A taste
of the wilder life
IFGA
Safari Guide Training Taster - 3 days
A taste of field guiding as a career. Deepen your knowledge of the wild, experience life as a field guide or just reconnect with nature.
DURATIONS: 3 DAYS
NEXT START DATE: SEPT 2025
FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS
ACCREDITATION: INTRODUCTION TO CATHSSETA & IFGA
AGE: 18+ (Chat to us if you’re under 18)
A short escape with a lasting impact
Whether you simply want to spend some time in nature or get a taste of life as a field guide, join us for an unforgettable 3-day experience – or customise it to last anywhere between 1 and 7 days.
This experience offers you the opportunity to gain deeper knowledge and be more immersed in nature than on a typical safari. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll reconnect with your passion for nature and experience what it’s like to live, and potentially work out here. Each day brings new discoveries, offering a taste of the skills, knowledge, and excitement that comes with life as a field guide.
Overview
This experience offers an unforgettable insight into life as a field guide, while giving you the chance to spend some much-needed time in nature.It combines the excitement of safari with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural world. You’ll gain a high-level overview of guiding skills, animal behaviour, and the fascinating world of mammals, all within a Big Five environment. It’s the perfect blend of adventure, time in nature, learning, and a taste of what it’s like to live the life of a field guide.
Itinerary
The following is an example of a 3-day itinerary, but you have the flexibility to customise your stay from 1 to 7 days. The longer you stay, the more time you’ll have to immerse yourself in nature and explore the topics in greater depth, enriching your understanding and connection to our natural world.
Selati Game Reserve - Nkuwa Wilderness Camp
Nkuwa Wilderness Camp, located within the Selati Game Reserve, is an eco-friendly retreat set in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa. The reserve spans 28,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and lies just west of the Kruger National Park. Nkuwa features four luxury en-suite tents, providing the perfect blend of immersion in nature and all the creature comforts.
Location
Your home for this experience is nestled in the heart of the Lowveld region, Limpopo, South Africa, just west of Kruger National Park, within Selati Game Reserve. This 28,000-hectare reserve is rich in diverse habitats and boasts some of the oldest rock formations on Earth.
Its unique geological structure supports various plant communities, including the world’s only naturally occurring cycad colony. Home to over 50 mammal species, including the Big Five, and more than 280 bird species, the reserve offers an unforgettable wildlife experience and full immersion in nature.
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Selati Game Reserve - Nkuwa Wilderness Camp
Nkuwa Wilderness Camp, located within the Selati Game Reserve, is an eco-friendly retreat set in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa. The reserve spans 28,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and lies just west of the Kruger National Park. Nkuwa features four luxury en-suite tents, providing the perfect blend of immersion in nature and all the creature comforts.
Selati Game Reserve - Nkuwa Wilderness Camp
Nkuwa Wilderness Camp, located within the Selati Game Reserve, is an eco-friendly retreat set in the heart of Limpopo, South Africa. The reserve spans 28,000 hectares of pristine wilderness, and lies just west of the Kruger National Park. Nkuwa features four luxury en-suite tents, providing the perfect blend of immersion in nature and all the creature comforts.
Day 1: Arrival & afternoon game drive
Arrive at the lodge in the afternoon, where expert trainers will welcome you and provide a brief orientation. After settling in, embark on your first adventure – an afternoon game drive. This focuses on guiding techniques, safety protocols, and environmental awareness, all while you take in breathtaking scenery and encounter incredible wildlife. Return to camp in the evening to unwind and savour a campfire dinner, reflecting on the day’s unforgettable moments.
Day 2 - A full day of adventure
Start your day with a warm cup of coffee or tea and light snacks before your morning game drive. Today’s focus will be on understanding animal behaviour and mammals. Return to camp for brunch, a bit of relaxation, and a midday lecture. In the afternoon, head out on another game drive, building on the knowledge from earlier, allowing you to gain deeper insights at every step. Back at camp, unwind with a hearty meal, reflecting on the day's incredible adventures.
Day 3 - Wrap up and departure
Your final day begins with a cup of coffee or tea and some light snacks before setting off on your last game drive. Savour every moment of the landscape, applying the skills and insights you’ve gained throughout this unforgettable experience. Afterward, return to the lodge for a hearty brunch. It’s then time to say your goodbyes, pack up, and begin your journey home, carrying with you cherished memories, newfound knowledge, and a deepened appreciation for the wild.
Dates & fees
Set start dates for 2025
3-day experience | from R3,750 per night
SEPTEMBER
3–5 Sep, 10–12 Sep, 17–19 Sep, 24–26 Sep
NOVEMBER
1–3 Nov, 8–10 Nov, 15–17 Nov
Custom experiences
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Start dates can also be tailored to suit your schedule. Contact us to customise yours.
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Durations can be tailored up to 7 days.
Fees for all other customised experiences are available upon request.
With the new Bushwise Foundation grants, you could be awarded up to R100,000 towards your course. Anyone can apply!
Apply by 30 November!
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What’s included
Learning resources & activities
Training conducted by by experienced long-term staff
Game drives
Lectures/discussions
Assistance with booking other extracurricular activities
Living resources
All meals
Accommodation includes:
Shared room in a bungalow, safari tent or lodge-style housing
Cupboard and fan
Boma and braai area
Space to exercise
Social area
Free Wi-Fi
Library of field guiding books
Communal or shared en-suite bathroom
Limited laundry services
Support services
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Pre-departure support
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Location orientation
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24-hour in-country support
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24-hour emergency phone
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Emergency support from Bushwise on-site staff
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Daily briefing
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Final feedback session
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Access to our alumni program
Flights, medical and travel insurance, police clearance or background check fees, personal workwear such as hiking shoes and jackets, international and domestic airport taxes, additional drinks and gratuities, recommended reference books, extra local excursions, hard copies of Bushwise Learner Manual and Workbook and transfers to and from camp.
What’s not included
Take your journey further
After you have experienced life as a field guide, explore the option to complete your journey to become a field guide by applying for one of our longer in-person courses. We offer a 60-Day Safari Guide Course as well as 6-12 month International Field Guide Course to help you complete your journey to becoming an IFGA certified field guide!