Bushwise Avis 

The experience is great because it incorporates a broad scope. We are leaning about everything that concerns nature from the soil, plants, animals, to astronomy. It was my fist time driving after traffic department and I got top assistance. Feedbacks are not demoralizing but more encouraging.

Bushwise is owned by the same people who just put two similar companies into liquidation, with all people due to go on trips left loosing all their money. Beware.

Bushwise is owned by the same people who owned GVI. GVI was put into voluntary liquidation by its owners, meaning hundreds of students lost their money, including myself. Do not book with this company. The owners seem to have a track record of doing the same and it is likely they will do the same to this company in the future.

Bushwise 2-Month Course at Selati Reserve
I was highly disappointed with this course due to the training location. Selati Reserve offers very little opportunity for meaningful mammal observation and behavioral study—my primary reason for enrolling. Due to low game density, a landscape dominated by dense shrub veld, and skittish animals unhabituated to vehicles (likely due to hunting on the reserve), wildlife encounters were rare. Consequently, I left the course halfway through. (Notably, Bushwise operated at the nearby Makalali Reserve until May 2025, where I believe the student experience was significantly better).
The curriculum focuses heavily on the basic operational mechanics of "how to be a guide," but lacks the practical wildlife interpretation essential to the industry. While this framework might suit someone entirely new to guiding, it offered little value to me as I already work as an international and Australian guide.

Everything was awsome i have learend so much

The Practical Game Management course of Bushwise was a life changing experience.

It has allowed me to grow in so many ways and broaden my knowledge on the industry as a whole.From the learning material to the practical training;everything was just perfect!

The trainers were very professional and helpful.They put a lot of focus and effort on my personal needs as well as what I needed to do in order to improve on my skills.

Overall this course was the best decision I could have made on learning about game farm management.

I came into this Course as a Normal student and today I am a Qualified Guide and the Way BushWise Teaches Bush Ethics and How to Read the Bush like a Book

Bushwise has taught me a lot from how to guide, how to handle situations under pressure and how to know your environment as a whole from fauna to flora. I enjoyed my time here, because you learn a lot from other people and also from yourself. I like how they taught us how to tell story, how to be more confident in what you see and talk about. The experience was the best, and I came here with little foundation of nature but I came out with more knowledge and foundation.

My time on this course has truly been the experience of a lifetime. The time spent in the bush was absolutely incredible, and I enjoyed every moment of it. I had the opportunity to meet amazing people from different backgrounds, learn a tremendous amount, and gain experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. For that, I am extremely grateful.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the trainers. Their knowledge, dedication, and willingness to share their expertise played a major role in making this experience so valuable and enjoyable.

However, while I am very satisfied with the experience itself, I am considerably less satisfied with the organisation behind it. Communication throughout the course was often poor. Many questions remained unanswered, and follow-ups on important matters were frequently lacking.

Considering the significant financial investment required for this programme, I expected a higher level of professionalism and support. Prospective students are promised a year in Africa and assistance with work placements, yet in practice many of these promises were not fully delivered.

The communication regarding work placements was particularly disappointing. At times it felt unprofessional and even discourteous. Rather than taking responsibility for challenges or changes, the organisation often appeared to place the blame on students, suggesting they were not flexible enough.

In addition, there were several occasions where students were simply expected to figure things out for themselves. While independent learning is important, there was insufficient instruction on some of the skills and knowledge that students were ultimately expected to master. Much of the learning relied on personal research rather than structured teaching. Furthermore, some of the study materials contained inaccurate information, which can lead to students learning incorrect concepts or practices.

Overall, I had the time of my life and would not trade this experience for anything. However, the positive aspects of my journey were largely due to the time spent in the bush, the people I met, and the excellent trainers, rather than the organisation itself. While the experience was exceptional, there is significant room for improvement in communication, student support, and the delivery of promises made to prospective students.

I enjoyed learning about the bush and I really enjoyed improving myself and will still have to always. I think the company does a lot to be helpful and to better itself, which is great. I appreciated the feedback to also help me improve myself. I do feel that something that can improve is the conversations at the brunch or dinner table and in the classroom. These conversations can be more polite, proper and respectful and can be more considerate of any person's religion. In the beginning of my course some driving experiences didn't really make me feel safe, so i think safer driving speeds will also be appreciated more. I think good communication among all is recommended, active listening, yes, but also communication. I enjoyed being busy with learning and building experience and growing. Overall I learned a lot and I am grateful for the learning experience and the staff were helpful and friendly. Thanks for my last trainer Nic who also made me feel welcome.

It's over priced for local light skinned South Africans but offers a free ride in the name of BEE. Its a UK based company pushing locals who have light skin out because of itc being so overpriced . I've studied nature conservation, ecology, entomology, environmental management and ethics online free though other institutions and universities. I was very luck to grow up visiting my great uncles nature reserve, thankfully he taught us alot. Just wanted to help out a bit at my local reserve. So much poaching ect. And teach the next generation. Perhaps we dont need overpriced companies, just passion.

Outstanding experience from start to finish!

I used the B2B Bushwise Exclusive services for a group of young adult conservationists. Let's just say, I am looking to book again and again where possible.

The immersive experiences took our clients on a journey way beyond any normal safari. The guides were exceptional in both manner and knowledge. Bushwise themselves appear to run a seamless organised ship; if they did have any issues, we did not hear of it!
They have great flexibility for the number and budget of clients but with complete consistency of the experience in the bush itself.

I had an amazing time with Bushwise ! We were very lucky to have Nic as our guide. He is kind, funny, and very knowledgeable. He made us learn so much about the bush in 13 days, it was incredible to be able to understand our environment better and better each day. The food was delicious and the accommodation nice and clean, thanks to Anna and Rose. Everyone in the office was very helpful in helping us plan our visit.
The memories will last a lifetime, I would 1000% recommend this experience!

I've just completed the 14-day program offered by Bushwise. From the very start, the team was incredibly helpful and answered every single question I had — special shoutout to Channél, who was super kind and supportive.
Then came the moment to board the plane, and let me tell you: the long journey was absolutely worth it. We stayed at the Nkuwa Wilderness Camp, which had everything we could possibly need and was wonderfully comfortable.
And now, the experience itself: I chose Bushwise because I wanted to learn more about the bush, and my wish was fulfilled beyond all expectations. Our guide and teacher, Nic, was simply the best — so knowledgeable, endlessly patient, and always ready to explain or answer the (many!) questions from me and my group.
Not only did we enjoy incredible sightings, but we also gained a much deeper understanding of animal behavior and learned how to track them step by step.
This program has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I came back with new skills, unforgettable memories, and a much stronger connection to the wilderness. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who’s curious about the bush and ready for an adventure that will stay with them forever.

One of the best experiences!

The trainers are incredible & not only extremely knowledgeable, but also genuinely passionate about seeing every student succeed; always willing to help, no matter the time or situation, & created an environment where we could all grow in confidence & ability.

The course gave me skills, friendships, & memories I’ll carry with me forever.
I would highly recommend Bushwise to anyone wanting to pursue a career in guiding.

As an international student & for future internationals, it’s worth being aware that finding work in South Africa afterwards can be more challenging due to visa requirements, but this doesn’t take away from the incredible training and support Bushwise provides

Bushwise helped me make my future!

Darryn and Claudia and the entire team at the Mahlahla campus made my time there unforgettable. Thank you everyone!

My experience started with doing the 1 year Apprentice field guide course which I would highly recommend to anyone who is potentially thinking about going into the industry. I understand that it’s a lot of money for a training program but the level of support and professionalism you will receive throughout this time by the trainers and the rest of the staff is unmatched. Bushwise will give you everything needed and beyond to successfully aid you with your journey into the industry. If I could give more than 5 ⭐️ review I actually would.

Bushwise gave me everything i neededto start my career in Field guiding!
They stood by me even after i finished the course in 2022. They remained in contact with me, ive been guiding for 3 years now and the bushwise name still opens doors for me! They are beyond excellent and the course will give you everything you need fo feel confident in your guiding job!

To everyone out there still want to embark on a journey to become a field guide, I highly recommend Bushwise the trainers and the staff as whole, they have turned me into what I am it was a six months long course and the end of the programme I was thrilled with the information they had installed in me. I wish I could join again the programme but again we have to grow and apply all the skills we learnt. I will forever cherish the days we stayed at Bushwise Mahlahla campus!!!