Turn your passion
for wildlife
into a creative career

Bushwise
Wildlife Marketing Management Course - 6/12 months

The wild has stories to tell. Learn how to turn them into powerful digital content, marketing strategies, and business success that supports conservation. This course combines photography, videography, brand storytelling, and hands-on lodge marketing – all taught in the heart of the African bush.

DURATIONS: 6 or 12 MONTHS

NEXT START DATE: 7 JAN 2026 (WAITLIST)

FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS

ACCREDITATION: BUSHWISE & CATHSSETA

AGE: 18+

Course details

A launchpad for wildlife marketers, creatives and strategists

Calling all future lodge marketers, content creators, photographers, storytellers, and digital strategists who want to build a career in the safari industry! The Wildlife Marketing Management Course (6–12 months) is designed to prepare you for a competitive and creative career in wildlife tourism – whether as a content creator, marketing coordinator, lodge sales manager, or digital strategist working at the intersection of conservation and commerce. It’s the first course of its kind to blend immersive bush training with practical, real-world commercial skills needed to thrive in wildlife tourism.

Live and learn in the African bush while building a creative and commercial toolkit that includes digital marketing, wildlife photography, videography, social media, and PR. Whether you’re starting your career, changing direction, or taking a gap year with purpose – this course offers a unique, practically driven pathway into one of the world’s most exciting industries.

This course includes a guaranteed 6-month marketing placement for eligible graduates, and a job guarantee for those who complete the full course and meet candidate and placement criteria.* That means real-world, practical experience, a stronger portfolio, and a foot in the door of your dream industry.

Course overview

This 6 or 12-month program equips you with a dual skill set: foundational bush knowledge through accredited field guide training, and real-world marketing and lodge management experience tailored to the wildlife tourism industry.

In the first two months, you'll complete your CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification – the entry-level requirement for guiding in South Africa. This training gives you essential ecological knowledge, field safety awareness, and insight into the environment in which you’ll be working.

The remaining four months focus on professional marketing and management skills, with practical training in digital content creation, photography, videography, social media strategy, SEO, paid advertising, revenue systems, and trade relations. You’ll also learn how to manage bookings, build guest loyalty, and contribute to the long-term success of a safari lodge or conservation business.

Qualifying students can pursue a practical 6-month work placement at a top safari lodge, during which you'll apply your skills to live campaigns, projects, and guest experiences, giving you hands-on, real-world experience and a professional portfolio by the time you graduate.

Why study with Bushwise?

Bushwise was founded by a passionate conservationist. After her long and fruitful career in conservation, she realised there is a need for professional, qualified field guides to help ethically sustain our natural environment. This passion gave birth to Bushwise in 2006, and since then, we’ve delivered the cream of the crop to the safari industry. It’s our passion, respect and dedication to nature that drives us to keep on improving our courses.

Guaranteed placement*

This course includes a guaranteed 6-month wildlife marketing placement for qualified graduates who meet our placement criteria. This practical, real-world experience gives you the opportunity to build your portfolio, grow your network, and apply your skills in a professional environment.

*For qualified South African graduates who are over the age of 21 and have successfully completed all Bushwise modules in their course.

Employment guarantee*

We offer a job guarantee to students who complete the full course and meet specific performance and eligibility criteria. This includes temporary, permanent or contract roles in wildlife lodges, conservation NGOs, or related marketing and ecotourism businesses.

* The employment guarantee applies to graduates who: Are South African citizens, have successfully completed both the academic and practical components of the course, receive a positive placement review, and meet additional criteria outlined in our Terms and Conditions, and are willing and able to relocate for work. Full policy coming soon.

Practical, job-ready skills

From building SEO strategies to crafting social media campaigns and designing email funnels, this course is hands-on. Each theory module is paired with a practical assignment, giving you the chance to apply what you’ve learned immediately in a portfolio-worthy project.

A broad, industry-relevant marketing course

You’ll cover a full spectrum of digital marketing & marketing management skills, tailored to the tourism and conservation space. This includes branding, content creation, storytelling, analytics, email, paid media, and more. Whether you want to become a content creator, strategist, or digital nomad, this course lays the groundwork.

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?

Your schedule will change depending on which part of the course you’re in. Some days you’ll be out in the bush learning hands-on wildlife skills, and other days you’ll be focused on marketing strategy, getting practical experience in content creation, or digital campaigns. Either way, you can expect a balance of classroom sessions, practical work, and time to reflect or relax.

What does the field guide phase look like?

The first two months are all about getting out in the wild. You’ll start early with game drives and practical sessions like tracking and animal behaviour, mixed with classroom lessons on ecology, safety, and hospitality. It’s immersive and hands-on — the real life of a safari guide.

What does the marketing phase look like?

Months three to six shift the focus to marketing and management. Your days will involve practical workshops, project work, and digital tasks like social media strategy, SEO, and content creation. It’s more classroom and computer-based but still very practical, with plenty of chances to apply what you learn through real campaigns and assignments.

A typical marketing day could look like this, with slight variations based on season:

7:30-8:30am

Start with coffee or tea and a light breakfast.

9am-12pm

Classroom or workshop sessions covering digital marketing topics.

12-1pm

Lunch and downtime.

1-4pm

Practical work on projects like photo editing, writing, or campaign planning.

4-5:30pm

Group discussions, guest lectures, or collaborative work, finishing off with an evening game drive before dinner.

Evening

Dinner with your cohort and some relaxation or study time.

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)

2025

6 months – R 269,950
12 months – R 289,950

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 31 Aug.

Start dates

2026

6 months – 7 January, 8 July (Waitlist)

12 months – 7 January, 8 July

Please note that the January start date currently has a waiting list. If you're keen to join, you’ll be added to the list and we’ll let you know as soon as that intake is confirmed.

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 Wildlife Marketing Management Course (6/12 months) is a dynamic blend of wildlife training and practical marketing education. You’ll spend the first two months gaining a deep understanding of the natural environment through field guide training, followed by four months focused on developing your marketing knowledge and practical real-world skills.

Why this structure? Because authentic marketing begins with authentic, firsthand experiences. To market the safari industry effectively, you need to understand the bush, the wildlife, the culture of guiding, and the guest experience. This unique combination ensures you graduate with insight, credibility, and in-demand expertise.

How it works

Your training is broken into 4-week segments with a week off in between for self-study, reflection, or travel. This gives you time to absorb new concepts, revise, and recharge.

Each week is a mix of classroom lectures, guest speakers, bush activities, marketing tasks, and group projects. You’ll build foundational knowledge early on, then gradually move into more applied, real-world learning — from wildlife identification to building a marketing strategy.

Throughout the course, you'll take part in field-based assessments, marketing presentations, written assignments, practical scenarios, and reflective work, which prepares you for both the bush and the boardroom.

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.

Topics include:

Marketing fundamentals

Understand the principles behind consumer behaviour, campaign strategy, digital funnels, and brand positioning, all tailored specifically to the wildlife and eco-tourism sectors.

Digital marketing strategy

Gain practical experience building and executing strategies across social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and SEO, using real-world examples from the safari industry.

Campaign development and project work.jpg

Brand storytelling and copywriting

Develop skills to craft compelling, authentic messages for websites, newsletters, social media captions, brochures, and more — all with a conservation-conscious approach.

Photography and visual identity

Learn wildlife photography basics, editing techniques, and how to build a visual brand identity that resonates with your target audience.

Conservation marketing and ethics

Explore how marketing can support conservation goals and community engagement, promoting responsible tourism with integrity.

Campaign development and project work

Apply your knowledge in group campaigns and practical projects, creating full-scale marketing strategies for lodges or conservation initiatives.

Guiding foundations and safari industry immersion

Gain essential insights into safari guiding, tourism principles, and ethical wildlife encounters to ground your marketing efforts in an authentic experience.

Guest experience and hospitality insight

Discover how guest expectations shape brand identity, and learn how to communicate exceptional guided experiences to future travellers.

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
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

For six months, you’ll live and learn at the Bushwise Mahlahla campus located on the border of the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve in Limpopo. This is where your wildlife marketing journey begins. Expect early mornings, wild sounds at night, and real immersion in the natural world.

Virtual tours

Campus details

At Mahlahla Campus, students stay in shared, comfortable rondavels with proper beds and linen provided. You’ll have access to clean, communal bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. A laundry service is available for both clothes and linen (within reason), and everything you need from classrooms to dining areas is just a short walk away, so there’s no need to leave campus during your stay.

The campus itself is set on eight hectares of wild bushveld and fully fenced for safety, offering a secure but immersive experience. You’re free to explore the grounds during your downtime – go for a run, take a walk along the trails, or simply relax by the swimming pool. Keep your eyes peeled for frequent wildlife visitors like nyala, bush babies, civets, and even the occasional honey badger.

Facilities include a communal kitchen, well-equipped classrooms, dedicated study areas, and a small library of field guides and nature reference books. There's also a basic gym/weights area for staying active. In the evenings, students often gather around the boma or braai area for dinner, socialising, and stargazing by the fire.

Two hot meals are prepared daily by our resident chefs and served in the communal dining area, with snacks, cereal, fruit, tea, coffee, and water available throughout the day. WiFi is accessible in designated areas, and mobile reception is available depending on your network provider.

Getting to campus is easy – you can either use our recommended transfer service or drive yourself (just note that parking is limited). And if you’re heading out on a group activity or field trip, transport will be arranged for you. All other excursions before or after your course will need to be arranged and paid for privately.

Career-boosting qualifications and certificates

You’ll graduate with the Bushwise Marketing Management Certificate, a practical, career-focused certification that equips 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
CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF4) knowledge
Basic Wilderness First Aid – US ID: 119567: Perform Basic Life Support and First Aid Procedures
Cybertracker Track and Sign assessment (CATHSSETA)