Begin your
wild career
Our #1 online course
Join this online course to attend live lectures delivered by leaders in their field who have over 50 years of combined experience. See the African wild through their eyes, informed by in-depth knowledge developed over many years. Listen to their stories and learn from their successes and missteps. Ask them questions and receive personal feedback.
Course overview
Your online field guide course will include weekly live sessions over 12 weeks. These sessions include lectures from industry leaders in conservation and safari guiding, who will give you expert insight into real-life situations you might encounter. You’ll also learn about the types of challenges that exist in the industry and get insider knowledge on how these situations are addressed.
Our online learning platform also allows you to work and interact with like-minded students from all over the world. You can participate in video study groups or create a social space outside of the curriculum and make lifelong international friendships.
Course specifics
12 weeks online (excluding orientation)
10 hours per week
Self-paced, guided learning
16 years and above
English
On completion of this course, you’ll be able to:
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Create a guided experience for guests on safari
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Ensure the health and safety of your guests when on a guided experience
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Identify, understand and explain animal behaviour
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Identify different African species and ecosystems
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Identify and interpret African animal tracks
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Identify African bird species by song and appearance
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Lead and engage large groups of diverse people from around the world
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Understand the recommended ethical guiding practices and carry out an ethical guided experience in the natural environment
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Understand the role and responsibilities of a field guide.
Why study with Bushwise?
What sets Bushwise apart
Since the first Bushwise course was held in 2006, we’ve provided world-class field guide training to students from around the globe. Bushwise online delivers the highest standard in theoretical knowledge for field guides, driven by the curriculum of the International Field Guides Association (IFGA). It’s our passion, respect and dedication to nature and our students that drives us to keep on improving our courses.
No.1 rated on TrustPilot
Our courses consistently rank highest on multiple review platforms, from No.1 on TrustPilot to our top ratings on Google, Facebook, GoAbroad and GoOverseas. Students love how interactive, flexible, eye-opening and educational our online courses are.
More than the fundamentals
Our courses follow IFGA and Bushwise curriculum, to ensure you get the highest quality education. But we don’t stop there! By attending our masterclasses, you’ll gain insight into various aspects of conservation including anti-poaching initiatives and innovative conservation strategies.
Flexibility for all lifestyles
Join us for 4 to 12 weeks while continuing your normal daily life. Classes are designed to be flexible, with pre-recorded segments and live lectures. Study in your own time. Our online courses are designed for everyone from students to nature enthusiasts, bush-lovers, career seekers, future guides and people with a little extra time who just want to learn!
Award winning trainers
The Bushwise online courses are led by award-winning staff — including Nico Brits, category winner from Safari Guide of the Year competition 2022. Our trainers are experts in their field, and are constantly gaining experience and knowledge themselves. We are a specialised and committed team, with nearly a century of experience combined. We have experts in entomology, ornithology, conservation, rifle handling, botany and more.
Soft skills
Guiding isn’t just about the knowledge you share, it’s about the way you guide and how you connect with your guests. It’s the soft skills that make a world-class guide stand apart from the rest: communication, leadership, empathy, creativity, problem-solving, decision-making and more. We believe in the importance of training students on these aspects to make them the best guides possible.
Support at every step
Feel supported throughout your time with us. Bushwise’s online courses are unique due to the amount of learning support we give students, including interactive online platforms and proactive communication. When you need extra guidance on a topic, our trainers will be there to give you the support you need.
Course details
Bushwise
Field Guiding Online Course
Become an African safari, nature and wildlife expert. Attend expert-led masterclasses, gain CATHSSETA NQF2 and NQF4 knowledge, learn through engaging discussions and earn a certificate from the top-rated provider of field guide qualifications.
DURATIONS: 12 WEEKS
NEXT START DATE: 13 JAN 2025
FORMAT: SELF-PACED, ONLINE
ACCREDITATION: CATHSSETA & IFGA
AGE: 16+