Master
the wild
from all angles
What makes this
course different?
* Bushwise’s Professional Safari Guide & Trails Guide course includes the NFQ4 qualification as part of the standard program.
IFGA
Professional Safari Guide & Trails Guide Course - 3 months
This course runs for 87 days and gives you a solid foundation in two core areas of guiding – vehicle-based field guiding and walking safaris. You’ll qualify as an NQF2 Nature Site Guide and begin logging trails hours towards your Foundational Trails Guide certification or your Advanced Trails Guide qualifications – the perfect way to build both vehicle-based and trails guide experience.
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Game drives to guided trails
In just three months, you’ll take two major steps towards your guiding career. First, spend two months in safari guide training, developing the skills and knowledge needed to earn your CATHSSETA NQF2 and NQF4 Nature Site Guide qualifications. Then, shift gears into 27 days of trails guide training, where you’ll learn to track wildlife on foot and log hours towards your Foundational Trails Guide certificate.
By the end of the course, you’ll have real experience both behind the wheel and on foot – a solid foundation for a successful guiding career.
Course overview
Life on this course is immersive from the very first morning. Every experience challenges you to think like a guide – observing wildlife, interpreting behaviour, and developing the problem-solving skills that set great guides apart.
You’ll train under award-winning instructors, gaining more than just technical skills. Leadership, storytelling, and ethical guiding are woven into your daily routine, helping you grow into a confident, well-rounded professional. By the end of the three months, you’ll have the experience, knowledge, and self-assurance to step into the world of guiding with confidence.
At Bushwise, your training goes beyond the basics. This course includes CATHSSETA NQF4-level training at no additional cost – a benefit unique to Bushwise, as other training providers often charge extra for this. Once you’ve gained a year of guiding experience, you can return to complete your NQF4 practical assessment and achieve your full qualification, free of charge from July 2026.
To make sure everyone arrives prepared, all students complete the online Bushwise Field Guiding Course before coming to campus, which includes the CATHSSETA NQF2 Nature Site Guide exam. This ensures the whole group can jump straight into advanced NQF4-level content from day one.
If you haven’t passed the exam before arrival, don’t worry – you’ll receive a printed manual on campus and another chance to write the exam. Just note that daily lectures are taught at NQF4 level, so they won’t align directly with the NQF2 material.
Qualifications
During this course, you’ll start by earning the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification, which is completed online before you arrive on campus. From there, you’ll progress through the course working towards your NQF4-level qualification, giving you the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to advance your guiding career.
To achieve the full NQF4 qualification, you’ll need to complete a year of guiding experience. Once you’ve done that, you can return to Bushwise for your practical assessment and officially graduate at NQF4 level.
Along the way, you’ll also earn practical certificates in areas such as First Aid, Reptile Orientation, Track & Sign, and more. During the 27-day trails guide portion, you’ll log hours on foot, track wildlife, and record encounters – all of which contribute towards your Foundational Trails Guide certificate.
For a full list of qualifications and certificates included in the course, see the Qualifications tab above.
Why study with Bushwise?
Since launching our first course in 2006, Bushwise has offered world-class wildlife career training to students from across the globe. To date, we have trained thousands of graduates from 58 countries, combining top-tier theoretical knowledge with immersive, hands-on field experience.
Our courses are designed to take you out of the office and away from screens, so learning happens in the bush, alongside wildlife and like-minded peers. This approach ensures our graduates secure the best opportunities – backed by our exclusive employment guarantee for eligible graduates and the support of the wider Bushwise network, connecting students to industry contacts, alumni, and partner lodges. You can learn more about our guarantees here.
It’s our passion, respect, and dedication to nature and to our students’ growth that drives us to keep improving our courses. We train our students to develop practical skills that employers value, and contribute meaningfully to our natural world.
No.1 rated on TrustPilot
We’re proud to be the top-rated wildlife 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.
Exclusive IFGA training provider
We are the only Southern African training provider that offers IFGA certification. This globally relevant 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.
Award winning trainers
The Bushwise team includes award-winning guides such as Nico Brits, a category winner at the Safari Guide of the Year competition in 2022. Our trainers are experts dedicated to continually expanding their knowledge and skills. Together, they bring over 150 years of combined experience across specialities like wildlife behaviour, conservation, rifle handling, botany, and more, making us a specialised and committed team.
Personalised learning
Our courses and training are completely personalised, delivered with an understanding of each individual’s strengths and growth opportunities. When you need extra guidance on a topic, our trainers will be there to give you the support you need. During our classroom-based workbook sessions, you will engage directly with our trainers. You’ll also be taken through a detailed consolidation session of your workbooks in preparation for exams and assessments.
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.
Fund your Bushwise course!
- Discounts of up to R50000.
- Grants & scholarships of up to R100000.
- Student loans available.
Exclusive
benefits at Bushwise
