Location
  • South Africa
    • Limpopo
Term
Fall, Short Term, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Animal Science Biology Botany Conservation and Preservation Earth Sciences Environmental Studies Geography Geology Hospitality Life Sciences Natural Sciences Tourism Wildlife Sciences +3

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma
Housing
Dormitory
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
59 nights’ accommodation
Meals (cereal, lunch and dinner)
Tea/coffee and juice (freely available)
FGASA assessment and moderation fees
Game drives and bush walks
Classroom sessions
Dangerous game experience
Ethical guiding principles
Access to qualified trainers and assessors
Laundry (conditions apply)
Free limited internet access
CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide qualification (NQF 2)
FGASA Apprentice Field Guide certificate (when combined with passing your theory exam)
Bushwise participation certificate
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Meals Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

See price details for all that's included.

What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
What's Not Included (Extra)

Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
Transfers to and from the Bushwise campus
Bushwise/FGASA online course
FGASA apprentice theory exam
FGASA manuals, workbooks and study material
Bushwise uniform

Feb 06, 2024
May 08, 2024
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About Program

Become an African safari guide in 60 days! Spend two months living in the African bush, viewing wildlife (including the Big Five and endangered species) in their natural habitat, and gaining the skills to become a safari guide. Add a unique qualification to your resume while making lifelong friendships and memories.

Wake up every morning to the sounds of the wild – from lions roaring in the distance, to the morning chorus of hundreds of birds. For 60 days, you’ll train under expert instructors, learn to drive 4x4 game drive vehicles, lead a guided experience, identify different species, interpret animal behavior, and so much more.

No matter where you’re from, if you love wildlife and want a career in conservation, this course is for you. For our international students, you can attend this course on a visitor’s visa - no special study or work visa required for under 90 days.

Earn valuable safari guide qualifications and graduate ready to enter this competitive industry.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Train in a Big 5 game reserve close to South Africa’s famous Kruger National Park and live with like-minded people in a fenced camp in the wilderness.
  • Observe animal behavior and interactions in the wild and learn how to host a guided experience.
  • Experience a beautiful part of South Africa and be assured of your safety while on this course.
  • Course dates starting throughout the year.
  • No special study/volunteer visa is required to attend this course (a visitor’s visa is acquired on arrival for most countries).

Program Reviews

4.67 Rating
based on 12 reviews
  • 5 rating 66.67%
  • 4 rating 33.33%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 4.75
  • Housing 4.25
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 9 - 12 of 12 reviews
Default avatar
Laura
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bushwise 60-days!

My time at Bushwise has been nothing short of incredible, and I'm extremely grateful for the experience. Throughout my journey, I've learned an amazing amount, thanks to the exceptional guides and staff who have been truly amazing mentors. Pioneer and Trevor, in particular, possess a wealth of information, and it's been an absolute privilege to learn from them.

The accommodation provided by Bushwise was fantastic. I felt safe and well-cared-for throughout my stay. The food was delicious, and it was clear that a lot of effort went into ensuring everyone's comfort and satisfaction.

From an international perspective, this has been an amazing journey, and I especially loved the track and sign and practical experiences. Being out in the bush every day and having immediate hands-on experience has been fantastic. The 60-day course is truly remarkable, and I can't wait to carry everything I've learned with me into the future. Thank you, Bushwise, for this invaluable experience.

While my overall experience was fantastic, I've rated it slightly below five stars due to a few minor issues with pre-departure arrangements and the variety of documents provided, which were a bit confusing from an international perspective and as a first-time visitor to South Africa. However, once I arrived, everything fell into place seamlessly.

Pros
  • Wonderful Trainers - in particular Pines!
  • Safety and Brilliant care
  • Great access to learning material and support
Cons
  • Lots of paperwork
6 people found this review helpful.
Response from Bushwise Field Guides

Hi Laura

Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review on your Bushwise experience.

We are so thrilled that you feel so fulfilled by your experience and that you feel you have advanced your knowledge and expertise and that you will take this all into the future!

It is also great to hear how you felt inspired by your trainers and looked after by all the staff.

All the best
Katherine (GVI/Bushwise Outreach Team)

Default avatar
Michael
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great course

It’s been super cool, I’ve learnt a ton and got to meet really cool people.
Pines is super knowledgeable and makes the experience that much better! You have a great support structure and will find that you will learn so much but yet you will still have a lot of fun. Darryn and Claudia are awesome and will basically be your mom and dad, they always there when you need them. Just be prepared for the heat and occasional cold, just because it’s Africa doesn’t mean it doesn’t get cold.
Mahlalha is the kiff campus ;)

15 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Henlo
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

2H23

It was a really great experience. I enjoyed every moment and made so many friends for life I would highly recommend to come and join Bushwise as soon as you can because you wil not regret it. When feeling you need some adventure or an escape from daily life, coming to the bush and spending time between animals and friends and fresh air makes the whole experience memorable for everybody. Life experiences are created and life challenges will be overcome. Bottom line, join Bushwise, it’s great fun.

Pros
  • Track and Sign
  • Game Drives
  • Advanced Rifle Handling
Cons
  • Loadshedding
  • Wifi is not great, but manageable
16 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Imelda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing

The experiance was amazing. I met some fantastic people. Our training staff and campus staff were all absolutly amazing!

We have learnt so much in our time here and I can't say I would exchange my experince here for anything.

I loved every second of my time here. The smallest things need some work but the moment there is a concern or a sugestion it gets sorted out so quickly.

Every one is very helpful and supportive and kind. This experiance has been the most fantastic thing in the world. I woukd recommend to anyone.

Pros
  • Training
  • Traners
  • Staff
Cons
  • Nothing really
15 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers