Meet the team
Bushwise Field Guides was founded by a passionate conservationist who, after a fruitful career in conservation, realised there was a need for professional, qualified field guides to help ethically sustain our natural environment.
This passion gave birth to Bushwise in 2006. Over the years we have evolved according to industry needs, and added to our collection of experienced trainers.
The Bushwise team is made up of highly qualified, professional, and ethical field guides that have over 100 years of combined guiding experience.
In their midst are expert field guides, professional trails guides, mentors, bird specialists and even an entomologist.
The
Bushwise
family
Trainer
SAWC Campus
Fred
Originally from the Free State, I hold a degree in Nature Conservation and I’m working towards getting my FGASA Level 3 Guide qualification. I did a practical year with the Veterinary Services of SANParks before moving into guiding in 2015. I’ve worked at various lodges around Kruger and Northern KZN province. During my time at the lodges I got involved with training and mentoring new guides; I realised this is where my passion lies! I joined Bushwise in February 2023.
Operations Manager
Head Office
Sharin
My passion for the bush came from growing up on a farm and spending most holidays in Kruger National Park. I have worked for many years in the corporate industry and gave it all up for the bush. From working as a leopard researcher to managing 5-star lodges all over South Africa, with a bit of overlanding in between, I realised my passion is definitely people and conservation.
Enrollment Manager
Head Office
Kim
Starting from the age of 18, I worked my way through the ranks in the hospitality industry, from a golf resort to beach resort, boutique lodges and luxury private game lodges. At the age of 30, I achieved a major goal, becoming a general manager at a luxury bush lodge. I have a keen interest in the travel industry, especially the bush. Eventually I shifted towards sales and combined my passion for conservation and the game lodge industry by helping people pursue their career goals by becoming field guides with Bushwise.
Co-founder
Bushwise
Sophie
I came to South Africa from the UK in 1996, where I began my career as a safari guide and predator researcher before working for GVI. Before starting Bushwise in 2006, I was GVI’s Director of Africa and ran conservation and community programs around the continent. I enjoyed 16 rewarding years as Director, with amazing colleagues who make a real difference. In 2022 I stepped down as Director to spend more time with my family and pursue a career as an artist. I will always have a special interest in Bushwise and look forward to seeing how the organisation grows over the years!
Director
Head Office
Eugene
I was born and bred in Durban but have called various parts of South Africa home. I’ve always had a passion for wildlife. I studied operations management and over the past 15 years I’ve been in roles that range from restaurant owner, project and operations management as well as sales manager for various leading tourism and safari organisations. I joined Bushwise in 2021 with a mission to ensure we train the next generation of ethical ambassadors of the natural world by providing unmatched skills and experience.
Training Manager
Head Office
Nico
I was exposed to the bush early on. My grandfather played a massive role in my life, sharing his passion, knowledge and stories of the African bush with me. I have been in the tourism industry for 11 years and actively guiding for 9 years. My current qualifications are FGASA Level 3 Guide, Professional Track & Sign, Trailing Level 3, Tracker 3, Regional Birding, and Trails guide. I am working towards SKS qualifications such as birding and walking.
Head Trainer
Mahlahla Campus
Darryn
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 FGASA Level 3 Guide, Professional Trails Guide and SKS Birding. I’m currently working towards mentor status.
Head Trainer
SAWC Campus
Wayne
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 FGASA Field Guide and Trails Guide qualifications. I am working towards FGASA Level 3 Guide and an SKS qualification.
Trainer
60-day Safari Guide Course
Pioneer
My passion for nature comes from my childhood growing up in the remote Nkayi region of Zimbabwe. I would tend the family’s cattle, collect firewood and wild fruits, and fetch water from rivers and dams. I did my FGASA course in 2007 in South Africa and have since worked as a field guide, tour operator and field guide trainer. My qualifications include FGASA Level 3 Guide, Professional Trails Guide, Trail Guide Mentor, SKS Birding, Specialist Track and Sign, Tracker 3 and FGASA Assessor. My next goal is the Professional Trailing and Cyber Tracker Assessor qualification.
Chef
Mahlahla Campus
Rose
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 for Bushwise.
Chef
Sabi Sabi Campus
Iris
My career journey began with Bushwise in 2011 as a camp chef. I worked here until 2016 when I briefly worked at the luxury Rukiya Lodge. I decided to return to Bushwise, where I took up the role of housekeeper. In 2024, I was promoted to chef at the new Sabi Sabi Campus. I love working at Bushwise for many reasons, but the one that sticks out the most is the students. Whether they are from overseas or local South Africans, there is always a lot to learn from them. Plus I’ve made some really great friends!
Housekeeping
Mahlahla Campus
Pulane
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.
Trainer
60-day Safari Guide course
Andrew
Growing up in Newcastle's foothills, my dad ignited my love for animals. We were the go-to for snake removals in our neighbourhood. After earning my guiding qualifications, I worked across various lodges in the hospitality industry, driven by my passion for wildlife, which even led to a YouTube channel. As a head guide and concession manager, I craved something more. Now, as a guide trainer with Bushwise, I’m dedicated to sharing my passion and years of experience with others.
Head Trainer
Sabi Sabi Campus
Nic
My guiding career started in 2009 with a Diploma in Hospitality Management. I went from lodge management to guiding, where my passion truly was. I also ran my own business and worked in restaurants, construction and game farm management. I cut my teeth at some of the best lodges from the Eastern Cape, Sabi Sands, Kalahari, Balule and Klaserie. I’m a qualified Field Guide and a Lead Trails Guide and I’m working towards FGASA Level 3 Guide and Professional Trails.
Trainer
Mahlahla Campus
Jason
Growing up on a small farm near a tiny town sparked my love for nature. This passion kept me away from big cities, drawing me to wildlife reserves where I immersed myself in diverse ecosystems and learned about different species. My career began in 2013 in the Eastern Cape, quickly evolving from guiding to managing teams. I've worked across various game reserves in South Africa, exploring its rich biomes. Today, I strive to share my passion with others, shaping the future guides of the industry.
Trainer
Mahlahla Campus
Simone
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.
Online Course Trainer
Head Office
Aneen
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!?
Campus Coordinator
Head Office
Claudia
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 a 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!
Communications Project Manager
Head Office
Annie
Originally from the USA, I’ve lived in South Africa since 2014. I have a masters in global policy studies and my career has slowly shifted from international relations to conservation. Writing has always been a passion of mine, and after I completed my FGASA course in 2019, I pursued work that combined all of my interests. In addition to managing communications for Bushwise, I’m studying endangered wild dogs in my free time.
Groundsman & General Maintenance
Mahlahla Campus
Philip
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.
Support Coordinator
Head Office
Channel
I am an enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable person, I developed a love for the bush from a young age. I grew up in Thabazimbi and weekends consisted of trips to the bush exploring new places, rivers, waterfalls & mountains. My dad inspired my love of nature from an early age! I have a passion working with people and my background is in sales and beauty. I enjoy seeing people succeed in life and do better; now I do a little bit of both!
Administrative Assistant
Head Office
Rohandi
I grew up in Cape Town, where I wanted to become a marine biologist growing up. I am now based in a beautiful town called Hoedspruit where my love for the African bushveld grows every day. After 10 years in the real estate industry, I finally decided to follow my passion and joined the amazing team at Bushwise. I am a mother of three beautiful children, and I love teaching them about nature.
Head Communication
Head Office
Annie
Originally from the USA, I’ve lived in South Africa since 2014. I have a masters in global policy studies and my career has slowly shifted from international relations to conservation. Writing has always been a passion of mine. After I became a qualified field guide and back-up trails guide in 2019, I pursued work that combined all of my interests - which led me to communications at Bushwise!
Housekeeping
Mahlahla Campus
Esther
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.
Housekeeping
Sabi Sabi Campus
Bellah
I started working at the Bushwise Sabi Sabi campus in 2024. I like animals and meeting new people. The campus is beautiful and we all get along well here. I enjoy getting chances to learn with the students about nature in camp or if we go on a game drive, and I enjoy my job very much. We here at the Sabi Sabi campus are just one big family!
Groundsman
Mahlahla Campus
Philip
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.
Finance
Head Office
Danielle
Born and raised in the city, my heart has always belonged to nature. I spent 10 years living in the bush, embracing the simplicity and serenity of life surrounded by the sounds of the wild. My career spans corporate roles and the citrus industry, with a strong foundation in finance, particularly in the hospitality sector. Now, I reside in Hoedspruit with my family, where my love for nature continues to thrive.