Program Reviews

I enjoyed the 60-day experience very much. It is difficult but definitely worth it.
Difficult because of the amount of information that we had to learn in a short period of time. As well as the early mornings (I'm not a morning person).
I loved the game drives as practical practice (practical drives), it definitely helped me learn better as I was seeing what we were learning about.
I also liked the trips out to the Hoedspruit Reptile Center and to Mariepskop.

This was a great and fun experience.
Thank you for everything Bushwise.

I had a wonderful time at Bushwise academy. I got to meet people from different countries and all were excited about nature.
It really felt like paradise.
The memories I collected are too exciting and I can’t wait to tell stories to my people back home.
The training I received was as expected.
I was not experienced in anything having to do with wildlife, but now I am feeling super confident with the knowledge I gained. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to explore nature. This is the best place to be!

The Bushwise 60 day course is a fun filled, challenging and extremely rewarding experiance. As someone who didn't really know what to expect when joining my expectations have been met and fulfilled beyond my expectations. The instructors are extremely well qualified and insure you learn and grow to become the best possible guide you can be. The Mahlahla campus is a fantastic environment and the staff are so friendly and make delicious food. The all round experiance has been something I would highly recommend for someone looking to connect with the bush and nature.

As the African proverb says: « Knowledge is a garden », and what better garden to learn in than the South African Savanna also known as the Bush (short for Bushveld). These last two months have been an amazing adventure and it was a privilege to have not only some of the best trainers in the industry but also some of the top tier specialists in field guide arena. Pioneer MOYO was my lead trainer and mentor, probably one of the most knowledgeable and humble teachers I have ever met, his patience, dedication and passion made this course second to none. The other trainers with whom we spent less time were also outstanding and each of them bring their specialist interest and experience which are invaluable. Our group was lucky to stay in a beautiful idyllic lodge called Mahlahla Lodge who is managed by a lovely lady called Mandi who took great care of everyone. If you are not sure and hesitant, all I can say is: Do It! You won’t regret! As another African proverb says: « If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together », I would say that if you want to go really far in the guiding industry and become really knowledgeable about the bush and generally become a wiser version of your current self, then look now further and book your course with BushWise.

In the heart of the bush, my time at Bushwise has been quite the adventure. From making lifelong friends to once-in-a-lifetime moments, every minute has been valued. Like any journey, there were challenges, but they only added to the whole experience. As well as the focused studies, a touch of humor kept things engaging. I'm eternally thankful for my Bushwise family, the rollercoaster ride has been nothing short of remarkable.

Amidst the rustling leaves and distant animal calls, the lessons learned about conservation and wildlife have become embedded in my soul. The immersive experience has ignited a passion for protecting our planet's treasures, and I am eager to carry these values forward in my journey. The knowledge gained from tracking elusive creatures and understanding ecosystems has given me a unique perspective, one that extends beyond textbooks. Bushwise not only provided education but sculpted a profound connection to nature, a gift that will endure throughout my lifetime!

I have had the most amazing amazing time at Bushwise and I simply can’t recommend this course enough! I’ve learnt so much and met some truly incredible and inspiring people. A special mention to Uncle Pines and Trevor who have taught me so much and have made the course so much more special and memorable; you have become two of my biggest role models! I have gained experience and made memories that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Definitely one of the best experiences I’ve ever done and I’m really going to miss it!

Great Instructors, facilities and environment. A very inviting and inclusive atmosphere.
My experience at bushwise has been a once in a lifetime thing for me. As someone who grew up in the bush it was so much fun learning about all the things I love in so much detail !! The instructors are incredibly informative and talented teachers. The supportive staff members are always friendly and keen to help out. The instructors are very safety oriented and make sure everyone has a good and safe time.
Activities were well planned, organised and fun. The course definitely helps you learn how to deal with a multitude of personalities and different types of people in different social and professional settings.

I had a really good time at Bushwise. It was nice to be surrounded by other 'nature nerds'; everyone shares their knowledge, and we learned a lot that way. Our teacher, Pines, is an absolute legend. He knows his stuff inside out and he taught us very well, he even got me to like botany (on a good day).
As I was on the 60-day course, the course and the lectures were all very intense and compressed so it was definitely not a holiday, but it was still amazing.

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.

It’s exactly what I was looking for and it’s what I am getting. Just the best overall. From the staffs to the content. Kim, Rohandi, Nico everyone else I have not mentioned. Truly happy with the whole experience and in terms of value for money, I really see proper value for money. How? I can’t not really find the words to describe the amount of resources in terms of books they provide from FGASA. This is like gold and the trainer who deliver this knowledge are so skilled, understanding, patient and engaging