploring Southern Africa’s major ecosystems, from savanna to fynbos and karoo. You’ll learn how these habitats function, the key ecological processes that keep them balanced, and how species interact. Expect hands-on activities that bring these concepts to life in the field.
Day 2 - Wildlife monitoring and population management
Get out into the field to track, identify, and record wildlife. Learn how population management works in practice, including interventions like rewilding, translocations, and contraception, giving you insight into how conservationists keep ecosystems healthy.
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Day 3 - Human-wildlife conflict and conservation tools
Focus on real-world solutions for human-wildlife conflicts. You’ll practice techniques such as building predator-proof fencing and crop-raiding prevention, and explore community engagement strategies, understanding how conservation balances people and wildlife.
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Day 4 - Research and storytelling
Put your skills into action by conducting field research, analysing data, and learning how to communicate your findings effectively. Develop your ability to tell accurate, compelling stories that share conservation work with communities and wider audiences.
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Off week
Take a break to rest, catch up on study, or explore the region. Options include visiting Kruger National Park, the Blyde River Canyon, or other scenic highlights nearby.
Location
During this course, you’ll be staying at our Mahlahla Campus located on the border of the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, about 60 km from Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province.
The Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve spans 25,000 hectares and is home to the Big Five, cheetah, and critically endangered species such as the African Wild Dog and the Southern Ground Hornbill.
To help you settle in quickly, you’ll be added to a pre-departure WhatsApp group where you can meet the trainers and your fellow students, familiarise yourself with the team, and ask any questions you might have.
Mahlahla Campus
Accommodation on the Bushwise Mahlahla campus is within an eight-hectare, fenced lodge-style campus.
It’s safe from predators, so you are free to go for a walk or run anywhere on campus. We have a large variety of bird species that are regular visitors to the campus dam, as well as secretive species such as honey badgers and porcupines that are seen almost every night. We also have the occasional visit from porcupines and leopards.
In these surroundings, you can sharpen your practical skills by going on bushwalks, spending time birding, and encountering the animals that roam the campus.
Students will share a chalet (known as a rondavel) that accommodates two students. A weekly laundry service is provided for uniforms and bedding, free of charge, and students also have full access to the campus facilities for personal use.
The chalets, dining area, and laundry facilities are all clustered together. But it’s just a short walk around the dam to get to the classroom. The classroom is only partly enclosed, so you’ll remain immersed in the bush during training. It’s topped off with a thatched roof and light shading on two sides. And for the hot summer months, there’s a swimming pool next to the classroom.
| Campus
Mahlahla Campus
Accommodation on the Bushwise Mahlahla campus is within an eight-hectare, fenced lodge-style campus.
It’s safe from predators, so you are free to go for a walk or run anywhere on campus. We have a large variety of bird species that are regular visitors to the campus dam, as well as secretive species such as honey badgers and porcupines that are seen almost every night. We also have the occasional visit from porcupines and leopards.
In these surroundings, you can sharpen your practical skills by going on bushwalks, spending time birding, and encountering the animals that roam the campus.
Students will share a chalet (known as a rondavel) that accommodates two students. A weekly laundry service is provided for uniforms and bedding, free of charge, and students also have full access to the campus facilities for personal use.
The chalets, dining area, and laundry facilities are all clustered together. But it’s just a short walk around the dam to get to the classroom. The classroom is only partly enclosed, so you’ll remain immersed in the bush during training. It’s topped off with a thatched roof and light shading on two sides. And for the hot summer months, there’s a swimming pool next to the classroom.
Dates & fees
Set start dates
53-day course | from R102,350
19 October - 10 December 2026
19 April - 10 June 2027
18 October - 9 December 2027
Payment plan
Plan 1
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A deposit secures your booking
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First instalment due 20 weeks before the course start date
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Final instalment due 12 weeks before the course start date
Plan 2
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A deposit secures your booking
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The balance is split into six instalments leading up to the course start date
Plan 3
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Custom deposit secures your booking
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The balance is split into equal instalments, with the final instalment due 3 months into the course
You may be eligible for a Bushwise Foundation Grant of up to R40,000 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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What’s included
Learning resources & activities
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Bushwise Conservation Short course information and certificate (upon completion)
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Training conducted by experienced long-term staff
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Lectures by qualified marketing professionals
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Game drives and other conservation-related activities, i.e., setting up camera traps
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Entrance fees for excursions, where applicable
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Assistance with booking other extracurricular activities
Living resources
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All meals (except during off weeks)
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Fleece jacket, cap, and beanie
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Two sets of uniforms
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Accommodation includes:
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Shared room
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Desk, cupboard, and fan
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Boma and braai area
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Space to exercise
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Social area
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Free Wi-Fi
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Library of field guiding books
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Communal or shared en-suite bathroom
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Limited laundry services
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Support services
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Pre-departure support
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Pre-departure WhatsApp group
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Location orientation
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24-hour in-country support
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24-hour emergency phone
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Emergency support from Bushwise on-site staff
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Daily briefings
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Final feedback session
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Access to our alumni program
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Access to our unique in-house recruitment program
What’s not included
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Flights
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Transfers to the campus on arrival and departure
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Medical and travel insurance
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Police clearance or background check fees
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Personal workwear, such as hiking shoes and jackets
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Bushwise uniform (can be purchased after arrival)
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International and domestic airport taxes
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Additional drinks and gratuities
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Compulsory and recommended reference books
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Transport costs to the work placement
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Extra local excursions
Advance your conservation career
This short course forms part of our 6- or 12-month Practical Conservation Course, covering conservation, field guiding, and wildlife marketing. You’ll also have the option of a 6-month work placement and a career guarantee. To explore the full course, click here.