Out here
nature
teaches us
Go further with
placements across
5 continents
The knowledge and experience you’ll gain at Bushwise is transferable across our wild planet. Our graduates have gone on to work in lodges, reserves and national parks, as park rangers, tour guides, researchers and conservationists.
In addition to placements in every corner of South Africa, our international work placements include:
-
Costa Rica: Research assistant in a rainforest conservation organisation
-
Namibia: Game Ranger in the Etosha National Park
-
Fiji: Wildlife researcher
-
Thailand: Conservation officer working in elephant rehabilitation
-
Canary Islands: Wildlife research analyst
Projected
career path
Global
career potential
Salary
expectations
Award
Recognition
Selective
admissions?
FGASA QUALIFICATION
Recognised in Southern Africa
Guide at a range of lodges
R150,000-350,000 per year (Basic salary + tips)
FGASA Nature Site Guide
Recognised as industry standard for guiding in South Africa
No
How does an IFGA qualification compare?
The International Field Guide Association (IFGA) sets global standards for wildlife and safari guides.
The letters IFGA by their name mean a guide has been successfully admitted to, and passed, the most selective guide training program in the world, and they are prepared to exceed guest expectations, every step of the way.
Bushwise is the exclusive Southern African training provider for IFGA certifications. For the select students in our IFGA 6-12 month course who qualify, IFGA certification comes at no additional cost.
Shaping ultimate
wildlife guides
Guide or head guide at luxury lodges, hosting international guests
Yes, placements across five continents
R650,000-R850,000 per year* (Basic salary + international tips)
The letters IFG after your name
Preferred by 92% of luxury lodges**
Yes. Approximately 20% of candidates are successful.
IFGA
QUALIFICATION
FGASA
QUALIFICATION
Guide at a range of lodges
Projected career path
Global career potential
Recognised in Southern Africa
Salary expectations
R150,000-350,000 per year (Basic salary + tips)
Award
FGASA Nature Site Guide
Recognition
Recognised as industry standard for guiding in South Africa
Selective admissions?
No
*Projections based on 7+ years of experience working at luxury safari lodges or their equivalent. **Based on market research conducted in 2023 with luxury lodges across Southern Africa, when comparing IFGA with other guiding qualifications.
The wild is your office
IFGA Safari Guide
Training Experience
The ultimate safari experience. Whether you're exploring the idea of a career in field guiding or looking to spend time in nature, this experience is for you. Gain essential CATHSSETA NQF2 knowledge to enrich your experience or use it as the first step toward a wildlife career.
7-28 days
From R20,100
Safari Guide
Training Taster
Whether you simply want to immerse yourself in nature or experience life as a field guide, this is the perfect short escape with a lasting impact. Spend a few days with us and combine your love for nature with a high-level introduction to guiding, animal behaviour and mammals.
1-7 days
From R3,750
With the new Bushwise Foundation grants, you could be awarded up to R100,000 towards your course. Anyone can apply!
Apply by 31 December!
Learn from experts
and inspiring trainers
Bushwise is the exclusive Southern African training provider for the International Field Guide Association (IFGA) qualification and standards.
Our field guide
courses are wilder
Begin the biggest adventure of your career and train to become a qualified field guide in South Africa’s Big Five territory. Study under the guidance of industry experts and award winners with over 100 years of combined experience. Witness wildlife in their natural habitats as you learn about animal behaviour and ecosystem functions. You’ll earn professional certificates which will open doors for a career in conservation, wildlife, ecotourism and more. Whether you join us for 3 days, 12 months, or something in between, your home away from home is immersive and right in the bush. Our Sabi Sabi campus is located in the world famous Sabi Sabi Reserve, within the Greater Kruger. Our SAWC campus is next to the Orpen Gate to Kruger National Park, and the iconic Timbavati white lions are regularly seen on game drives. Our original Mahlahla Campus will give you access to the Greater Makalali Game Reserve, another incredible Big Five destination. Our new Nkuwa Wilderness camp is west of the iconic Kruger National Park, and provides the perfect blend of immersion in nature and all the creature comforts. When you join an in-person course with Bushwise, you’re setting yourself up for success – whether you become a safari guide in South Africa, a wilderness guide in Alaska, a game ranger in Namibia, a researcher in Costa Rica, or a conservationist in Thailand. Our top programs are backed by the International Field Guide Association (IFGA), for which we are the exclusive training provider in Southern Africa. With an IFGA qualification, you stand out as a global leader in guiding and wildlife. It’s this global qualification, international work placement opportunities and expert guidance that will set you apart in your career growth. We offer two signature nature courses: our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (6/12 months) and our IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short Course (2 months). Both allow you to become a fully qualified guide and are designed for career-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. You can earn valuable qualifications like: – IFGA Certification – CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide NQF2 – Bushwise Field Guide – CyberTracker evaluation – Wilderness First Aid – Reptile Handling We also offer two shorter experiences: our Safari Guide Training Taster (3-days), a unique introduction to life in the wild; and our IFGA Safari Guide Training Experience (7–28 days), ideal for aspiring guides or nature enthusiasts seeking deeper immersion. Our professional courses are rated No.1 on TrustPilot and offer a blend of classroom lessons, theory, practical training and real-world experience. Your work placement will get you a foot in the door, whether here in South Africa or abroad with one of our international conservation partners. Our career guarantee, unique in the industry, will set you up for success. We have a 100% employment rate for graduates of the 12-month course. Luxury lodges regularly request Bushwise graduates. We’re proud of our students@heart policy and we know this experience will change your life! Whether you're a career or experience seeker, you have 3 days or a whole year to join us, there’s a Bushwise wildlife experience or field guiding course for you! Find yours.