Bushwise Field Guides

Program Reviews

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
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)

Keneth
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Quality education

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

Kayla
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bushwise

Bushwise

Testimonial.

Bushwise has grown to be my home, my family and I have without a dought learnt so much and gained so much experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

Starting the course seemed Scary at first, and I felt like the six months on campus would feel like forever, but now, closer to the end, it felt like yesterday that I walked through the doors, clueless about the bush. Its also been everything but scary. Yes the assignments seem like alot sometimes, and halfway through the course you are going to feel so tired of hearing the same things,( community spider nests ) . But It has been the best six months of my life and I would do it all over again if I could. I've proven to myself time after time that I'm capable of so much more than I thought. I've met so many people with the same love for nature and friendships that will last a life time

I wil always recommend Bushwise if anyone is thinking of becoming a researcher, a conservationist, a field guide, or just loves the Bush.
Saying all this, I will just add that this course is alot of hard work and dedication. It will test you and is not for people that just want to go out and have fun, and not work or study at all. But the amazing thing is that all that hard work pays off every time. And If you love the Bush and bring you're all every single day, it's not even going to feel like hard work at all.

The amount of things the trainers have learnt me in just six months, is crazy. They have every student at heart, and are people you wil have in you're life forever. Every trainer wil have their own way of teaching/guiding, and one of them wil always for work for you. They are not just trainers and at the end of the course you wil call them part of you're family.

If anyone is Struggling to find a good place to study the bush, or stuck between training providers , I wil say Choose Bushwise, and I'll say it over and over again. It will meet all you're expectations and more, and you wil not want to leave the campus at the end. I will alway thank Bushwise for the guide they've made me today, and for the experience I will take with me forever.

Kayla Bloemhoff.

Pros
  • It meats all expectations
  • Learnt more than i could imagine
  • Leaving with a whole new family and friendships for a life time
Cons
  • Its not for those who dont like to work or study hard
Response from Bushwise Field Guides

Hi Kayla

Thank you for this heartwarming review. Starting something new in a new place can be scary, but also exciting! I'm glad that you had fun and pushed through the work - I'm sure it was worth it! It's great to hear how much knowledge you gained in these six months and glad that you felt at home and made great connections with the people around you!

All the best,
Tiffany (Alumni Team)

Veraav
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Wilderness

Coming to Bush Wise was the best decision I could have made. The course, at times, was challenging, but what is life without a good challenge? The trainers always give 110% to all students, enabling them to achieve the best of you. There is always a new purpose to wake up the next day, to wake up to the sound of birds you've never heard before, lions roaring and hyenas laughing. There's just something that drives me to want to be out here, and once you find that, there is no stopping the endless possibilities of what you could become And make out of The Bush Wise Field Guiding Course. The best aspect of the course is the people you meet; the six months you are here will end with a lifetime of friendships you will never forget.

Pros
  • Level Of Training Done
Cons
  • Tent
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 ;)

Ethan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Best Course for Nature Lovers!

Doing Bushwise was the best decision I could’ve made. Coming from Canada I’ve always had a fascination with the African bush and wildlife so by doing Bushwise it allowed me to follow my dreams and pursue my passions. All the staff and trainers are very friendly and professional. Student life is great as we get plenty of time to relax and spend time with each other in between learning. Every student gets a fair chance to learn and participate in all the activities. Coming from overseas I feel very at home here and everyone is very supportive and welcoming.

Pros
  • Excellent training
  • A variety of opportunities in different fields
  • Very laid back campus life
Cons
  • Eskom
  • Wifi isn’t the best
  • Weather is hot sometimes
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
David
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bushwise

It was an amazing experience and would absolutely recommend it to everyone. The knowledge I have aquired on this course will stick with me for the rest of my life! The trainers are highly qualified and always ready to help when needed. The best part of the course was the food that was provided and the accomadation. The days were long but always worth it. I will always remember this campus and course with all the people and staff. Thank you for the best expierence of my life and I am looking forward for the rest of my career!

Pros
  • Everything
  • Everything
  • Everything
Cons
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
Jordan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Bushwise field guides

I had an incredible experience at Bushwise Field Guides. The combination of track and sign, trailing, and birding activities made my time there truly unforgettable. The trainers were exceptional, especially Darryn, whose expertise was invaluable. I also loved the advanced rifle handling training, which added a unique dimension to the program. Claudia, our camp mom, was incredibly helpful and made our stay comfortable and enjoyable. Overall, my time at Bushwise was a perfect blend of learning and adventure. I can't recommend it enough for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the world of field guiding and wildlife conservation.

Pros
  • Everything was a pro
Cons
  • Nothing was a con
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