Step into a
career that
conserves the wild

Bushwise
Practical Conservation Management Course - 6/12 months

Launch your career in conservation by getting stuck into species recovery, habitat restoration and area-based management. Based in a Big Five game reserve, you’ll get hands-on with wildlife tech and learn to measure your results against global targets. Choose the 12-month course to add a six-month work placement and put those skills to work with a real research or conservation team.

DURATIONS: 6 or 12 MONTHS

NEXT START DATE: 8 JULY 2026

FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS

ACCREDITATION: CATHSSETA

AGE: 18+

Course details

Walk a wilder path

Do you want to contribute to the preservation and protection of our natural world? If you’ve ever considered a career in conservation, this six- or twelve-month course is the perfect place to start.

This course is perfect for you if you:

Want to take the first step in starting your conservation career – no prior academic experience (including matric!) or certifications required!
Have a conservation or related degree, and need to gain practical, hands-on experience to get your foot into the industry and start working with wildlife.
Have just finished school or university and are looking for a meaningful gap year to build experience, confidence, and earn qualifications while having the time of your life doing it.

During the course, you’ll cover a wide range of topics, including the science of species recovery, habitat restoration, and area-based management. We’ll show you how to use the latest wildlife technology to monitor behaviour and tackle challenges like human-wildlife conflict. You’ll also learn how to evaluate the success of your work, measuring your field results against global targets like the 30x30 goals.

You’ll learn from experts while being part of a diverse, like-minded group of passionate peers, gaining practical, hands-on skills and deepening your understanding of wildlife and habitat preservation.

If you choose the twelve-month option, you’ll then have the chance to do a six-month work placement with one of our conservation partners in South Africa or abroad (such as Costa Rica, Madagascar, or Seychelles). You’ll take everything you’ve learned and put it into practice — gaining real, hands-on experience in the field. Along the way, you’ll start building your professional network and a portfolio of work, connecting with mentors and industry contacts who can help you land that first job in conservation. It’s your chance to make a real impact on wildlife and habitats while setting yourself up for a future career.

For those who meet the eligibility criteria, we also offer an employment guarantee within 12 months of completing your course. Beyond that, you’ll have access to our dedicated career support team, who’ll help you polish your CV, prepare for interviews, and connect with trusted employers around the world.

Course overview

Whether you're with us for 6 or 12 months, you’ll dive into a mix of practical field work and the theory behind it. You’ll pick up the technical skills needed for a career in conservation or research, and the best part is you don’t need a specific academic background to get started – we provide all the training and tools right here.

The course is built around 12 Conservation Research Modules (CRMs), with each one taking about two weeks to complete. This structure allows you to focus on one specific area of conservation science at a time before moving on to the next.

If you choose the 12-month option, you’ll follow your initial training with a six-month work placement. This is your chance to put your skills to the test in the industry, build your professional network, and finish the year with the kind of hands-on experience that really sets you apart when applying for jobs.

Even after you graduate, you’re still part of the team. You’ll have ongoing access to the Bushwise network, including our connections with wildlife reserves and conservation groups. Our recruitment and talent teams are there to help you take that first step into a career that actually matches your interests and goals.

Why study with Bushwise?

Driven by conservation: Bushwise was founded by a passionate conservationist to meet the need for professionals who protect natural environments ethically. Since 2006, we’ve been training graduates to excel in diverse conservation roles. With a curriculum covering topics such as conservation and African wildlife, you’ll graduate equipped to pursue a career in wildlife conservation management.

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 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.

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.

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 work placements*

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.

Industry’s only 360° recruitment division

Bushwise has a built-in 360° recruitment division designed to support professionals across the wildlife industry. With our large network of partners across Southern Africa and beyond, we make it even easier for qualified professionals to find the right job.

Whether it’s permanent placements, short-term contracts, or seasonal roles, our recruitment team works with graduates and experienced professionals 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 organisations in building strong teams, our recruitment division connects the best people with the best opportunities – all under one roof.

6 campuses across Big 5 wilderness areas

Bushwise operates from 6 different campuses in South Africa, more than any other training provider in Southern Africa.

One of our key locations is within the Sabi Sands Game Reserve,in the Greater Kruger National Park. Here, students learn in an environment known for its rich biodiversity, strong conservation history, and some of the highest leopard densities on the continent.

Global opportunities

Bushwise opens doors to unique work placements in remote and exciting destinations like Costa Rica, Thailand, Madagascar, and more. Many of our students have leveraged their training to build careers around the world, with graduates working in places like Patagonia, the USA, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, and beyond.

What’s a typical day?

Days usually start around 5:00–5:30 am, with a mix of classroom sessions and practical activities.

Life on this Bushwise course

Life with Bushwise gives you a real taste of what working in conservation is like. Expect early mornings (yes, really early!), long, rewarding days in the bush, meals around the campfire, camp duties, leadership responsibilities, and plenty of learning along the way.

Each day blends learning, hands-on experience, and downtime, giving you a real taste of life in conservation.

A typical day might look like this (with slight tweaks depending on the season and weather):

5-5:30am

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

6-10am

Depending on your module, you could be out using radio telemetry to find cheetahs, monitoring bird nesting sites, or checking fence lines for wildlife conflict points.

11am

Brunch at camp – hearty meals to keep you going.

Midday

Downtime for relaxing, studying, or short practical sessions.

3pm

Afternoon activities continue, from practical exercises, workshops, or a lecture, depending on which module of the course you are in.

6pm

Evening meal, either in the dining area or around a campfire.

Gallery images GVI Any size (25)_edited.jpg

2017990042-2022-nov-16-12-29-21-000000-52237802439_1ddb542668_o.jpg

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 R323,500 (was R348,950)

12 months* R349,500 (was R373,950)

Discounts are valid until the end of this month and are subject to availability. Only one discount per person may be applied, and it cannot be combined with any other offer, promotion, or grant. All bookings are subject to confirmation by Bushwise. Bushwise reserves the right to amend course fees or dates at any time. By accepting a discount, you agree to pay the remaining course fees according to the payment schedule provided. 12-month course fees may vary depending on optional modules or add-ons.

Fund your Bushwise course!

Discounts of up to R50,000
Grants & scholarships of up to R100,000
Student loans available

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 Field Guides 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 payment of course fees.

Curriculum

Your training is structured into two-week segments, with each two-week block focusing on a specific Conservation Research Module (CRM). Lessons mix classroom sessions, group work, and plenty of field practicals to give you a solid learning experience that prepares you for real jobs in the industry.

You’ll be studying from Monday to Friday, with Saturdays and Sundays off to rest, study, or explore the surrounding area. A typical week includes daily field sessions, practical exercises, and data collection – all designed to build the hands-on skills you’ll use every day in the field.

You’ll get plenty of hands-on experience with field research and wildlife technology, and learn how to communicate science effectively through storytelling and nature education. The course also covers how to evaluate the impact of your work, helping you turn your data into meaningful action that supports real conservation projects and sustainable reserve management.

To help you get ready, you’ll have free access to online courses, so you can start picking up the theory and meet your fellow students before you even arrive.

Modules and activities

Over 6 months, you’ll work through the 12 Conservation Research Modules (CRMs) designed to give you a mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. To give you a real feel for what that looks like on the ground, here is an overview of each module and some of the activities you’ll get stuck into.

Area-based conservation (ABC) Management

See how protected areas are actually run, from zonation and management plans to global goals like the 30x30 target. You’ll learn the daily logistics of running a reserve by walking fence lines to check for potential breaches, mapping land-use zones to balance tourism with research, and assessing how vehicle traffic and grazing pressure affect the landscape.

Ecological restoration and species recovery

This is all about restoring ecosystems and helping threatened species bounce back using practical methods. You’ll assist with removing invasive plants to restore natural grasslands, building erosion-control structures to protect the soil, and monitoring recruitment rates to see how iconic wildlife populations are on the uptick.

Species conservation

Learn why certain animals are the best "health checks" for the African bush and how to use tools like the IUCN Red List to help plan for their future. This module covers the core skills for monitoring the Big Five, where you’ll use radio telemetry to track collared predators, learn to identify individual elephants and rhinos by unique markings, and identify tracks and signs in the field.

Human–wildlife conflict and coexistence

Explore why conflict occurs and develop solutions that help people and wildlife live side by side. You’ll spend time monitoring predator movements near boundaries to prevent conflict, mapping potential elephant breakout points, and working on sustainable solutions that benefit both the local community and the wildlife.

Pollution, debris and waste management

Learn how to lower our environmental footprint by running waste surveys and finding better ways to recycle and reuse. To help protect the reserve, you’ll conduct snare sweeps to safeguard wildlife, perform waste audits to improve camp sustainability, and monitor how pollution and debris impact different species across the landscape.

Biodiversity and habitat monitoring

Build your field skills by learning to identify different species and using tools like camera traps to see what animals are moving around you. You’ll assist with long-term "health checks" of the bush by setting camera traps to capture elusive species, conducting sunrise bird surveys, and using vegetation plots to understand how the ecosystem supports a wide range of life.

Stakeholder engagement and community conservation

Learn the best way to work with local communities and partners to make sure conservation projects are fair and respectful. You’ll work with people living near protected areas by helping deliver environmental lessons in local schools, documenting the traditional uses of plants, and gathering community feedback.

Climate change mitigation and adaptation

See how climate science works on the ground and find ways to help the environment stay resilient. You’ll track how the bush adapts to a changing climate by collecting meteorological data, mapping how large herds change their movement during droughts, and monitoring how predators like cheetahs adapt their hunting patterns to rising temperatures.

Technology for wildlife

Get comfortable using and fixing the gear you’ll need every day, like drones, radio telemetry, and camera traps. You’ll learn to operate and maintain essential field equipment, including radio antennas and GPS units, ensuring your gear stays functional in a demanding outdoor environment.

Wildlife behaviour and activity monitoring

Use non-invasive ways to watch how animals move and act so we know which areas they need most. You’ll study the social structures and daily lives of priority species by recording behavioural budgets for predators, monitoring interactions at carcasses, and using time-stamped camera data to map the nocturnal activity of shy animals like the aardvark or hyena.

Nature education and conservation communication

Learn how to take what you see in the field and turn it into stories that connect with people around the world. You’ll learn to translate scientific data into engaging narratives, practice leading interpretive walks, and create "species spotlights" based on your daily sightings in the bush.

Conservation impact evaluation

Use simple tools to check if the work you're doing is actually making the positive change you wanted. You’ll evaluate whether conservation work is reaching its goals by analysing population trends for key species, tracking operational data like snare removal rates, and using professional frameworks to measure real-world impact.

Bushwise conservation work placements

Once you’ve completed six months of training, you can step into an optional six-month work placement, putting the skills you’ve learned into practice. This phase of the course is designed to prepare you for a career in conservation by immersing you in the realities of wildlife and environmental work.

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 reserves and conservation partners, you can gain hands-on experience in areas like wildlife research or even animal rehabilitation. We even offer international placements in conservation hotspots around the globe.

Work placements are a great opportunity to build a strong network and take the first steps toward a fulfilling conservation career, and many of our students are offered permanent employment after excelling in their work placement. Many of our students are offered permanent positions after excelling in their placement, and our in-house 360° recruitment division is there to support you with personalised career coaching, job matching, and introductions to our partners across Southern Africa.

Types of work placements

Bushwise offers a wide range of conservation placements to suit your interests and ambitions:

Wildlife research and monitoring: Collect and analyse data to support conservation strategies.
Animal rehabilitation: Work with wildlife sanctuaries to care for and release injured or orphaned animals.
Reserve management: Assist in habitat restoration, game monitoring, and sustainable land use practices.
Community-based conservation: Promote environmental education and engage with local communities to support conservation initiatives.
Ecotourism lodge management: Gain experience in sustainable tourism operations.

Placement partners & locations

Your placement location will be determined by your preferences and your performance throughout the course. These placement options all offer hands-on conservation exposure, where you’ll work directly with conservationists and wildlife experts while contributing to real project work. Below are just a few examples of possible placements:

Moholohlo Rehabilitation Centre, Limpopo, South Africa

Moholoholo rescues and cares for injured, orphaned, and endangered wildlife while educating visitors about conservation. The centre focuses on rehabilitation, release where possible, and raising awareness about protecting South Africa’s unique species.

Harnas Wildlife Foundation

Harnas Wildlife Foundation is actively involved in conserving Namibian wildlife, protecting natural resources, and providing education and support to those who can benefit. Above all, their goal is to give back to every living being as much as possible.

Leo Africa

LEO Africa is a wildlife monitoring, conservation, and sustainable-living project based in the Marataba Section of Marakele National Park. As the park’s only dedicated monitoring team, they collect data through drives and camera traps each month and compile detailed reports for park management.

Siyafunda at Makalali, Limpopo, South Africa

Monitor wildlife, including threatened and endangered species like cheetah, rhino and elephant, in a Big Five game reserve in South Africa. Established in 2004 to assist the Greater Makalali Game Reserve with wildlife monitoring, Siyafunda is a research, volunteer, and wildlife monitoring organisation that hosts researchers and supports local communities.

Kekoldi Indigenous Forest, Costa Rica

Nestled in Costa Rica's Kekoldi Indigenous Reserve, this placement offers an opportunity to explore one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Here, you’ll contribute to conservation efforts by identifying species, collecting data, and monitoring wildlife through projects ranging from bird, mammal, and reptile surveys to camera trapping elusive wild cats.

Lokobe National Park, Nosy Be, Madagascar

Based in Madagascar’s Lokobe National Park, this coastal conservation placement offers a unique opportunity to work across both land and sea ecosystems. Contribute to critical projects by monitoring coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and coastal wildlife, while supporting efforts to protect fragile habitats in partnership with local organisations.

Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Limpopo, South Africa

Moholoholo was established in 1991 to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for injured and orphaned wildlife while educating the public about conservation challenges. Through hands-on care and groundbreaking research, Moholoholo raises awareness and inspires action to protect the environment.

Canary Islands, Tenerife, Spain

Based on the island of Tenerife, this whale and dolphin conservation placement offers the chance to observe these incredible species ethically in their natural habitat. Contribute to vital research by recording marine life data, monitoring behaviours, and participating in beach cleanups, helping local organisations protect marine ecosystems and promote sustainable tourism.

Huay Pakoot Elephant Community Foundation, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Set in the mountainous jungles of Thailand's Chiang Mai province, this placement provides hands-on experience in one of the region's most dynamic ecosystems. Here, you can conduct biodiversity surveys, monitor species like elephants, gibbons, and reptiles, and contribute to vital conservation research through data collection and analysis.

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. Tourist roads span the length and width of this incredible landscape, which is just a 10 minute drive from our SAWC campus.

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 visible from both Bushwise campuses. This reserve is excellent for hiking, bird watching and forest exploring.

Hoedspruit Town

South Africa’s safari town, Hoedspruit, is just an hour from both Bushwise campuses. Here you’ll have 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.

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 beach-front 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.

Included

Your course fee covers your training, accommodation, meals, assessments and exams, access to amazing amenities, and much more.

Learning resources

All 12 Conservation Research Modules (CRMs)
Bushwise exams and assessments
Conservation lessons and field experience
Training conducted by experienced long-term staff
CRM related equipment, including camera traps, GPS units, data sheets, sampling kits, and more.

Activities

All field-based activities and game drives
Hands-on conservation activities/monitoring
Entrance fees for all course-related 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
– Communal or shared en-suite bathroom
– Limited laundry services
Two sets of uniforms
Fleece jacket, cap and beanie
All meals (except during off times)

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 (in South Africa)
Access to our alumni program

What’s not included?

The following services are not included in this program:

Flights
Medical and travel insurance
Professional drivers permit and licensing costs and transportation (21 and older)
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
Transport costs to the work placement
Extra local excursions - where applicable to the course curriculum
Meals, laundry and transport during free-time weeks during the course
Accommodation, electricity, internet and meals during off time and the work placement portion of the program.

Welcome to your wild home

Your training takes place in Karongwe Game Reserve, Limpopo.

Living here gives you direct access to a complex, fenced ecosystem. You’ll be training right where the action is, surrounded by diverse bushveld habitats and bordering local community lands. It’s a setting that allows you to see exactly how conservation management, wildlife protection and community coexistence work in the real world.

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 settle in quickly, 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.

View the gallery

Campus details

Accommodation

Lodgings consist of large dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms. The camp is solar-powered to help reduce our environmental footprint.

Facilities

When it’s time to relax, you’ll find hammocks, a swing chair and a projector for watching movies and documentaries. If you want to stay active, the base has a volleyball court, footballs, skipping ropes, weights and yoga mats. There are also plenty of card games, board games and books to enjoy.

Meals

Breakfast is self-service, continental style with bread and spreads, and lunch usually consists of sandwiches and fresh salads. In the evenings, the group gathers for a hot dinner, which ranges from traditional South African potjie stews to pastas and stir-fries, and pizza.

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.

APPLY NOW