GVI is one of the most well respected conservation organisations working in Africa today. Relying on volunteers to assist in long-term research and conservation projects all over Africa, GVI supports over 150 programs and employs over 250 field staff. Many of Bushwise’s students have gone on to have work placements with GVI and some have forged successful long-term careers.

Bushwise Field Guides and the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) have entered into a symbiotic training agreement, focused on trainer transformation and developing the gold standard for guide training.

Bushwise has partnered with Tourvest Group, specifically aha Hotels & Lodges and Mankwe Game Trackers, to provide a full-circle training to employment program in the Limpopo province. Students who receive full scholarships under this partnership will train with Bushwise before going on to work in Tourvest properties around the country. Learn more about this partnership here.

Since 1973, the EWT has worked to conserve threatened species and ecosystems in southern and East Africa, to the benefit of all. Bushwise is partnered with the EWT’s Drylands Conservation Programme to train community members through our Nature Enthusiast and Field Guiding online courses.

African Impact is a non-profit organisation that provides sustainable and responsible volunteer programs in countries across Africa. Individuals and groups can engage in meaningful and impactful projects in collaboration with local communities. Programs focus on areas such as wildlife conservation, education, healthcare and community development. African Impact also works with local partners to ensure that its programs are purposeful and make a lasting positive impact.

Umkumbu Bush Lodge is an unfenced, “rustic and real” lodge located on the banks of the Sand River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. It has 10 rooms that can sleep 20 guests, welcoming individuals, couples, families and friend groups. Game drives are conducted by qualified guides in the Big Five reserve, which is also home to a multitude of other species including cheetah, wild dog, hippo and many more.

Laluka Safari Lodge is a luxury lodge located in the heart of Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo, South Africa. The lodge is family-owned and operated, offering an environmentally-friendly and personal experience of the African bush. Laluka is dedicated to providing a unique and unforgettable experience for guests. The lodge is inspired by its surroundings and aims to live in harmony with nature. It is designed to be a sustainable element of the surrounding African bush environment, striving to have a low impact and provide an authentic, intimate experience for guests.

Manyoni Private Game Reserve is a 23,000 hectare Big Five reserve in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Initially formed as part of the WWF black rhino range expansion project, it has since become one of the premier Big Five safari destinations in South Africa, with a strong focus on endangered species conservation. Manyoni is renowned for its spectacular game viewing and rich cultural traditions. Lodges within the reserve include Mavela, Sensiri Plains, Rhino Sands, Leopard Mountain, Buffalo Hill, African Spirit and Rhino River Lodges.

Owner Colin Patrick, is a FGASA-accredited training provider and assessor. He’s also a cybertracker and FGASA SKS DG trainer and evaluator. As a field guide, he has achieved the top qualification of scout, and he is passionate about teaching people the signs that can be read from the tracks left by the creatures of the African bush.

Bushwise carries out its practical training on Makalali Private Game Reserve, a spectacular 26,000 hectare wilderness reserve in the Limpopo province. The Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve is situated west of Kruger National Park and promises intimate wildlife encounters and an ideal training ground with its Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo – and other characteristic species are cheetah, giraffe, zebra and kudu.

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“As the Warden of the GMPGR I have come to expect friendly and professional conduct and behaviour from the Bushwise management, trainers and guides.” Rob Panos, Warden

Bushwise is proud to be featured as one of Africa Geographic’s “Special Places”.

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“Bushwise is consistent in providing high-quality and informative blog articles for us to publish. Accompanied with stunning photos, their articles always make for a fascinating read, be it about a particular animal species or general facts on wildlife and guiding. No matter what the content, their articles can be considered as valuable resources for those interested in field guiding and to those interested in learning more about African wildlife.” Theo Felmore, Content Editor

Our wine tasting course is done in collaboration with Safari Wines.

Our reptile orientation course is provided in collaboration with Kinyonga Reptile Centre.

First Aid training on Bushwise courses is offered by SMART RESPONSE, specialising in Remote Wilderness First Aid, Structural Lodge Firefighting and Health and Safety preparedness training, developed specifically for the Wilderness Tourism Hospitality Industry in the South African Bush Environment.

The Tzaneen Training Course is our provider for Sasseta Training.

Pangolin.Africa is a non-profit organisation based in South Africa who’s aim is to secure the future of African pangolins through a three-pronged approach: publicity, participation, and protection. Bushwise supports Pangolin.Africa in their efforts to increase public knowledge and promote the protection of pangolins.

Ruggedwear Safari Clothing is based in Cape Town, South Africa. We enhance our Safari Corporate Image with our Ruggedwear Safari Clothing. RuggedWear is also a sponsor in our new partnership with Tourvest Group.

Wild Dreams is an industry leader specialising in recruitment and consulting services to the lodge and hospitality spaces. The company is led by experienced professionals in these industries, with a combined 100+ years of experience. Through their website and social media, Wild Dreams provides helpful information, tips and advice to job seekers
and employers.

Onguma is a series of safari camps located in Namibia, on the eastern border of Etosha National Park. The reserve offers 5 lodges and 2 camping sites, and boasts 34,000 hectares of exclusive wilderness, which provides an ideal destination for guests seeking excellent wildlife viewings, romance, peace, adventure and more. In November 2022, Onguma launched Camp Kala, an exclusive lodge located right next to a busy waterhole. Onguma prides itself on exceptional architecture, world-class wildlife viewing and
incredible hospitality.

Rogge Cloof is a destination for nature enthusiasts, wine lovers and stargazers, located in South Africa’s Northern Cape Karoo region. Its unique, arid and occasionally hostile landscape is home to Salpeterkop, an extinct volcano. Roggecloof offers two accommodation options, inclusive and self-catering. This destination is located at an altitude between 1,400-1,700, boasting incredibly clear night skies, ideal for stargazing. Experiences for guests include cheetah tracking, mountain biking, fossil field visits, astrophotography
and more.

Sausage Tree Safari Camp is a luxury tented camp located in the Balule Nature Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park in South Africa. It offers a true safari experience with the chance to see Africa’s famous Big Five and breathtaking views of uninterrupted bush. The camp is small, intimate and equipped with superb guides for a memorable safari experience. Accommodation is in luxury safari tents with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and unbelievable views. It is the ultimate “glamping” destination in Balule.

Sensiri Plains Safari Lodge is a unique self-catering safari lodge located in Manyoni, KwaZulu-Natal, Zululand. Surrounded by untamed nature, the lodge offers a mix of rustic and luxurious elements, providing guests with a complete escape from ordinary life. The area offers a diverse ecosystem of rivers, mountains, forests, savannah and bush. It is one of the finest birding destinations in the world with an abundance of different species all in the same vicinity. Sensiri Plains Lodge is the perfect place to stay and soak up the bush atmosphere.

Thanda Safari is a 14,000-hectare private game reserve located in Zululand, South Africa. An area of the country that blends wilderness, wildlife and a commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation. Accommodation at Thanda Safari Lodge is designed to offer considered comfort, warm hospitality and an authentic wildlife experience with excellent game viewing. The lodge features a central dining area with a lounge, library, business area, cigar bar, wine cellar and a spa with expert therapists.

The Ants Collection is a group of lodges located in the Waterberg region of South Africa. Perfect for families and couples looking for an adventurous safari, the lodges offer a variety of activities such as horseback safaris, mountain biking, fishing and more. The lodges are situated on a private game reserve in the pristine Waterberg bushveld, offering opportunities to see wildlife on foot, in a game vehicle or on horseback. The Ants Nest is the original homestead with wide verandas overlooking a waterhole, while Ants Hill offers a unique and different safari experience.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge lies within the Manyeleti Private Nature Reserve and shares an unfenced boundary with the Kruger National Park. It is an ideal location for game viewing, with regular sightings of the Big 5, wild dog, cheetah and other animals. The Tintswalo Manor House within the property offers a luxurious, fully-catered villa experience for families or friends seeking a tailor-made stay. Tintswalo was founded by the Corbett family, known for their pioneering spirit and love of the African bush, who have been undertaking exploratory expeditions for decades.

Bushwise has partnered with Tourvest Group, specifically aha Hotels & Lodges and Mankwe Game Trackers, to provide a full-circle training to employment program in the Limpopo province. Students who receive full scholarships under this partnership will train with Bushwise before going on to work in Tourvest properties around the country. Learn more about this partnership here.