This blog was written by Surprice Shabangu, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.
My name is Surprice Shabangu from Numbi village, which is located near the Numbi gate of the Kruger National Park. Growing up I used to see buses and open vehicles taking international tourists to the national park “Skukuza”, and that was quite fascinating to see how people from all over the world are coming to visit the national park which is a symbol to our locals. I have always been curious to how few of our elders with the community ended up working in the park driving open vehicles.
After completing my studies in BA honors in sociology, which mainly focuses on society and its behavior, I worked for an NGO known as Gold-Youth Development, where I served for 4 years as a intern facilitator. My contract was for 3 years and this year it was extended by 2 years where I was going to serve two more years as a lead intern facilitator.
I started following Bushwise on social media early 2023 and I was fascinated by the things they used to post about. To me their posts were informative and some of the things were very relatable to me as a local resident. Last year I saw a post from Tourvest, but never got the opportunity to apply. I spend so much time with high school friends who are now nature and culture guides, listening to their life stories of Kruger National Park and wildlife. They made me more curious and to develop love for the bush and wildlife.
Around May or June this year I saw a post from Bushwise together with Sabi Sabi Ranger Academy, they were looking for people who will be trained as field guides. I did not waste time because I knew that this could be a life-changing opportunity. I applied and luckily I was amongst the people who received the scholarship.
I did not know what life would be like in the bush, hence I was ready to face anything. When I got the opportunity I had to quit my job to start a new life in the bush. Bushwise came to me at a time where I was stressing a lot about life as I knew that soon the pipeline at work was going to get to me and I was going to be unemployed eventually.
Honestly, being in the bush with Bushwise has imparted me with knowledge and skills that I never thought I would gain in life – from understanding animal behaviour and nature to delivering an ethical nature guide experience for guests. I gained skills on how to work within a team, how to manage and lead people with diverse cultures and behaviour.
I have found my true passion and I feel connected to nature. Through this new journey I have gained incredible experience on trailing wild animals, interpreting animal’s behavior. I believe that I will be a good mediator between wildlife and people visiting Africa who never got to see the wildlife.
I met wonderful people, from the previous 60-day students to my classmates; I believe that I met lifetime friends whom I might work with in future. Being with them feels like a new home and we are a family. We often fight but always have a way of sorting our differences, we help each other with academics and whenever one loses focus we are able to be honest with one another and encourage each other.
Lastly, how can I forget my instructors, they did an amazing job in sharpening my driving and guiding skills. They are amazing people, always patient with their students and they want what’s best for us. I will forever be grateful to Sabi Sabi and Bushwise for changing my life, ensuring that I am able to change my home situation.
I hope that Bushwise will continue to transform the lives of disadvantaged African children to be tools that will ensure that conservation is preserved so that the future generations get to know the beauty of African wildlife.
Ready to discover your true passion? Explore Bushwise courses and apply now to start your own adventure!
