Become an ultimate field guide
International Field Guide Course in South Africa
Spend 6 months training in the African bush with an optional 6-month job placement.
40 hrs of fieldwork per week
1:6 staff to participant ratio
Includes GVI Experiences
Program information
Join GVI’s sister organisation Bushwise for 6 months of game drives, bush walks, training and wildlife discussions. At the end of it all, you’ll be a qualified field guide (safari guide), ready to work in the conservation, ecotourism, guiding or wildlife industries. Add on a 6-month job placement to get more real-world experience and successfully launch your wild career.
The Bushwise International Field Guide course is the most comprehensive field guiding course available. Bushwise is also the exclusive southern African training provider for the International Field Guide Association (IFGA) qualifications. Training is done in Big Five game reserves in the iconic South African Lowveld near Kruger National Park – one of the best wildlife locations in the country.
Spend 6 or 12 months with Bushwise, gain invaluable wildlife experience, and become a qualified field guide.
Program overview
Join us in South Africa’s Lowveld region, one of the world’s best big game territories. Train to become a qualified IFGA field guide and knowledgeable conservationist while you experience the African bush at its best. This course is the ideal platform for launching a successful career in the African safari lodge industry or one of many careers in international wildlife conservation. It’s a hands-on experience in the African bush that you will never forget. Broaden your horizons while gaining diverse qualifications, work experience, and transferable skills that improve your employability. The course offers all this and the adventure of a lifetime.
On the course we offer high-quality theoretical and practical training and cover a diverse range of topics, all while situated in one of South Africa’s wildlife hotspots. The foundation of the course is structured around CATHSSETA and the International Field Guide Association (IFGA) syllabus, which will give you an in-depth knowledge and understanding of Southern African fauna and flora. On this course you can earn:
- CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification
- Bushwise International Field Guide qualification
- Trails Guide knowledge (practical is an add-on)
- SASSETA Firearm Proficiency
- Advanced Rifle Handling certificate
- Wilderness First Aid certificate
- Reptile Handling certificate
- CyberTracker Track & Sign and Trailing certifications
- CATHSSETA NQF4 knowledge
- And much more
This, along with your additional training and development, will show potential employers around the world that you have the ability and drive to learn. You’ll have transferable skills to take into your conservation career.
The curriculum includes bush skills such as wildlife tracking, shooting competency, 4×4 driving, outdoor first aid, wildlife photography, wildlife surveying techniques and in-depth knowledge and practical application of subjects such as conservation, ecology, reserve management, geology and animal behaviour. The course is designed so applicants can develop into highly-skilled professionals in the exciting areas of field guiding, conservation, research, adventure tourism or lodge management, by providing a well-rounded, specialised education which focuses not only on the theory but also the practical aspects of wildlife conservation and guiding.
We also focus on practical skills and give students regular exposure to working and guiding around dangerous game, such as elephant, lion, rhino, leopard, buffalo and hippo. This invaluable experience gives students excellent grounding for any of our placements and future employment in Big Five game reserves, as well as research and conservation jobs in Africa and beyond.
The course is known for producing the highest calibre graduates in this demanding industry. Throughout the years, our graduates have consistently achieved the highest marks of all the long-term training providers and are considered some of the best-trained guides in the industry.
Field Guide students have the opportunity to undertake a 6-month placement. This offers real-world experience at lodges, reserves, conservation organisations and wildlife research facilities. Students have the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience, cement the information and skills learnt during the training period, and gain a valuable “foot-in-the-door” to the exhilarating and competitive safari tourism industry and a career in wildlife and conservation.
Highlights
Is this program for me?
This internship is specifically useful for someone who has or is actively studying the below subject areas at school, university or college, or has an interest in these subject areas.
- Ecology
- Population biology
- Epidemiology
- Biology
- Environmental science
- Wildlife management
- Zoology
- Animal husbandry
- Botany
- Ecology and evolution
- Geology
- Wildlife biology and conservation
Activities
Some of the example typical activities you could participate in on this program.
Skills
- Leadership
- Project management
- Critical thinking
- Creativity
- Resiliency
- Time management
Partners
Some of the partners we work with on base.
Program details
Life On Base
Base Photos
Bushwise campuses are located in the Lowveld region of South Africa. We currently operate on two campuses, both with direct access to Big Five game reserves for daily game drives and training.
Our original campus is at our Mahlahla location, next to the Greater Makalali Game Reserve. We ran our first ever course at Mahlahla in 2006 and have continued to grow and expand our programs. Our second location is at the Kempiana campus of the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) where we train field guide students in collaboration with SAWC. This campus is located 15 minutes from the Orpen Gate entrance to Kruger National Park.
Living on a Bushwise campus provides you with the perfect opportunity to trade the office for a work week that unfolds in the heart of the African bushveld. Go on daily game drives, track animal spoor, identify different types of fauna and flora, learn more about guiding, and get to know other students from around the world while sitting around the campfire at night.
Accommodation
Transportation
Communication
Meals
Climate
Free time & cultural immersion
By joining a GVI program, you not only contribute to preserving unique ecosystems but also get the chance to explore the surrounding area or venture further to see what else the region has to offer on weekends.
Our field staff are a great source of advice on local travel options. Many participants choose to travel before or after their experience, solidifying friendships made on the program.
Engaging with a new context teaches global awareness, adaptability and critical thinking – skills highly valued in today’s world. Cultural immersion is encouraged, and there are many activities to enjoy during your free time or before and after your program. Please note, these suggestions aren’t included in the program fee and are at your own expense.
Hoedspruit
Diversity
Culture
Language
Weekend trips
Mariepskop Nature Reserve
Mariepskop Mountain is the highest peak in the northern Drakensberg. This is a great spot for hikes and views, and is just a short drive from Hoedspruit.
Debengeni Falls, Tzaneen
Another one of the stunning local waterfalls, including a picnic area and hiking trails.
Panorama Route
Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Three Rondavels, God’s Window and scenic waterfalls are just a few things you can see within a single Saturday, should you be up for the adventure.
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
Here, you are able to assist with the rehabilitation of endangered species during short-term visits to the centre.
Kruger National Park
Blyde River Canyon
Further travels
Durban
Another major city in the country, Durban has a warmer climate than any other city in the country, with lush beaches and its own heritage tied closely to the Zulu culture.
Cederberg mountains
The Cederberg Mountain Range is an exquisite sight for adventure enthusiasts. Walk or hike your way through an experience that quite frankly, is only done justice in person.
Johannesburg
South Africa’s biggest city, Johannesburg, is roughly a five-hour drive from campus. Emerging suburbs bustling with culture include Maboneng, Sandton and Fourways.
Cape Town
Speak to alumni
If you’d like to find out what the experience of joining a GVI project is really like, simply contact us and we’ll put you in touch with one of our many Alumni.
We’ll try to match you to an Alum based on your location, nationality, age, stage of academic career, gender, and program interests. This allows you to gain insights into the experience that is most relevant to you.
Depending on your location you might be able to speak to an Alum over the phone or online, or meet up with them face-to-face at a coffee shop nearby. We also run a series of small events around the world where you can speak to GVI Alumni, Ambassadors and staff members.
Get a first-hand perspective
Meet the team
Get acquainted with the GVI Africa, South Africa, Mahlahla, Limpopo family
Darryn
Head Trainer at Bushwise
Darryn passion for the bush came from his parents, spending many holidays all over South Africa in various game reserves or on birding trips. He ...
Wayne
Head Trainer at Bushwise
As a child growing up in Johannesburg, Wayne always knew that he would be doing something nature-related when he grew up. Wayne completed his tra ...
Pioneer
Trainer at Bushwise
Pioneer’s passion for nature comes from his childhood growing up in the remote Nkayi region of Zimbabwe. He would tend the family’s cattle, ...
Fred
Trainer at Bushwise
Originally from the Free State, Fred holds a degree in Nature Conservation and is working towards getting his FGASA Level 3 Guide qualification. ...
Arrivals
When it comes to support, we ensure that each participant is provided with unparalleled, 360 degree support, from your initial contact with the GVI Family, all the way through your program, and even after, as you become part of the GVI Alumni Team.
As part of this promise, we will ensure, whenever possible, that one of our dedicated staff will be available to meet you at the airport. In most locations, we also set up a Whatsapp group to help with managing airport arrivals.
We will arrange with you prior to your departure that, should you arrive in the agreed upon pick up window, a member of our staff will be there to welcome you, easily identifiable in a GVI t-shirt or holding a GVI sign and wearing a friendly smile.
This means there will be someone there to greet you as you land, and from there you will be transported to your GVI base to start your adventure and meet the rest of your team.
Flights
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Training
A GVI program is an investment in your career. No matter which you choose, you will be working toward improving your employability by mastering new social skills, gaining further technical expertise and earning qualifications in many cases. Most of our staff are, in fact, GVI Alumni, and we have helped many of our Alumni discover, move toward, and earn their own personal dream jobs. Each program includes introductory workshops, ongoing presentations, as well as on-the-ground professional support provided by our very own trained staff members. In addition, our training programs are critical for helping us to ensure the long-term impact of our sustainable development projects around the world.
For all GVI participants
Orientation: Travelling Responsibly and Ethically
Learn about the importance of child and vulnerable adult protection best practices and how to apply them while on project.
Orientation: UN Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction to the history and evolution of sustainable development, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and how these related to your project work.
Orientation: Further Opportunities for Impact
Learn about our country locations and further opportunities available to you during or after your program.
For all participants at Mahlahla, Limpopo
Camp Management and Logistics
To ensure that life on base is harmonious and efficient, Bushwise students are split into groups. Each group will have a week “on-duty” to gain experience in camp management and logistics. Every student will have a week as camp leader and they will be responsible for the group’s obligations for that week.
Certificates & qualifications
International Field Guide Association (IFGA) Qualification
IFGA guides are world-class safari, wildlife and nature guides who are prepared to lead guests in the most incredible ecosystems in the world. They can identify and interpret features of the natural environment based mainly on observation and from an elementary scientific and cultural perspective. An IFGA guide possess impressive knowledge of the history, geology, plants and animals in their guiding area.
CATHSSETA National Qualification (NQF2) in Nature Guiding
CATHSSETA is responsible for the travel and tourism sector in South Africa. The NQF2 enables you to create and conduct a short guided experience, based on local natural and cultural resources, that entertains and informs visitors. It enables you to be a competent guide operating within a local area. Expansion into other sectors of tourism is also possible.
Bushwise Field Guide and Safari Guide certificates
Your Bushwise certificate demonstrates that you’ve gone through a comprehensive and exceptional field guide training program. It is earned in combination with your other certificates when you pass all of the in-house evaluations and exams. In the industry, Bushwise is the leading field guide training provider, so having this qualification makes you stand out from the crowd.
Firearm Proficiency (SASSETA)
Firearm Proficiency forms part of the theory training for qualifications in rifle handling and trails guiding. This includes all three firearm proficiency unit standards according to SASSETA (Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority). These are required for any participant who wishes to pursue trails guide qualifications.
Advanced Rifle Handling
The FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling (ARH) certificate recognizes the knowledge and skills of Apprentice and Lead Trails Guides to react efficiently and safely to unexpected charges by potentially dangerous animals, emphasising maximum safety for their guests, themselves, and the animal.
Basic Wilderness First Aid – US ID: 119567
Bushwise works with SMART First Aid to provide wilderness first aid training. This course is a SAQA Unit Standard ID 119567, including basic life support and first aid procedures. It includes important first aid skills to manage common medical and trauma situations. This course is adapted especially for remote areas and wilderness, and includes CPR certification.
Reptile Orientation Course
Bushwise conducts its reptile training with the Hoedspruit Reptile Centre. Their FGASA-accredited reptile orientation course is designed to train and prepare field guides to identify snake and other reptile species, understand physiology, health and welfare, venom and venom apparatus, conduct basic snake bite first aid. Participants earn a certificate of attendance.
Cybertracker Track & Sign and Trailing qualifications (CATHSSETA)
This course is designed to benefit the novice tracker and fine-tune the skills of an experienced tracker. Aspects covered are the principles of tracking, track and sign identification, the study of animal gaits and movements, tracking techniques, the study of animal behaviour and signs, and animal trailing methods. All assessments are accredited by CyberTracker and FGASA.
Support & Safety
We won’t sugarcoat it — traveling abroad is usually a complex process that carries an element of risk. But this is exactly why we’re passionate about providing extensive support throughout the process as well as the highest safety standards during the in-country phase. We believe that volunteering abroad should not only be impactful, but an enjoyable experience that carries as little risk as possible. This is exactly how we’ve been able to maintain our reputation as the most highly respected volunteering organisations in the sector over the past two decades.
Health and safety case studies
How GVI upholds health and safety
GVI's commitment to safety and security
How GVI remains prepared for natural disasters
