Author: Marketing Team

There has been great excitement this past week here at the Mahlahala Campus. Between lectures on radio procedures to botany, basic vehicle training, and almost 20 hours of practical drives so far, we definitely could tell that our course had really started with a bang.

A busy weekend of first aid certification was followed by few long but fascinating days in the classroom, broken up by some chances to show off our driving skills and physical prowess during vehicle assessment and tyre change training.

Photo by Chane Doman

On Wednesday afternoon it was time for our first practical drive. A fine balance of anticipation and eager excitement swam in the minds of the students who would be the first to conduct a drive, and I can confidently say that is was an incredibly memorable experience.

Over the next four drives, we collectively couldn’t believe how much we had learned from the bush, and even more so that this was only a drop in the ocean compared to the vast wealth of knowledge that could be gained from it. The information about medicinal uses of tree leaves, the patterns of songbird calls and the fine details of mammal tracks, (amongst many, many other topics) felt as if it was being poured out of the minds of our trainers into ours, and spilling onto the pages of our notebooks.

Some highlights of the drives included the Thembe lion pride attempting a hunt then drinking at a pan, cheetah along the fence line, chameleons, rolling dung beetles, birds – the likes of many of us have never seen before, and of course some truly breathtaking sunsets.

Photo by Ethan Friedman

Photo by Ethan Friedman

After our workbook and study session on Saturday, despite the rain, we were all very keen for a bit of R and R, whether it was relaxing by the pool, doing some birdwatching, or venturing into Hoedspruit for some well-deserved weekend refreshments. The cooler weather with plenty of rain was very much appreciated. Sunday was spent revising and studying for the next day’s tests on guiding skills and botany.

All in all, a very busy second week, but incredibly fulfilling first ‘real’ week. Personally, and I’m sure I speak very many others, I cannot wait for the next one.

Alistair Dyason, photo by Dominique Anthes

Week two at Toro campus kicked off with a two-day wilderness first aid course. Role-playing with several snake bites, broken limbs, and resuscitations, we all passed with full marks. A good thing too as it didn’t take long before we had to put some of our new skills to work. Ank, unfortunately, got a nasty bee sting while she was busy demonstrating what happens when you try to burn magic guarri leaves, unlucky. We were nothing if not innovative, so help was at hand in the shape of an ice-cold five-litre bottle of water.

Photo by Sophie Pyper

Continuing on we started with our tree ID’ing and had our first lecture which was on botany. Talk about an information overload. Our first test on trees and grasses is Monday morning so we are all very busy today getting stuck into our workbook studying, reciting scientific names, learning the different structures and arrangements of leaves and finding out traditional beliefs about different trees in the area. We all now know not to cut down a baobab tree, or else we will be consumed by lions.

Photo by Sophie Pyper

Speaking of lions, and being consumed by them we had our first close encounter this week. During Thursday’s afternoon drive, where we all got a chance to test out our driving skills, we stopped in a stunning open area for some soft drinks and snacks. The eight of us, plus our trainers Jack and Lindi, were busy enjoying our cream sodas when a little Black-backed Jackal showed up next to the car, showing its natural curiosity. We all then proceeded to get stuck into a photoshoot, some of us even lying on the ground to get that perfect eye-level shot. Maybe we were all too preoccupied with the Jackal or our drinks and snacks to notice, but the next thing we see is eight lions coming out of the bush right next to us. I have never seen ten people jump into a cruiser that quickly before. But what a sighting. Everything was perfect, the golden lighting, the Drakensburg mountain range as a backdrop and these eight majestic creatures right in front of us.

Photo by Sophie Pyper

If those lions were the only thing we had seen this week I don’t think anyone would have complained, but we are really being spoiled here at Toro campus. We also saw our first elephants which walked right in front of the car, our first puff adder, and our first (and Alex’s first-ever) leopard. Safe to say there are no complaints from any of us here with our first two weeks being filled with drives, drives and more drives. Who knows what we will get to experience next.

Photo by Chloe Potier

Blog by Sophie Pyper

It is a very daunting task that lies ahead of everyone at Bushwise.

Nonetheless, it is where we all start our amazing journey. Even though we feel a bit lost and everything seems unfamiliar, we started to get to know our fellow students and trainers. We all come from different walks of life and all of us are keen to take this opportunity with open arms.

It is amazing to see the passion that everyone has for the natural environment from the birds, to the animals, the trees, and even the smallest of insects. A lot of it has begun to rub off on me even more. The more I experience, the more I want to learn, the more I learn the more I want to see. It really opened my perspective, to the amazing sites and sounds of different animals.

We started the week off with some paperwork, but once that was done we had some exciting experiences lined up for us by the trainers.

The first one we had was an informative game drive on the Makalali game reserve. I was lucky enough to be with Vaughan on the game drive with the rest of group A. This was the first time that I recall just being in awe. The amount of fun we had finding a hinged tortoise and the two leopard tortoises.  I think we will always remember our first game drive and what it will feel like for the guests we will drive in the future. The person in the photo is Vaughan our trainer and a great field guide.

Photo by Borden Searle

Photo by Fahren Timms

Some of the other students also got some magnificent photos whilst on thetheirre drive. I really have to give the credit to Fahren Timms. 

We also played a very competitive bush game whilst we were on a drinks break and us South African people take this game very serious – a ‘Bok droll spoeg kompetisie’

Friday was a treat for all students, we went to a reptile park just outside of Hoedspruit to learn more about reptiles and other creatures. We also got the chance to see the feeding of some black mambas. Most of us even got to handle green Iguanas. ‘Adam’  was rescued from a home where he was neglected. 

Adam the Iguana

Over the weekend we did our first aid training, something that is compulsory for all field guides to have.

Our teacher was one of the best invigilators I have ever met from an outside company so far. He made everything seem so simple and easy and I really enjoyed this time during the course. He was extremely informative so please rest assured if you are ever a guest with a Buswise student on a game drive and in need of immediate medical attention, you will be in good hands.

Photo by Ed Smith

Borden Searle

Borden Searle

Bushwise is growing!

In 2020 we have welcomed a record number of 32 students completing the long term comprehensive course with us. Split between two campuses each group will have experienced trainers at their disposal to mentor and train them. Put in smaller groups during the training, they will rotate between all our trainers during practicals, making it eight students per trainer on game drives and getting the best of each of their perspectives and specialities.

Students have come to join us from the UK, USA, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and of course plenty South Africans to start their careers!

We look forward to getting to know them and seeing where their journeys take them.

The new campus in 2020 – Toro Lodge

Nestled between the Greater Makalali Private Game Reserve and Pidwa Private Game Reserve of the South African Lowveld, this special and remote location provides the opportunity for Bushwise students to get up close and personal with the Big Five animals of Southern Africa. There is also an abundance of other amazing flora and fauna.

The lodge is located on the banks of the Makhutswi River, with hippos and crocodiles as local residents, as well as the frequent Big Five visitors to the water hole for a drink.

Boma by Makutsi river at Toro campus

We have exclusive use of this lodge for the class of January 2020 for the next six months until they move onto their placements. We will then take a second group in July 2020 for the second half of the year.

Toro campus accommodation

Upgrade to the existing campus –  Mahlahla

Towards the end of 2019, Mahlahla campus underwent a little makeover. Fresh paint and varnish, new thatch and some TLC here and there. Together with some students and our amazing staff on campus,, they managed to give the campus a facelift. Animals on site have also enjoyed recent rains and provided the students and staff with up-close sightings from the classroom!

Mahlahla campus bungalow

New staff

Jack Hutchinson

‘I was a Bushwise student back in 2009 under the guidance and mentorship of Mark Mongomery, Sean Robinson and Wayne Te Brake. I said to Sean and Wayne I wanted to do training back then and I have come full circle and returned to share my passion, my drive and experience to new potential guides.

I have been guiding for the last 11 years all in 5-star lodges, in and around KNP, Sabi Sands, Timbavati and Thornybush. I have been in the Thornybush Nature Reserve for the past 7 years.

I have built many friendships in the area and have learnt a lot. Especially tracking through the help of my tracker Ishmael Hlokowane at Thornybush. Walking and tracking animals I will say is my utmost favourite activity in the bush. Nothing better than getting off the radio and finding your own animals and have others rely on you for good sightings.

I have always wanted to be an assessor for IFGA and I knew I have to attain an SKS qualification.  So I studied and practised my birding until I attained my SKS Birds to help further my career.

I wish to keep walking and tracking and get enough experience to attain a higher tracking qualification and eventually become an IFGA SKS DG Guide and the ultimate, IFGA Scout.’

Jack Hutchinson

Lindi Bernardo Hutchinson

‘Nature has always been my passion.  I wanted to study nature conservation after school but due to numerous rumours that there are not enough opportunities for females in that field, I decided to study Tourism Management instead and received my diploma in 2008.

In 2009 I started working at Mabalingwe Private Game Reserve in the Waterberg and came across my first female guides in the industry.  Within a few months, I yearned to be a field guide, to entertain people in the bush and learn more about animal behaviour. 

In 2010 I left Mabalingwe to go to Lion Sands in Sabi Sand Game Reserve where I started as a receptionist, were promoted to stock controller and later helped with shop management.  At that time Alan Ronchini started a guiding academy (today, known as NJ More Field Guide Academy) at Lion Sands. I joined their game drives and training in my off time and wrote Apprentice Field Guide in 2010 and Apprentice Trails theory in 2011.  I gained a lot of experience hosting, serving, working with people and learned how every department in a lodge is dependant on each other as well as greatly influenced by each other.

In 2013 I started in Thornybush Game reserve as Lodge Manager.  In November 2013 I finally decided to follow my dream. I started my guiding career at Entabeni Game Reserve in the Waterberg.  It was the best decision I have ever made!

In the past 6 years, I have worked in numerous different reserves and biomes, gained a lot of experience and raised my qualifications to IFGA Specialist Field Guide (Previously known as IFGA Level 3)  and trails guiding.  I am not planning on stagnating any time soon and hope to have Professional Trails qualification by the end of 2020 as well as Tracker Level 2.’

Lindi Bernardo Hutchinson

Wrap up

So here’s looking forward to 2020, with amazing rainfall so far the bush is looking lush and green, the best it has been in the last few years.

Sightings in the first week of the course have been excellent, with the Big Five already in the bag!

After a long day (or two) of travelling, we arrived at the new Toro campus located inside Makalali game reserve. With views overlooking the Makutsi river where elephants, hyena and buffalo are right on our doorstep. It did not take long for the eight of us to feel completely at home in our new bush paradise. Our first meal was a welcome braai cooked by our camp chef Sibu, who we are already planning to enter into Masterchef and trust me, he would definitely win it! The braai gave us a chance to chat and find out where we were all from and why we were doing the course but it was only when the Uno cards came out that we really started bonding. I’m telling you, friendships are made and destroyed in that game.

A serious game of Uno – photo by Sophie Pyper

The first few days were fairly relaxed, a few introductory chats from Trevor and his never-ending pile of paperwork that needed to be signed. We then had some time to relax by the pool and try and adjust to the heat and humidity that is the Lowveld summer. On day three the four international students (myself included) were shipped off to Polokwane for the day to get or South African driving licence process started, leaving the South Africans behind at camp. We knew it would be a long day so we left early to get back in time for our first game drive. We arranged to meet the other four international students from Mahlahla campus, along with Lindi and Trevor, there so we could do the game drive together. But this is Africa. And lack of signal to communicate between each group plus and a sudden downpour meant that our two vehicles managed to miss each other on the road. The four of us returned to camp while the others waited for the downpour to pass and for us to arrive at the gate. Both groups then left on the game drive and still got some great sightings of buffalo, giraffe but the highlight was definitely the pride of lions we saw right on the middle of the road.

Pride of lions on the first game – Matthew Holland

The next day we all headed to Hoedspruit to get our uniform and then to Kinyonga Reptile Park for an intro into all things snakes and spiders. This activity definitely split the group with Chloé feeling completely in her element being a reptile enthusiast, while Zander, well he made sure he stayed well away.

Snouted cobra – photo by Chloe Potier

Saturday consisted of us trying to find a pride of lions we heard being called in over the radio. Although we didn’t manage to find them it gave us all a chance to finally get out and see the reserve. We also stopped by a cool spot not far from our camp called Pels pools where we came across a nice pod of hippos before heading back for our long-awaited cool drinks and snacks. On the game drive, our trainers Jack and Lindi got stuck in with tree ID which then became the focus for our off day study session on Sunday. 

Hippo at Pels pool – Chloé Potier

With just eight students staying at Toro campus, we are a small group but we are already working so well together, helping with various duties and getting stuck into studying. We are remote in our little camp in the middle of the bush but there is nothing better than hearing the African fish eagle while eating lunch or waking up to the morning chorus from the Lowveld birds. The next six months are going to be hard work with all our studies but I know it will be filled with amazing sightings and experiences, great food and lots of laughter.

Blog by Sophie Pyper

Tensions were running high on campus as every student prepared for their final FGASA exam, and practical drive. A lot of preparation took place, but was it all worth it?

We started off with a morning coffee to give us the caffeine boost we required for the exam. We were then split into separate groups and taken to different locations where we would write our final FGASA exam paper for Apprentice Field Guide, NQF2.

There was complete silence, everyone focused and on a mission to write down as much CORRECT information as possible. Only the turning of pages could be heard and a small sigh here and there as we discovered yet another 10 pages of questions to complete.  At last the final page, the final answer which would determine whether our 6 months of intense training has paid off.

It was a tortuous five hours waiting to hear our results finally the message arrived. Everyone made it!!!

After some celebrations, laughter and relief, we disappeared into our rooms to prepare for our last portion of the qualification process, the practical drive assessment.

Assessment game drive

A three-and-a-half-hour drive sounds like enough time to relax and have some fun in the bush. However, having to talk about 17 different modules during the drive seems almost impossible. I would say one would at least require a five-hour drive to fit in all the information. Nonetheless, we were well prepared and sure not to get lost on the reserve (which personally was my biggest fear).  Our ultimate goal was to provide an incredible safari experience to the best of our ability.

Game drive

Once you start your drive, the nerves tend to calm down as you go along and you realise that there is so much to talk about. You only need to drive 100m before stopping and talking about animal tracks and signs, interesting facts about botany, the geology of the environment and much more. It just shows how much knowledge we obtained during these past few months. When I first arrived, all I was interested in was seeing animals, but looking back, I now realise that seeing animals is merely a bonus to the safari experience. There is so much more happening in the bush that we are unaware of, and should also be regarded as very important.

I am so excited to share this new information with guests and have them experience the smaller yet important aspects of nature. I am proud to say, that we are field guides in the making, like the campus, saying goes: “The bush will provide”.

Furthermore, we received our first rains for the season and are incredibly excited to see the bush getting replenished and come back to life again. However, the rain did put a stop to our ARH training and assessment, but we needed the rain more! In the coming last semester, we will catch up with our ARH assessment before heading off for the practical apprentice trails course and then our placements. 

ARH training, break time

First summer rains

Blog by Elandri du Plessis

The most terrifying part about joining Bushwise is letting go of control. You have all the power to determine whether or not you will be successful in the field or the classroom but have to give that control up when it comes to the work placement. I have always had a very linear vision of how my life has to go and for the past two years, I knew I would be at Bushwise post-graduation. Now, as the course comes to an end I am faced with the reality that I have no idea what is next. 

All of the staff have been supportive of each and every one of us, which in retrospect can’t be easy considering we all wish to go in completely different directions. Unfortunately, it took me a bit too long to trust the judgement of others, experienced in the field, regarding where I should end up. Instead, in an American fashion, I strong-armed my way into an interview where I believed I was meant to be. After a day I realized the terrifying reality that maybe I don’t know what is best for me right now. The potential placement was amazing, beautiful, filled with passionate people, it checked all my boxes but still, I was haunted by the feeling that I simply could not fit into this puzzle. 

For about 6 months Sharin has been reiterating that sentiment to me but I refused to listen. I am happy for that in a lot of ways as there will no longer be the question of what if or comparison made based on these imaginary boxes to checked. I am sad to have wasted any time or energy of any individual involved but alas here we are. The difficult American is asking for a backup plan! 

That is just the thing about the bush- you can’t always expect things to work out the way you want them to. You take what the bush gives you and trust me when you fight it, it ends up hurting. You may often hear people saying “The bush provides” and it really does! I have had an extraordinary experience learning with epic sightings and making friends for life. The next six months will provide too. Of that I am sure. Putting that kind of faith into another person’s hands was just not easy for me. Have I learned my lesson? I would say yes. 

I would also say thank you for all of the patience that has been given to me over the past six months and my (at times) uncontrollable desire to be in control.

Mara Vinnik

The third semester is in full swing and we are all ready to take it on. I’ve enjoyed capping off each night with a cup of coffee as I focus on studying. In the bush, you need to be aware of your surroundings and always check dark corners in your room carefully, especially if it is hot. A ‘not so welcome’ visitors got into my room – a ‘Mfezi’ (Mozambique spitting cobra). It only took four minutes for him to crawl in my room as I went to the bathroom. I left my door open and when I came back I heard something moving towards my cupboard. The first time round I couldn’t see what it was because the floor is painted black, but as I move closer I noticed the movement and the head shape. I then went outside to tell another student, of course, they did not believe me at all, as I was very calm. Earlier that day we also saw a Vine snake by another student’s cabin, but one of our trainers was able to move it away safely. We all know each other quite well now, our strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and it feels like home. We are all one big happy family.

Mfezi – Mozambique spitting cobra

Every time I travel back home, I share my encounters with friends and family. They all envy me and know how lucky I am to do this. I love sharing special moments with them during my time at Bushwise. One thing I did miss during the off week is the sunset view! Back home there are lights everywhere it’s difficult to appreciate the sunset the stars.

We also had our long-awaited first game drive for the semester. As the drive progressed we came across a herd of Elephants as always led by the oldest and largest matriarch. The biggest highlight of the drive was when we came across a Pangolin, it was my first time ever seeing one. This is an extremely rare animal to see in the bush. It is also the most trafficked animal in the world. They are critically endangered and need to be protected as much as possible. We were incredibly privileged to see this as many people living and working in the bush may never even see one.

A lot is happening this week, I’ve been nominated for Adventure Guide Award at the Lilizela Awards 2019. I will be flying to Pretoria for the interviews and in a few weeks after, I’ll be heading to the main event, it will be a delight to achieve the award. From there we will be awaiting the National Award Ceremony to take place in November.

We’re very busy with lectures and game drives. One interesting class was when we were being taught about South African wines and food pairing. As a guide you are sometimes expected to host your guests in the evening and being able to recommend excellent South African wines for your guests will no doubt impress them and add to their experience

My time here is very experimental. I get to learn a lot in and out of class, I took baking and cooking lessons from the kitchen staff and in that, I have found my new hobby. I made banana bread take back home and everyone loved it.

EXAMS, EXAMS, and more EXAMS. We’ve started writing exams, this calls for sleepless nights, and late-night cups of coffee.  

Daniel Mogale

‘Friday PM-BOTANY REVIEW’, these words stood etched onto the board in the ‘not so functional’ whiteboard markers that never quite work properly, but always give an ounce more of ink just at the right time as if they know and thus avoid being thrown away. I have always had a passion for the bush, all things big or small, but one particular area I can never quite hold in the same regard as Ecology or Geology is Botany, especially on a Friday afternoon after a long week.

The day finally arrived and we set off in ‘Lequesha’, the name of the legendary Ed Smith’s cream coloured Land Rover to cover all the plants and trees we could find. Several floral species (and hours) later we found ourselves along the Makhutsi river at a Phuza stop grazing on some Buttermilk Ouma rusks. It was at this point that I made my intentions clear to the group that I wished to ride on the tracker seat and use the spotlight as we made our way back to campus.

Tracking is a major passion of mine and it was not the first time you would catch me on the tracker seat of the Landy examining the soil for tracks as we bumble along. As I mentioned earlier, I appreciate all things big and small but there was only one thing on my mind. I wanted to see a leopard.

The drive back was quiet with only a Scrub Hare and bushbaby. As we exited the main gate and drove through a small game area on the neighboring crocodile farm before hitting the main Harmony road back to campus. I contemplated returning to the inside of the vehicle luckily I dissuaded myself remembering that I was told “there are leopards on the crocodile farm”… at that moment!.

A quick flash of the spotlight to the right and the unmistakable spotted yellow frame of a leopard appeared. There is something special about seeing a leopard, an indescribable feeling of awe and amazement. She was very relaxed and we spent almost an hour completely alone with her before she moved off for her evening hunt.

When sitting on the tracker seat, you are totally exposed to everything around you and you become one with the bush. This was truly the feeling I had as we sat about 12 meters from the leopardess. As she looked me right in my eyes, a primitive feeling brought me right back to ‘our’ roots and reiterates that human beings are not quite at the top of the food chain.

Blog by Jamiel Malherbe

#fieldguidetraining #gamedrive #leopard #sightings

This last week we were treated to an amazing opportunity to visit a raptor rehabilitation centre near Dullstroom. With great anticipation, we set out on our two-and-a-half-hour journey. While driving over the escarpment and the majestic Drakensberg, with faces pushed up against the windows of the minibus, we strained our necks in the hope of catching a glimpse of the ever-elusive Taita Falcon. A near threatened and incredibly rare falcon species that is associated with cliffs and gorges and dwells on the sheer cliffs of this mighty mountain range. Alas, we didn’t get a glimpse but the anticipation was half the fun.

Snake hunting Secretary Bird with a killer kick

On arrival at the rehabilitation facility, we were greeted by a wonderful woman that oozed passion, energy and a love for everything about raptors together with an exemplary example of a Lanner Falcon that was busy in the last stages of being released back into the wild. The falcon put on a wonderful display for us. Stooping, diving, and hunting at breakneck speeds. What an amazing creature, perfectly built for its surroundings. Thereafter, we were treated to a wood owl display as well as an up-close opportunity to experience the power, precision, and energy of an African Fish Eagle. Wide-eyed we watched as it swooped down to catch prey out of a waterhole, not more than 10 meters away. We were treated to other bird displays that were equally amazing. But what was comforting to know was that these birds were in the best possible care and if there is a possibility to release them back into the wild, the passionate and tireless staff at this facility, ensures it does indeed happen. What a wonderful afternoon. Thank you Bushwise.

Fish eagle catch its prey

The last part of the week was reserved for practical drives. It’s always a favourite for ‘us’ field guide students. On Friday, it was my turn to sit in the guiding hot seat. It’s amazing how nature at times can be the master of concealment. Then, at other times it reveals herself to allow you to see the myriad of life, energy, and power it has on show. This particular drive was just that; power, energy, and survival of the fittest. An hour into my drive we had the amazing luck to be in the company of the “prince of predators”, a leopard. For an hour we were privileged to watch him as he walked back and forth from his kill sight. He had killed an impala and had cached his prey in a Knob Thorn tree to guard against other predators from stealing his hard-earned meal. The exhilaration, one gets from being in the presence of such a perfectly designed and beautiful creature is breathtaking.

Prince of predators

After finally leaving him to his own devices, we were happy to make our way back to campus. After all what could beat an intimate leopard sighting. Answer: A zebra sighting. What a zebra sighting you say? Yes, a zebra sighting that paled everything we had experienced that afternoon. Within minutes of leaving the leopard, we came across five zebra stallions. Their testosterone levels going through the roof. We found ourselves in the middle of a fight for mating rights. Nature does not look after “sissies” (softies). These guys were going at each other hammer and tongs. No punches pulled. A fight to the bitter end. Hooves were flying. Kicks to the head, powerful bites to the body and neck. Rearing onto their hind legs giving all they had. Over and over again. It was relentless. At one stage the dust was so thick around us we couldn’t see. We were caught up in the heat of the battle. Bones were broken, gnashing of teeth, hooves drumming and cries of pain. It was pandemonium. The energy was thick in the air. You could cut it with a knife. Amongst all this power and emotion, over my shoulder, I heard these four words, “best game drive ever!” That pretty much summed it up. Now we could drive back to campus with the warm feeling of knowing why we want to be here and why this course is so important to us. What a way to end another eventful week at Bushwise. I can’t wait for the next chapter.

Take no prisoners

Never give up on nature, you never know when you will be rewarded. If you put in the hard work you will reap the rewards.

Blog by Martin Steyn