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Beyond 
       the safari
Your path to a wilder life

IFGA
Safari Guide Training Experience 7-28 days

Experience life as a field guide. Join the ultimate safari experience where you’ll learn from experts, earn CATHSSETA NQF2 knowledge, and start your path to becoming an IGFA-certified guide.

DURATIONS: 7–28 DAYS

NEXT START DATE: 3 SEP  2025

FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS

ACCREDITATION: IFGA

AGE: 18+  (Chat to us if you’re under 18)

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Start your field guide career 7-28 days at a time in the South African bush

Keen to gain practical experience and wildlife knowledge, but don’t have months to commit right now? Join us for 7-28 days as you go on game drives, learn about wildlife, train with experts and get hands-on bush experience.  Whether you’re exploring a potential career in field guiding or simply love spending time in nature, this is the course for you.

Picture immersing yourself in more than just a typical safari experience. Embrace your passion for nature, view incredible wildlife, connect with like-minded people, and enhance your knowledge of the wild by gaining foundational CATHSSETA NQF2 knowledge – the essential knowledge that all field guides possess – and take it home with you! 

 

If you’re wanting to find out whether field guiding is for you, imagine walking away with more than just memories. This experience provides you with the foundational knowledge needed to write the CATHSSETA NQF2 theoretical exam, the first step towards qualifying as an entry-level guide. You can take the exam with us, preparing you for the next step: one of our in-person courses, where you’ll be assessed on the practical component and gain all the skills needed to thrive as a field guide. 

 

This short course is the start of your journey toward becoming an IFGA-certified field guide – a mark of excellence that will set you apart in the industry.
 

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Overview

This course is perfect for anyone with a passion for nature. Your experience involves daily game drives and lessons on wildlife and nature topics, from animal behaviour to astronomy, track & sign and more.  Whether you’re considering a career as a field guide or in conservation or simply love spending time in nature, it blends your love for wildlife with the excitement of safari. You’ll also gain essential knowledge that can set the foundation for a future in field guiding. 

 

You’ll learn from our world-class instructors and have the option to access and complete the Bushwise 12-week field guiding online course, which covers all the foundational knowledge you need to earn a CATHSSETA NQF2 qualification, the key to legally working as a field guide in South Africa.

 

Experience educational game drives and learn how to track Southern Africa’s most iconic species such as the Big Five, giraffe, cheetah, and more. Gain insights into animal behaviour, identify birds in the morning chorus, and enjoy sleep-outs under the stars. The perfect blend of an unforgettable safari experience and career development with the opportunity to work towards becoming an IFGA certified guide.

Curriculum

  • Learn about environmental sensitivity, guest communication and the basics of guiding.

  • Gain knowledge on lion behaviour, elephant communication, predator dynamics and more.

  • From social dynamics to migration patterns and survival adaptations, this module covers everything mammal related.

  • Learn about the constellations and mythology of the Southern African sky and gain guide tips like navigating using the stars.

  • Learn to identify bird species by sight and sound, their role in the ecosystem and migration patterns.

  • Practise the art of tracking by learning how to identify tracks, interpret the behaviour, different gait patterns and more.

  • Learn how to navigate the world around you using landmarks, natural cues, wildlife signs and animal paths.

  • As part of this course, you’ll receive free access and the option to complete the Bushwise 12-week field guiding online course. This self-paced program includes 23 modules covering conservation management, mammals, reptiles, birds, biomes, and more. You’ll also join weekly live webinars and masterclasses with industry professionals.

     

    Upon completion, you’ll gain CATHSSETA NQF2 knowledge, preparing you for the optional Bushwise and CATHSSETA NQF2 theory exams. Both exams are available upon request and can be taken with us outside of this experience. If you choose to take the next steps to becoming a field guide, you can join one of our in-person courses: either our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (6/12 months) or our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short course (2 months). These courses cover the practical component of your training, where you’ll apply and be assessed on your knowledge and skills.

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Location

Your home for this experience is nestled in the heart of the Lowveld region, Limpopo, South Africa, just west of Kruger National Park, within Selati Game Reserve. This 28,000-hectare reserve is rich in diverse habitats and boasts some of the oldest rock formations on Earth.

 

Its unique geological structure supports various plant communities, including the world’s only naturally occurring cycad colony. Home to over 50 mammal species, including the Big Five, and more than 280 bird species, the reserve offers an unforgettable wildlife experience and full immersion in nature.

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Selati Game Reserve - Nkuwa Wilderness Camp

Nkuwa Wilderness Camp, located within the Selati Game Reserve, is an eco-friendly retreat set in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa. The reserve spans 28,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and lies just west of the Kruger National Park. Nkuwa features four luxury en-suite tents, providing the perfect blend of immersion in nature and all the creature comforts.

Selati Game Reserve - Nkuwa Wilderness Camp

Nkuwa Wilderness Camp, located within the Selati Game Reserve, is an eco-friendly retreat set in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa. The reserve spans 28,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and lies just west of the Kruger National Park. Nkuwa features four luxury en-suite tents, providing the perfect blend of immersion in nature and all the creature comforts.

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Selati Game Reserve - Nkuwa Wilderness Camp

Nkuwa Wilderness Camp, located within the Selati Game Reserve, is an eco-friendly retreat set in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa. The reserve spans 28,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and lies just west of the Kruger National Park. Nkuwa features four luxury en-suite tents, providing the perfect blend of immersion in nature and all the creature comforts.

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Itinerary

The following is an example of a seven-day itinerary. Each week that follows takes you further into the modules, expanding your skills, knowledge and time spent in the wild. Experience more than just a typical safari – deepen your connection to nature and gain a comprehensive understanding of field guiding, helping you make an informed decision about your future.

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Day 1: Arrive at the lodge

Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, where you’ll be welcomed by expert trainers. After a brief orientation, settle in and freshen up before your first activity – an afternoon game drive. Learn about the ecosystem, guiding skills, safety, and environmental awareness. End the day with a meal around the fire, reflecting on the start of an unforgettable experience.

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Day 2 - Understanding animal behaviour

Start your day with a warm drink and light snacks before heading out on a morning game drive focused on ethology – the study of animal behaviour. After the drive, return to the lodge for a brunch and some downtime before the midday lecture. In the afternoon, go on a second game drive, diving deeper into animal behaviour, before finishing the day with a well-earned dinner, reflecting on the lessons learned and experiences gained in the field.

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Day 3 - Mammal identification and behaviour

After your morning coffee, head out on a game drive to learn about mammals – the main focus of the day. Discover key traits, behaviour, and tracking techniques. Return to the lodge for a delicious brunch, followed by a midday lecture to reinforce your learning. In the afternoon, embark on your second game drive to apply your new knowledge in the field. End the day with a hearty dinner, where you can reflect on the wildlife experiences of the day.

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Day 4 - Astronomy & sleep out

Begin your day with a coffee or tea and head off onto your morning game drive. Today’s focus is astronomy; while stars may be out of sight in the morning, you’ll learn what to look for come evening. Return to the lodge for brunch, followed by a midday lecture. In the afternoon, head out on another game drive followed by the authentic experience of sleeping in the bushveld. Wrap up with dinner under the stars, reflecting on the day’s lessons and appreciating the stillness around you.

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Day 5 - Bird identification

Your day starts with coffee or tea followed by your morning game drive – the perfect time to learn about birds. Listen closely to the array of chirps and discover hundreds of species you may have overlooked before. Their colours and diversity will amaze you! Return to the lodge for brunch, followed by a midday lecture. Later, set out on your afternoon game drive for a chance to spot nocturnal birds before concluding the day with dinner.

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Day 6 - Tracking 101

After your morning coffee or tea, head off on your first game drive of the day focused on tracking. Learn to recognize different animal tracks and develop the attention to detail essential for mastering this art. Back at the lodge, enjoy a hearty brunch followed by your midday lecture and some downtime. Later, embark on your afternoon game drive to put your tracking knowledge into practice, then return to the lodge to wrap up the day with dinner.

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Day 7 - Navigation, wrap and departure

Start your day with a coffee or tea before departing on your final morning game drive, where you'll focus on essential bush navigation skills while soaking in the incredible surroundings and reflecting on the experiences and knowledge you've gained over the past week. Afterward, enjoy your last brunch at the lodge, sharing highlights and memories. Then, it’s time to say goodbye as you prepare to depart, taking with you a wealth of newfound knowledge and unforgettable experiences.

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Tailor your experience

This is one example of a seven-day itinerary, but you can join us for any duration – from 7 up to 28 days. Contact us to customise your itinerary to fit your schedule and interests, ensuring you get the ideal experience tailored just for you.

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Extend and deepen your knowledge

Each week offers a deeper dive into topics covered in the seven-day itinerary, enriching your field guiding skills and knowledge while extending your time in nature. The 28-day experience is the ideal foundation for those considering our six-month program but want to confirm that field guiding is the right path for them. By completing the 28-day experience, you’ll gain essential CATHSSETA NQF2 knowledge, setting you on the fast track to an IFGA certification – a mark of excellence that can elevate your career in guiding and conservation.

Dates & fees

Set dates for 2025


7-day experience | from R20,100

SEPTEMBER
3–9 Sep, 10–16 Sep, 17–23 Sep, 24–30 Sep
 
NOVEMBER
1–7 Nov, 8–14 Nov, 15–21 Nov, 22–28 Nov

14-day experience | from R39,000
 
SEPTEMBER
3–16 Sep, 17–30 Sep
 
NOVEMBER
1–14 Nov, 15–28 Nov

21-day experience | from R58,000
 

SEPTEMBER
3–23 Sep

NOVEMBER

1–21 Nov


28-day experience | from R74,250

SEPTEMBER
3–30 Sep, 1–28 Nov

Custom experiences

Start dates can also be tailored to suit your schedule. Contact us to customise yours.

Fees for all other customised experiences are available upon request.
 

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With the new Bushwise Foundation grants, you could be awarded up to R100,000 towards your course. Anyone can apply!

Apply by 31 December!

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What’s included

Learning resources
  • Bushwise 12-week Field Guiding Online Course

  • Digital Bushwise (NQF2) Study Guide & Learner Workbook

  • Online masterclasses led by industry experts

  • CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 knowledge

  • CATHSSETA registration (upon request following successful completion of 12 week online course))

  • Bushwise NQF2 Exam (upon request following successful completion of 12 week online course)

Activities
  • Overnight sleep-outs under the stars in a wildlife reserve

  • Game drives

  • Lectures/discussions

  • Assistance with booking other extracurricular activities

Living resources
  • All meals 

  • Accommodation includes:

    • Shared room in a bungalow, safari tent or lodge-style housing

    • Cupboard and fan

    • Boma and braai area

    • Space to exercise

    • Social area

    • Free Wi-Fi 

    • Library of field guiding books

    • Communal or shared en-suite bathroom

    • Limited laundry services

Support services
  • Pre-departure support

  • Location orientation

  • 24-hour in-country support

  • 24-hour emergency phone

  • Emergency support from Bushwise on-site staff

  • Daily briefing

  • Final feedback session

  • Access to our alumni program​​​

Flights, medical and travel insurance, police clearance or background check fees, personal workwear such as hiking shoes and jackets, international and domestic airport taxes, additional drinks and gratuities, recommended reference books, extra local excursions, hard copies of Bushwise Learner Manual and Workbook and transfers to and from camp.

What’s not included

Take your journey further

After you have experienced life as a field guide, explore the option to complete your journey to become a field guide by applying for one of our longer in-person courses. We offer an IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (6/12 months) as well as an IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short course (2 months) to help you complete your journey to becoming an IFGA certified field guide!

Grants of up to R100,000 available
You could be awarded up to R100,000 towards your course! Apply by 30 Nov.

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