Your pathway
to the world
of wildlife tourism

Bushwise
Practical Wildlife Tourism Course - 6/12 months

Step into the world of wildlife tourism with practical hands-on training across lodge operations, marketing, and safari guiding. Immerse yourself in African wildlife, learn to create compelling marketing campaigns, and gain the skills to manage guest experiences and the business side of safari tourism – all while living in a Big Five Game reserve.

DURATIONS: 6 or 12 MONTHS

NEXT START DATE: 8 JULY 2026

FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS

ACCREDITATION: BUSHWISE & CATHSSETA

AGE: 18+

Course details

Your gateway to a career in wildlife tourism

Want to get into wildlife tourism but not sure where to start? The Practical Wildlife Tourism Course gives you a complete, hands-on understanding of the industry – combining lodge operations, marketing know-how, and safari guiding skills, preparing you for real jobs and setting you up for a variety of roles in the wildlife tourism industry.

And the best part? You don’t need any academic certificates to take this course – just a deep love of the wild.

This course is for you if:

You’ve just finished school and want practical, on-the-ground training rather than more classroom theory.
You’ve finished your time at university and want to turn your theoretical studies into real-world, practical skills.
You’re taking a gap year and want a fun, structured way to build experience and confidence.
You’re curious about a career in wildlife tourism and want to see what it’s all about.

For eligible South African graduates of our 12-month course, we offer an industry-first employment guarantee — a job offer within 12 months of qualifying (available to eligible students; terms apply). Our unique in-house recruitment team will also support you throughout your time with us with one-on-one career coaching, personalised job-matching, and placement on our applicant network to help connect you with opportunities across Southern Africa.

Course overview

This course is designed to give you a fast, hands-on route into the world of wildlife tourism – combining practical field skills, marketing expertise, and lodge operations knowledge. Over 6 or 12 months, you’ll engage with all the different areas of running and promoting a safari lodge, gaining hands-on experience and insight into what makes wildlife tourism successful.

During the course, you will:

Develop practical skills in guest relations, booking management, revenue generation, event coordination, and day-to-day lodge management.
Explore how to design and deliver exceptional safari experiences, from check-in to post-stay follow-up.
Learn how trade relations, partnerships, and commercial practices contribute to the success of many lodges and wildlife organisations.
Build essential bush skills, including wildlife tracking, ecology, and field safety.
Learn to create engaging content, manage social media campaigns, produce photography and videography, and understand digital marketing strategies that support conservation and tourism.

There’s an optional six-month work placement that gives real-world experience: it helps you build your portfolio, expand your network, and take your first step toward a career in wildlife tourism. The placement forms the second half of the 12-month course – choose the 6-month option for training only, or the 12-month option to combine training with a practical placement.

By the end of the course, you’ll have a well-rounded skill set, a portfolio of work, and the confidence to step into roles across wildlife tourism, marketing, and lodge operations.

Why study with Bushwise?

Trusted for over 20 years

For more than two decades, Bushwise has been a trusted name in the wildlife, tourism, safari, and hospitality sectors. Our long-standing commitment to quality education and industry partnerships means thousands of graduates have launched successful careers with our support, making us a reliable foundation in the safari and hospitality industries.

An industry-first 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 that eligible South African graduates of our 12-month 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.

Recognised accreditations

Bushwise graduates leave fully qualified and industry-ready. Our nationally recognised accreditations include CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide qualifications (NQF2), Cybertracker Track and Sign, Basic Wilderness First Aid, and more. In addition, our in-house courses and certificates give our guides an extra edge in the safari industry.

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.

Ethical guiding specialists

We’re aware of the damaging practices that exist in the industry, from crowding animals, prohibiting animal movement, to poor guest management and tip-driven decisions. At Bushwise, we train guides to be ethical guiding specialists, a skill that is more important than ever in today’s wildlife and conservation industry. Our courses include a dedicated module and assessment on Ethical Guiding, ensuring students learn to lead responsibly and sustainably.

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.

Guaranteed placement*

For our 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.

Practical, industry-ready skills for wildlife tourism

This course gives you hands-on experience across the full spectrum of wildlife tourism operations, including guest experience management, back-of-house lodge operations, digital marketing, social media, photography, and marketing campaigns. You’ll gain a well-rounded, industry-relevant foundation to launch your career.

Industry’s only 360° recruitment division

Bushwise is the only 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.

Live in nature while you learn

There’s no better place to train as a wildlife marketer than the bush itself. Over 6 or 12 months, you’ll live in camp, surrounded by wildlife and experienced guides. Understanding animal behaviour firsthand is essential for content creators, marketers, and photographers who want to do justice to wild spaces.

What’s a typical day like?

Days usually start around 5:00–5:30 am, with a mix of classroom sessions and practical activities. The schedule changes depending on the section you’re in – safari guiding, wildlife marketing, or hospitality training.

Some days you’ll be out in the bush learning hands-on wildlife skills during the field-guiding section. Other days, you might be developing a marketing portfolio, working on a group project, or learning about back-of-house lodge operations. Either way, you can expect a mix of classroom sessions, practical work, and time for self-study or relaxation.

A typical day

A typical day could look like this, with slight variations depending on the season and the section of the course:

5:00-5:30am

Wake up, grab coffee or tea, and enjoy a light breakfast.

6:00-10:00am

Morning activities such as game drives, photography or videography workshops, or front-of-house and lodge operations lectures.

11:00am-12:00pm

Brunch and downtime to relax or review notes.

3:00-6:00pm

Afternoon practical sessions, project work, or field exercises, depending on the course section.

6:00pm onwards

Evening meal, either in the dining area or around a campfire, followed by study, reflection, or relaxation.

This is a great place to outline the details of the shipping policy including the shipping methods, timelines, packaging and costs. Use plain, straightforward language to build trust with customers.

This is also an opportunity to add any relevant information regarding the shipping policy that is important for customers to know. This is key for managing their expectations and keeping them loyal customers.

Dates & fees

Program fees (incl VAT)

2026 & 2027

6 months – R 272,950
12 months – R 298,950

Anyone can apply for an individual grant of up to R100,000!

Grant amounts are based on your motivation and circumstances. Click the button below to apply by 30 Nov.

Start dates

2026

6 months – 8 July

12 months – 8 July

2027

6 months – 7 January, 8 July

12 months – 7 January, 8 July

Payment plans

Plan 1

Payment in full

Plan 2

A deposit secures your booking
First installment due 20 weeks before the course start date
Final installment due 12 weeks before the course start date

Plan 3

Custom deposit to secure your booking
The balance is split into six installments leading up to the course start date

To add to your qualifications and skills, Bushwise includes extra modules and brings in external professionals to help with specialist skills. As a result, Bushwise is not able to offer full grants to our courses. Bushwise is recognised by most major South African banks, including FNB and Standard Bank. South African citizens can apply in-branch for student loans to assist with the payment of course fees.

Curriculum

The Practical Wildlife Tourism Course combines the best of three worlds – guiding, hospitality, and marketing – to prepare you for real jobs in the safari industry. You’ll start by learning the foundations of guiding, diving into topics like animal behaviour, tracking and signs, and the ecology of African wildlife. This grounding in the natural environment ensures your future work in tourism or marketing is rooted in real, lived bush experience, and not just theory.

From there, the course moves into the modules of wildlife hospitality and marketing. You’ll gain hands-on insight into what makes an exceptional guest experience, from managing lodge operations and food service in remote settings to handling special occasions and upholding five-star standards.

On the marketing side, you’ll explore everything from wildlife photography and videography to social media, public relations, and digital sales strategies. By the end, you’ll understand how the safari industry operates from the ground up, and you’ll be equipped to tell its story, manage its guests, and grow its reach with confidence!

How it works

Your training runs in four-week blocks, with a week off in between to rest, travel, or catch up. You’ll start with two months of field guide training – learning about animal behaviour, tracking, and life in the bush. Next comes two months of wildlife marketing, where you’ll create content, build campaigns, and learn how to tell the safari story online. Then it’s two months of hospitality, getting hands-on with lodge operations, guest experience, and event planning.

After that, you’ll put it all into practice during an optional six-month lodge placement (if you’ve chosen the 12-month course) to gain real-world experience right in the heart of the safari industry.

Before you arrive, you’ll receive free access to our online Bushwise Field Guiding course, which introduces you to the fundamentals of ecology, conservation, and guiding. It’s a great way to get a head start, especially if you’re new to wildlife or outdoor work. You’ll also be added to a pre-departure WhatsApp group so you can meet your trainers and coursemates and hit the ground running.

Topics include:

The Practical Wildlife Tourism Course is structured into three sections (field guiding, wildlife marketing, and wildlife hospitality). Over six months, you’ll gain hands-on skills, theory, and industry knowledge across Field Guiding, Wildlife Marketing, and Wildlife Hospitality. Here’s what you’ll cover in each section:

Field Guiding

Learn the essential skills for ethical guiding in Big Five territory. You’ll gain practical experience on game drives and bush walks, developing the expertise to observe and interpret wildlife safely and responsibly.

Animal Behaviour

Understand why animals act the way they do and how to interpret their behaviour in the wild.

Track and Sign (CyberTracker)

Learn to identify and interpret animal tracks, signs, and spoor. Develop hands-on tracking skills to support monitoring and conservation efforts.

Wildlife First Aid

Gain the skills to respond to injuries and emergencies in the field, ensuring both human and wildlife safety.

Hospitality & Guest Experience

Learn soft skills to deliver memorable experiences, from hosting guests to planning guided activities.

Field Guiding Certifications

Earn CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualifications and other key field credentials.

Wildlife Marketing

For 27 days, you’ll cover ethical conservation marketing, social media management, and direct-to-consumer web marketing. You’ll also develop creative skills in photography, videography, and storytelling.

Digital Strategy and Brand Communication

Build practical skills in campaign planning, PR and partnerships, customer retention, and revenue management. You’ll learn how to design and implement marketing strategies across email, social media, and digital platforms tailored to the safari industry.

Hospitality and Guest Experience

Discover what makes a world-class lodge run smoothly – from the guest experience and front-of-house operations to food and beverage management, housekeeping, and safety protocols.

Sales, Events, and Lodge Operations

Gain insight into lodge-based sales techniques, trade relations, and industry events. You’ll learn how to sell experiences, manage and coordinate special occasions like honeymoons, private dinners, and more.

The Safari Guest Journey & Experience Management

Map the entire guest lifecycle from booking to post-stay feedback, ensuring every interaction creates a memorable experience.

Front of House & Reservations Operations

Learn to manage check-in/check-out procedures, room allocations, property logistics, and international guest travel coordination.

Food & Beverage Management in a Remote Setting

Explore menu planning, costing, inventory control, bar management, wine pairing, and delivering unique dining experiences such as bush dinners and boma nights.

Luxury Housekeeping & Lodge Presentation

Maintain 5-star standards of cleanliness, room presentation, and turn-down services. Learn to manage laundry services and keep public areas impeccably stocked.

Exceptional Guest Relations

Develop proactive communication skills, build rapport with guests from diverse cultural backgrounds, and handle unique service requests with confidence.

Lodge Safety, Security & Emergency Protocols

Learn to manage guest safety within the lodge environment, including lodge safety protocols, fire procedures, and basic first-aid/medical emergency response.

Lodge-Based Sales & Revenue Generation

Develop proactive communication skills, build rapport with guests from diverse cultural backgrounds, and handle unique service requests with confidence.

Event & Special Occasion Coordination

Plan and execute special guest requests, including honeymoons, anniversaries, small corporate bush meetings, and weddings, with attention to logistics and detail.

Wildlife Hospitality

Over 53 days, you’ll learn the skills to deliver exceptional guest experiences and manage lodge operations in remote and luxury settings.

The Safari Guest Journey & Experience Management

Map the guest lifecycle from booking to post-stay feedback.

Front of House & Reservations Operations

Manage check-ins, room allocations, property logistics, and international guest travel.

Food & Beverage Management in a Remote Setting

Learn menu planning, costing, inventory control, bar management, wine pairing, and unique bush dining experiences.

Luxury Housekeeping & Lodge Presentation

Maintain 5-star standards in cleanliness, room presentation, laundry, and public areas.

Exceptional Guest Relations

Communicate proactively, build rapport, and handle diverse cultural expectations.

Lodge Safety, Security & Emergency Protocols

Manage guest safety, fire procedures, problem animals in camp, and lodge-based first aid.

Lodge-Based Sales & Revenue Generation

Upsell and cross-sell lodge services such as spa treatments, private game drives, or merchandise.

Event & Special Occasion Coordination

Plan and execute honeymoons, anniversaries, corporate bush meetings, or lodge weddings.

Free time

With South Africa’s Lowveld landscape as your home base, you’ll be just a short drive away from incredible wildlife parks, world-renowned conservation areas and iconic destinations. Spend your free weeks exploring all South Africa has to offer – from a weekend in Kruger National Park to a week in Cape Town!

Weekend and day trips

Blyde River Canyon

The largest green canyon in the world (with lush vegetation and deep cliffs), and the third largest, next to Fish River Canyon and the Grand Canyon. The Blyde River Canyon is only 30 minutes from Hoedspruit and is a destination for camping, hiking, bird watching, and boat tours.

Kruger National Park

At over 2 million hectares, Kruger is a massive protected area including the iconic Big Five, wild dogs, cheetahs, endangered species, and so much more.

Panorama Route

This scenic driving route takes you along the northern Drakensberg escarpment, featuring viewpoints, waterfalls, hikes, and cultural interest points. Attractions include God’s Window, the Three Rondavels, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Graskop Gorge.

Mariepskop Nature Reserve

A lush mountain ecosystem, with unique biodiversity including rare and endemic bird species. Mariepskop towers in the distance past Hoedspruit and is even visible from some of the Bushwise campuses. This reserve is excellent for hiking, bird watching, and forest exploring.

Hoedspruit Town

South Africa’s safari town, Hoedspruit, has access to all essentials and more, including a local brewery, restaurants, shops, grocery stores, and medical facilities. A great place to meet people and see local life. Hospruit is close to our Limpopo-based campuses.

Neighbouring game reserves

Limpopo and Mpumalanga are home to many of South Africa’s top public and private game reserves. You can plan a day trip to some of them, including game drives and meals, or treat yourself to a weekend away at a lodge.

Further afield

Drakensberg Mountains

This 200km long mountain range across South Africa and Lesotho is by far the region’s most impressive, with tumbling cliffs, rising peaks, crashing waterfalls, and rolling valleys. Explore its hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails or go rock climbing or kloofing.

Cape Town

Head to the Mother City and visit Robben Island, Table Mountain, the District 6 Museum, and Boulders Beach. A short flight from Johannesburg or Hoedspruit, it’s well worth spending some time in Cape Town during an off week or just after your course.

Durban

Located on South Africa’s east coast, Durban is a warm beachfront destination city. Surfing, diving, paddling, and swimming are popular activities here. Enjoy the unique dune landscapes and coastal forests. Grab a bunny chow or ice cream cone and walk the promenade.

Johannesburg

South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg, is roughly a five-hour drive from campus. While many people use Joburg as a stopover city, it’s well worth a visit on its own. Absorb history and culture at the city’s many museums (like the Apartheid Museum) or on a walking tour.

Meet the team

With nearly a century of experience combined, we are a specialised team with experts in entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany and more. Join us and work with award-winning staff, including Pioneer Moyo and Nico Brits, category winners from the Safari Guide of the Year competition 2022 and 2023. Meet the rest of our passionate trainers and our dedicated support team here.

Best trainers in the industry

Darryn - Head Trainer, Mahlahla

My passion for the bush came from my parents, spending many holidays all over South Africa in various game reserves or on birding trips. I completed my training course in 2012 and began my career in the Waterberg region of South Africa. I have since gone on to work in several reserves around South Africa including Entabeni, Madikwe, Klaserie and Greater Kruger National Park. My qualifications include Professional Field Guide, Professional Trails Guide and SKS Birding. I’m currently working towards mentor status.

Watch Darryn's video

Wayne - Head Trainer, Mahlahla

As a child growing up in Johannesburg, I always knew that I would be doing something nature-related when I grew up. I completed my training course in 2012 and began my career in the Lowveld close to Hoedspruit. I have worked in reserves around South Africa including Kapama, Madikwe and Greater Kruger National Park. I currently hold Field Guide and Trails Guide qualifications.

Watch Wayne's video

Simone - Trainer, Mahlahla

From a young age, my deep love for wildlife guided me toward a career as a nature guide. Starting in the hospitality industry at 19, I found joy in sharing my knowledge and passion with guests from around the world. Now, my goal is to give back to the industry by mentoring and empowering the next generation of guides. I aim to inspire them to be ethical stewards of our natural world, equipped with the skills to make a meaningful impact.

Aneen - Trainer, Mahlahla

I grew up in Paarl and from a young age my parents introduced me to the Kruger National Park, sparking my love of the bush. I made a few detours as a singer and actress before realising that I want to spend my life sharing my passion and knowledge with guests and students. My husband, Wayne, and I are based at the Wildlife College campus. I still keep my creative side alive through my art business. What better inspiration than the African bush!?

Our support staff

Claudia - Campus Operations

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to experience the eastern coast of South Africa through to the west coast. Only in 2017 was I introduced to the bush. It has taken hold of my soul and I am so privileged to be able to assist the next generation of field guides in becoming the best they can be!

Rose - Chef, Mahlahla

Cooking is a passion of mine and I love spending time in the kitchen and experimenting with the food I make. I started as camp chef with Bushwise in 2007. Other than a period from 2012-2015, when I was a freelance chef at various lodges, I have worked for Bushwise. I’ve been the chef at the Mahlahla campus since 2015. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is working and interacting with the students. There is always something new to see and learn on campus! My sister Iris, my best friend, also works on campus which I love.

Pulane - Housekeeping, Mahlahla

I’ve been working as a housekeeper at the Bushwise Mahlahla campus since 2011. I love living and working in the bush, it’s my favourite place. I really enjoy learning about nature and have endless opportunities to do that here. I’ve learned so much about the plants, trees, birds and animals we see around camp. The students have helped me learn some of these things and I always enjoyed speaking with the students and meeting new people.

Esther - Housekeeping, Mahlahla

Hi, I'm Esther Chabangu from Enable Village. I'm always eager to learn new things and take on new challenges. I work as a housekeeper at Bushwise Field Guide, and I absolutely love it! I’m a university graduate, and working with my team in such a dynamic environment is something I really enjoy. Being surrounded by nature every day has sparked a deep interest in wildlife for me. I feel lucky to be part of Bushwise Field Guide, where I get to learn more about the natural world and its amazing creatures.

Philip - Groundsman & Maintenance, Mahlahla

The Bushwise Mahlahla campus has been my home and place of work since 2018. I’m responsible for all the groundskeeping and maintenance of the camp. I enjoy making sure that everything looks good and is in running order for the rest of the staff and students. Before coming to Bushwise, I worked in anti poaching, which is where my love of nature began. I find it peaceful and relaxing in nature. I have a great time working with the students, I enjoy chatting with them and getting to know a little more about them.

Included

Your course fee covers your training, accommodation, meals, assessments and qualification exams, access to amazing amenities, and much more. To learn more about which qualifications are included in this course, click the qualifications tab above.

Learning resources

CATHSSETA registration
Bushwise exam and assessment fee
Training conducted by experienced long-term staff
Online masterclasses led by industry experts

Activities

Overnight sleep-out under the stars in a wildlife reserve
Entrance fees for excursions
Assistance with booking other extracurricular activities

Living resources

Accommodation includes:
- Shared room
- Desk, 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
Two sets of uniforms
Fleece jacket, cap, and beanie
All meals (except during off weeks)

Support services

Pre-departure support
Pre-departure WhatsApp group
Location orientation
24-hour in-country support
24-hour emergency phone
Emergency support from Bushwise on-site staff
Daily briefing
Final feedback session
Final day ceremony
Visits by staff while on the work placement
Access to our alumni program
Access to our unique in-house recruitment program

What’s not included?

The following services are not included in this program:

Flights
Transfers to the campus on arrival and departure
Medical and travel insurance
Professional drivers permit, licensing costs, and transportation. For those who decide that they would like to work as a field guide in the future.
Police clearance or background check fees
Personal workwear, such as hiking shoes and jackets
Extra Bushwise uniform (can be purchased after arrival)
International and domestic airport taxes
Additional drinks and gratuities
Compulsory and recommended reference books
Transport costs to the work placement
Extra local excursions
Meals, laundry, and transport during free-time weeks during the course
Accommodation, electricity, internet, and meals during off-weeks and the work placement portion of the program.

Welcome to your wild home

Our Mahlahla campus, the original Bushwise campus, is on the edge of the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, about 60 km from Hoedspruit in Limpopo. Living here means being fully immersed in the South African bushveld, home to the Big Five, wild dogs, cheetahs, hundreds of bird species, and plenty of other wildlife.

Campus life gives you direct access to the natural environment. You’ll train in an outdoor classroom surrounded by game, bushveld habitats, and nearby agricultural and community trust lands – an unbeatable setting for learning the ropes of conservation work.

To help you hit the ground running, you’ll join our pre-departure WhatsApp group before your course begins. Here, you can meet your fellow students, ask questions, and get guidance from our team, so you’ll already feel part of the Bushwise community before your first day on campus.

Virtual tours

Campus details

Accommodation

Students share a chalet or room for two, each with proper beds, linens, showers, and bathrooms.

Facilities

Everything you need is within walking distance – classrooms, dining areas, and other facilities are all close by. On your way to class, you might spot a sable, duiker, or honey badger! Between lessons, you can explore the trails, go for a run, or spend time birding – a safe and fun way to sharpen your skills.

Meals

Our chefs prepare two hot meals a day in communal dining areas, plus snacks, fruit, cereal, tea, coffee, and water throughout the day. Evenings are perfect for unwinding around a braai or boma under the stars.

Communication

WiFi is available on campus so you can keep in touch with family and friends, or use it for research and study. Some areas also have limited cellphone reception.

Transportation

You can drive yourself to campus or use a transfer service (limited parking is available). For group activities that involve travel, we organise transportation.

Safety and security

The campus is contained within electrified game fences for your safety. Staff are on hand 24/7, with access to emergency services nearby.

Career-boosting qualifications and certificates

You’ll graduate with the Bushwise Marketing Management and Wildlife Tourism Certificates – these are practical, career-focused certifications that equip you with the commercial and creative skills needed to succeed in wildlife tourism. Throughout the course, you’ll build a professional portfolio that includes photography, video content, SEO strategy, rate sheets, email campaigns, and more, all giving you real-world material to showcase to future employers.

You’ll also complete your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification, which introduces you to the world of safari guiding and the ecosystems you’ll be working in. This is essential context for anyone creating content or managing marketing in the wildlife tourism space. This qualification also allows you to legally guide in South Africa should you choose to pursue that path.

Nationally recognised certificates

CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification
Basic Wilderness First Aid – US ID: 119567: Perform Basic Life Support and First Aid Procedures
Cybertracker Track and Sign assessment

In-house and other certificates

Bushwise Marketing Management Certificate
Bushwise Wildlife Tourism Certificate

Bushwise conservation work placements

If you’ve chosen the 12-month course, you’ll step into a six-month work placement after your first 6 months of training, putting the skills you’ve learned into practice. This phase of the course is designed to prepare you for a career in wildlife tourism by placing you in a lodge environment and helping you build a professional network.

How does it work?

During your training, Bushwise head trainers and staff assess your skills, performance, and career goals to find the placement that’s the best fit. With our network of lodge partners, you’ll be able to gain experience in areas ranging from marketing, food and beverage management, and many other aspects of hospitality and lodge life.

Work placements are also a great opportunity to build a strong network and take the first steps toward a career in wildlife tourism.

APPLY NOW