an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

Bushwise Field Guide Training

Official Agent

Turn Your Passion for Wildlife Into a Professional Career

From tracking the Big Five on foot to mastering the art of guiding guests through South Africa’s wild landscapes, Bushwise offers world‑class training for aspiring safari guides and conservation professionals. As an official guide and booking partner, Red Kite Adventures connects you to these life‑changing opportunities and supports you every step of the way.

Study Pathways

Whether you want a short, immersive taste of the field guide lifestyle or a full professional qualification, Bushwise offers two distinct pathways:

Longer Formal Courses (2-12 Months)

Accredited, career-focused training designed to launch you into professional guiding or conservation roles.

Short Taster Experience (7-28 Days)

A thrilling, hands-on introduction to guiding and conservation in a Big Five reserve.

A Taste of the Wilder Life

7 to 28 Day Short Taster Experiences

Overview

Elevate your love for nature by experiencing life as a field guide. Reconnect with the wild in an adventure that goes far beyond a typical safari.

Immerse yourself in nature with an unforgettable 7-day adventure – or customise your stay to anywhere between 7 and 28 days as you delve deeper into the skills of a safari guide in true wilderness. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll rekindle your passion for the natural world and sample the knowledge, techniques, and excitement that come with guiding in a Big Five environment.

This experience blends the thrill of a safari with the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the natural world. You’ll gain a broad introduction to guiding skills, animal behaviour, and the fascinating world of mammals, all while living in the heart of the African bush. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, learning, and authentic time in nature – offering a true taste of life as a field guide.

Destination

Location

Your home for this experience is in the heart of the Lowveld region of Limpopo, South Africa, just west of Kruger National Park, within the spectacular Selati Game Reserve. Spanning 28,000 hectares, this reserve is rich in diverse habitats and features some of the oldest rock formations on Earth.

Its unique geology supports a remarkable range of plant communities, including one of the world’s few naturally occurring cycad colonies – found nowhere else on the planet. Home to over 50 mammal species, including the Big Five, and more than 280 bird species, Selati offers an unforgettable wildlife experience and complete immersion in nature.

Eco Tented Wilderness Camp

Bushwise exclusive experiences are based at a comfortable mid-range Wilderness Camp, designed to offer the perfect balance between immersion in nature and modern comfort. The camp features just four luxury en-suite tents, each set on a raised platform with sweeping views into the African wilderness.

Each tent accommodates two participants, with a private accommodation option available for an additional 30% single supplement (subject to availability). For groups, we can also arrange tailored private safaris from this camp – please contact our team for availability.

Information

Dates

There are a wide range of set departure dates throughout September, October, November and February. Get in touch to find one that works for you.

Prices

2025 Prices range from £855 (US$1,080) for 7 days to £3,195 (US$3,915)

Prices include all activities, specialist training, accommodation and meals.
Prices exclude dinks and transfers.

Book a consultation with Red Kite Adventures. We will help find the right programme for you. We can also arrange flights and transfers. You will pay the same price as booking directly, but with the added bonus of our support and guarenteed 100% financial protection.

Booking

7 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival & Welcome Game Drive

Welcome to Limpopo! Arrive at camp and settle into your accommodation before setting off on your first orientation drive. On the safari, you’ll meet your guide trainer and start to get a feel for the lay of the land you’ll be exploring during your time in the reserve. After that, it’s dinner and drinks under the stars and an early night in preparation for the next day’s action.

Day 2 - Animal Behaviour & Bush Dynamics

Start the day with an early drive focused on animal behaviour. Learn how different species interact, revealing the invisible dynamics that shape life in the wild, including things like predator tactics, elephant communication, or the quiet signals animals use to stay safe. In the afternoon, relax with the sounds of nature around you, or enjoy tea and coffee in the shade before setting off again to observe the evening’s wildlife activity. Your drive ends with sundowners deep in the bush.

Day 3 - Conservation Day (Optional Add-On)

A typical conservation day might involve hands-on work such as removing invasive plant species, clearing snares to protect wildlife, and assisting with rhino dehorning or cheetah tracking. Conservation activities are charged as an add-on, are subject to reserve and wildlife needs, and must be booked 3 months in advance.

Day 4 - Stargazing & Sleepout Under the Stars

Shift your perspective skyward with a focus on astronomy. Learn how guides use constellations to orient themselves and how animals respond to the moon and stars. As evening falls, pack lightly for an unforgettable experience – a guided sleepout in a safe, secluded part of the reserve. Fall asleep beneath the Milky Way, with only the sounds of the wild and the stories shared around the fire.

Day 5 - Bird Identification, Call & Flight

Today brings a sharper focus on birds – from quiet early-morning calls to the flash of colour as a lilac-breasted roller takes flight. Your guide will help you use field guides to identify species and tune into what bird behaviour reveals about the environment. You’ll also explore how birds adapt to their habitats and respond to predators and weather patterns.

Day 6 - Interpreting Tracks, Trails & Signs

Today, your guide will show you how to read the bush through animal tracks, feeding signs, and subtle clues left behind. Learn how to interpret behaviour from a single track, gauge the age and direction of movement, and understand how different surfaces influence the signs animals leave. In the afternoon, an optional seminar may explore tracking techniques used in conservation and anti-poaching.

Day 7 - Navigation, Wrap-Up & Departure

Wrap up the week with a deeper understanding of natural navigation. Learn how guides interpret landscapes, landmarks, and natural cues to find their way through the bush. From compass work to traditional methods, you’ll get hands-on practice in route planning and orientation. Your final morning game drive ties everything together, as you begin to see the wild through the eyes of a guide.

Booking Inquiry

To find out more, please complete the online form or feel free to give us a call or send an email.

Phone

+44 1242502269

Email

info@redkiteadventures.com

Bushwise: The Full Immersion

Accredited, Career-Focused - 2 to 12 Months

Longer Formal Courses

Bushwise’s professional training programmes are designed for those who want to turn their passion for wildlife into a career. Whether you choose a 2-month foundation course or a full 12-month professional pathway, you’ll train to the highest industry standards with CATHSSETA-accredited qualifications and IFGA alignment.

60-Day Safari Guide

Immersive, condensed training combining hands-on experience and classroom sessions. Earn essential guiding certificates and a strong foundation for conservation, ecotourism, or gap-year development.

IFGA Professional Safari Guide – 6 or 12 months

Comprehensive bush and guiding skills with extensive field time (game drives, bush walks, hospitality, ecology, tracking). Progress toward IFGA standards and the CATHSSETA Nature Site Guide (NQF2) qualification. Best for those seeking a professional guiding career and maximum employability.

Practical Wildlife Management – 6 or 12 months

Hands-on reserve and conservation operations: habitat management, monitoring, anti-poaching support, and eco-tourism operations. Designed for those aiming for conservation careers beyond guiding.

IFGA Professional Safari Guide – 6 or 12 months

Specialist walking safari leadership training. Develop advanced situational awareness, tracking skills, and guest safety expertise. Ideal for qualified or aspiring guides upgrading their skill set.