The art behind
exceptional guest experiences
Bushwise
Wildlife Hospitality Short Course - 2 months
Turn your passion for wildlife into a professional career in the luxury safari lodge and hospitality industry.
DURATIONS: 53 DAYS
NEXT START DATE: 19 OCT 2026
FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS
ACCREDITATION: BUSHWISE
AGE: 18+
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Step into the world of exceptional service
Develop the practical skills to deliver seamless, memorable guest experiences in the heart of the bush
Step into the world of luxury safari lodges with our 53-day Wildlife Hospitality Short Course, where passion for wildlife and hospitality meet hands-on, practical training.
Over about eight weeks, you’ll learn to create seamless guest experiences, manage lodge operations, and deliver exceptional service. The course also includes a week to rest, study, or explore nearby highlights like Kruger National Park or Blyde River Canyon. By the end, you’ll leave with practical skills, confidence, and a deep understanding of running a professional safari lodge.
The foundations for exceptional lodge service
Over the 53-day course, you’ll dive into the essential skills that keep luxury safari lodges running smoothly and guests coming back for unforgettable experiences. Each module combines hands-on practice with practical real-world scenarios.
By the end of the course, you’ll have a well-rounded, hands-on skill set and practical experience in luxury lodge operations.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll experience:
The safari guest journey & experience management
Learn how to anticipate guest needs, plan every touchpoint, and create stays that feel seamless from start to finish.
Front-of-house & reservations operations
Get practical experience managing check-ins, room allocations, travel logistics, and smooth day-to-day operations.
Food & beverage management
Explore strategies to reduce conflict, protect livelihoods, and work effectively with local communities.
Luxury housekeeping & lodge presentation
Master 5-star standards for rooms, public areas, turn-down services, and laundry management.
Exceptional guest relations
Develop proactive communication, build rapport, and handle diverse cultural expectations with confidence.
Lodge safety, security, & emergency protocols
Learn in-camp safety procedures, emergency response, and how to keep guests safe in a dynamic environment.
Lodge-based sales & revenue generation
Practice upselling, cross-selling, and maximising revenue opportunities while keeping service natural and enjoyable.
Event & special occasion coordination
Plan and execute weddings, anniversaries, corporate meetings, and bespoke guest requests with attention to detail.
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Itinerary
This is an example of what you might cover over a 4-day period. Modules and activities can be adjusted depending on focus, weather, and operational needs. Each day begins with a morning briefing over coffee and ends with a shared dinner around the fire, surrounded by the bush.
During your course, there will be an off week where you can rest, study, or go sightseeing.
Day 1 - Orientation and front-of-house essentials
Start with an introduction to lodge operations, front-of-house procedures, check-ins, room allocations, and guest interaction. Guided exercises help you understand the full guest journey, anticipate needs, and set personal learning goals to shape your hands-on experience throughout the course.
Day 2 - Food, beverage and guest experience
Dive into menu planning, bar service, and creating memorable dining experiences like bush dinners or boma nights. You’ll learn to anticipate guest preferences, craft personalised moments, and deliver exceptional service while maintaining high standards in a remote lodge environment.
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Day 3 - Lodge operations and safety
Focus on housekeeping, luxury room presentation, and managing daily lodge logistics, including laundry and public areas. You’ll also practise safety and emergency protocols, gaining the confidence to handle unexpected situations and ensure smooth, professional lodge operations.
Day 4 - Events, sales and reflections
Explore upselling, revenue generation, and coordinating special occasions like weddings or corporate events. Finish with a hands-on project, portfolio review, group feedback, and reflection on what you’ve learned, giving you confidence to step into a professional hospitality role.
Location
During this course, you’ll be staying at our Mahlahla Campus located on the border of the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve, about 60 km from Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province.
The Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve spans 25,000 hectares and is home to the Big Five, cheetah, and critically endangered species such as the African Wild Dog and the Southern Ground Hornbill.
To help you settle in quickly, you’ll be added to a pre-departure WhatsApp group where you can meet the trainers and your fellow students, familiarise yourself with the team, and ask any questions you might have.
Mahlahla Campus
Accommodation on the Bushwise Mahlahla campus is within an eight-hectare, fenced lodge-style campus.
It’s safe from predators, so you are free to go for a walk or run anywhere on campus. We have a large variety of bird species that are regular visitors to the campus dam, as well as secretive species such as honey badgers and porcupines that are seen almost every night. We also have the occasional visit from porcupines and leopards.
In these surroundings, you can sharpen your practical skills by going on bushwalks, spending time birding, and encountering the animals that roam the campus.
Students will share a chalet (known as a rondavel) that accommodates two students. A weekly laundry service is provided for uniforms and bedding, free of charge, and students also have full access to the campus facilities for personal use.
The chalets, dining area, and laundry facilities are all clustered together. But it’s just a short walk around the dam to get to the classroom. The classroom is only partly enclosed, so you’ll remain immersed in the bush during training. It’s topped off with a thatched roof and light shading on two sides. And for the hot summer months, there’s a swimming pool next to the classroom.
| Campus
Mahlahla Campus
Accommodation on the Bushwise Mahlahla campus is within an eight-hectare, fenced lodge-style campus.
It’s safe from predators, so you are free to go for a walk or run anywhere on campus. We have a large variety of bird species that are regular visitors to the campus dam, as well as secretive species such as honey badgers and porcupines that are seen almost every night. We also have the occasional visit from porcupines and leopards.
In these surroundings, you can sharpen your practical skills by going on bushwalks, spending time birding, and encountering the animals that roam the campus.
Students will share a chalet (known as a rondavel) that accommodates two students. A weekly laundry service is provided for uniforms and bedding, free of charge, and students also have full access to the campus facilities for personal use.
The chalets, dining area, and laundry facilities are all clustered together. But it’s just a short walk around the dam to get to the classroom. The classroom is only partly enclosed, so you’ll remain immersed in the bush during training. It’s topped off with a thatched roof and light shading on two sides. And for the hot summer months, there’s a swimming pool next to the classroom.
Dates & fees
Set start dates
53-day course | from R102,350
19 October - 10 December 2026
19 April - 10 June 2027
18 October - 9 December 2027
Payment plan
Plan 1
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A deposit secures your booking
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First instalment due 20 weeks before the course start date
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Final instalment due 12 weeks before the course start date
Plan 2
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A deposit secures your booking
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The balance is split into six instalments leading up to the course start date
Plan 3
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Custom deposit secures your booking
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The balance is split into equal instalments, with the final instalment due 3 months into the course
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You may be eligible for a Bushwise Foundation Grant of up to R40,000 towards your course fees!
A limited number of December grants are still available, so don’t wait! Grant applications are open to everyone.
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What’s included
Learning resources & activities
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Bushwise Wildlife Hospitality course information and certificate (upon completion)
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Training conducted by experienced long-term staff
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Lectures by qualified marketing professionals
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Game drives
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Entrance fees for excursions, where applicable
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Assistance with booking other extracurricular activities
Living resources
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All meals (except during off weeks)
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Fleece jacket, cap, and beanie
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Two sets of uniforms
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Accommodation includes:
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Shared room
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Desk, cupboard, and fan
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Boma and braai area
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Space to exercise
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Social area
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Free Wi-Fi
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Library of field guiding books
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Communal or shared en-suite bathroom
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Limited laundry services
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Support services
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Pre-departure support
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Pre-departure WhatsApp group
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Location orientation
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24-hour in-country support
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24-hour emergency phone
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Emergency support from Bushwise on-site staff
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Daily briefings
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Final feedback session
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Access to our alumni program
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Access to our unique in-house recruitment program
What’s not included
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Flights
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Transfers to the campus on arrival and departure
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Medical and travel insurance
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Police clearance or background check fees
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Personal workwear, such as hiking shoes and jackets
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Bushwise uniform (can be purchased after arrival)
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International and domestic airport taxes
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Additional drinks and gratuities
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Compulsory and recommended reference books
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Transport costs to the work placement
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Extra local excursions
Advance your wildlife career
This short course is part of a larger 6- or 12-month Practical Wildlife Tourism Course, covering wildlife hospitality, marketing, and safari guiding. This course includes an optional 6-month work placement and a career guarantee. To explore the full course, click here.