Category: Alumni stories

Meet Elliot Evans, a graduate of the Bushwise Professional Field Guide 2014 course. After graduation, Elliot did his placement at Makalali Private Game Reserve. His career saw him become a guide for his former trainer, a ground handler for a leopard research project and a lodge manager at Mara. Today, he spends his time between the UK and SA, always staying close and connected with wildlife. But enough from us – let’s hear his journey from his own words.

Life before Bushwise

Before coming to Bushwise, I had just finished university and was living in the UK. I had spent my childhood in the bush, and there are not many jobs that can incorporate the bush lifestyle in the UK so choosing to come to Bushwise was a no brainer for me. 

My favourite Bushwise memories

I have so many favourite memories! From the sleep outs to the sightings, trips, off weeks, lectures and even the pranks pulled not only by students but by staff too! I honestly think I could write a library of books containing all of my favourite memories from my time there. 

One of my favourite memories happened one Sunday morning at about 3am. I was woken up by the sound of destruction coming for the dining area, which was right next to my room. So I went in to find out what was going on. I was confronted by four honey badgers trashing the place. Once they saw me, they decided to chase me back to my room and try to get in there too to continue their rampage. They eventually gave up and headed back to the dining area.

After recovering my nerves (and waking up a bit more), I decided to go get them out of the dining area. With my trusted knobkerrie in hand, I swung open the dining room door, yelling and shouting – only to find that they had grown bored and wandered off. It was at this exact moment that my fellow students woke up and came to investigate. They then proceeded to blame me for the damage as I was standing in the centre of the carnage in nothing but my boxers holding a knobkerrie. To this day, they still blame me for the damage and mess.

Life right after Bushwise 

After graduating from Bushwise, I did my placement at Makalali. Once my placement came to an end, I moved back to the UK and continued to search for more bush orientated work. I became a guide for one of my former Bushwise trainers, Conraad Loubser. At the same time, I was working for a travel company that ran safaris in the Lowveld but was based in the UK, and I also was a ground handler for a leopard research company. 

From there, I became a lodge manager for the Safari Collection in Mara, Kenya – which was unfortunately  messed up by COVID-19. So I had to go back to the UK again where I started working in film and wildlife management. I also took part in some para-veterinary animal darting projects for large and dangerous animals. While my life may not be as bush as it used to be, I can’t say it’s boring!

My life today

Now I split my time between the UK and South Africa. When I am in the UK, I work in film as a cameraman and in wildlife management. When I am back in South Africa, I work as a freelance field guide.

In terms of my wildlife management work, I spend a lot of time working with conservation groups as well vet practices and governing bodies. When I’m not in the field darting and rescuing wildlife, I’m teaching and running courses on specific conservation techniques or running training programs that allow people to develop the skills they need to conserve nature themselves. 

In terms of my filming work, unsurprisingly I film wildlife – which is a passion I picked up while studying at Bushwise. We all know that that’s the first thing students think of when they go to Bushwise. It’s not “Will I see a kill?” or “Can I tick off all the animals on my wish list?”. No, it’s always “I hope I get some great shots of it all!”I can very happily report that with the helpful tips and guidance from my instructors, I did and I still use these skills to this day!

Advice for non-South African future guides 

To the foreign students like myself, don’t let anything stop you! There are going to be things that feel like a brick wall like visas, permits, knowledge, training and qualifications. None of it is impossible, there is always a way to get something done. Persevere and don’t think that you can’t do it. Be like a honey badger and don’t accept no for an answer.

Special shout out

Shout out to my former instructors Trevor, Cubus, Conraad and Charles, and to all of my classmates who I haven’t seen since my time there. Not a day goes by where they are not missed or thought of! I can’t wait for a reunion to be held at Mahlahla. Another shout out to Sharin, Kim, Sophie and the other staff who work behind the scenes to keep Bushwise at the top of their game!

Love this story? Read more in our blog section specifically about alumni experiences!

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Meet Ashleigh Donaldson, a graduate of the Bushwise Professional Field Guide 2015 course. After graduation, Ashleigh did her placement at Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway in Welgevonden Game Reserve. Her career grew as she worked as a field guide, lodge manager and assistant research coordinator. Eventually she decided to return to academia and get her PhD, and is now a postdoctoral research fellow! 

5 min read

Life before Bushwise

Before I joined Bushwise, I was completing my MSc in Zoology degree at the University of Pretoria. I was already very involved in wildlife and conservation because of my postgraduate studies, however, I was interested in gaining some practical experience that academics did not provide. I have also always been interested in the way that tourism in South Africa connects to and facilitates conservation, and combining a field guiding qualification with my academic background seemed like the perfect way to explore this. The prospect of connecting people with nature, fostering conservation awareness, and facilitating transformative experiences in the bush added to this.

Lessons from the bush 

My time in the bush has had a profound impact on shaping who I am today. Surrounded by wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, I developed a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of all living things and the delicate balance of ecosystems. Living and working in the bush instilled in me a sense of respect for nature. It taught me to observe and listen, to be patient and adaptable, and to value the resilience of the natural world. The bush also taught me the importance of conservation and the need to protect and preserve our environment for future generations.

In the bush, I learned the value of teamwork and collaboration. Working alongside experienced guides, researchers, and conservationists, I witnessed the power of collective efforts in achieving common goals. Moreover, my time in the bush fostered a deep sense of responsibility and stewardship. I became acutely aware of the threats facing our natural heritage and the urgency of taking action to mitigate them. It inspired me to pursue further education, research, and conservation initiatives, aiming to make a positive difference in the field of environmental protection.

One of my favourite memories from the Bushwise course was viewing cheetah on foot on one of our days out in the reserve. It was one of the first times that I had been so close to an animal in it’s natural environment and the moment really stuck with me.

Life after graduation

After graduating, I did my Bushwise work placement at Clifftop Exclusive Safari Hideaway in Welgevonden Game Reserve. It was a fantastic experience being placed there! I loved everything about the reserve and found it to be a great place for a new guide to learn and gain experience.

I then pursued another guiding job in Madikwe, where I gained valuable experience for approximately a year. Eventually, I was presented with an opportunity to transition into a lodge management role in the Klaserie. I dedicated a year and a half to this position before receiving an enticing offer to return to Welgevonden Game Reserve, this time as the assistant research coordinator.

During my time as the assistant research coordinator, an exciting opportunity presented itself—a chance to pursue a Ph.D. As a result, I made the decision to leave the reserve and enroll full time as a student once again. After several years of research, I successfully completed my PhD in April 2023. Currently, I hold the position of postdoctoral research fellow at the University of the Witwatersrand. This role allows me to continue my research endeavors and contribute to the academic community in a meaningful way.

Staying connected to nature in academics 

Even though my current role is outside the scope of traditional conservation, there are a number of ways in which I maintain a connection to nature:

1. I choose research topics that are related to nature and wildlife conservation, which allows me to contribute to the understanding and preservation of ecosystems and species. 

2. My research involves a lot of fieldwork, and I take this opportunity to spend time observing wildlife in their natural habitats and collecting data that contributes to scientific knowledge.

3. I collaborate with researchers and organisations that specialise in the study and conservation of nature and wildlife so that we can share knowledge, resources and experiences to further our understanding of and contribute to conservation efforts. 

4. I plan and attend conferences, workshops and research projects focused on nature and wildlife, which allows me to network with other experts in the field and stay up-to-date with the latest findings and conservation strategies.

Advice for future guides

If I were to give a future field guide advice, I would encourage them to always continue learning. The natural world is vast and ever-changing, so approach your role as a field guide with a thirst for knowledge. Never stop learning about the flora, fauna and ecosystems you encounter. Expand your understanding through books, courses, and engaging with experienced guides and researchers. Stay curious and open-minded, and share your knowledge with enthusiasm. 

I would also encourage them to cultivate a passion for conservation. As a field guide, you are an ambassador for nature and wildlife. Share your passion for the natural world with guests, instilling in them a sense of awe and respect for the environment. Encourage sustainable practices, ethical wildlife viewing and responsible behaviour in nature. Inspire others to become advocates for conservation.

A closing shout out!

I want to give a big shout out to my trainers Trevor, Al, Charles and Cobus. Your expertise, guidance and passion for the bush made the learning experience truly exceptional. I also want to extend a special shout out to my fellow students Claire, Kate and everyone in group B. Thank you all for being an integral part of my Bushwise experience. The knowledge, friendships and experiences we shared will forever hold a special place in my heart.

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1.       The Appeal of the African Bush

It is all about Africa – this vast ancient continent full of sights, sounds and smells that mesmerize the soul. For anyone interested in participating on the Bushwise Hospitality course, a natural yearning to immerse oneself in the African bush is an essential prerequisite to maintain motivation and sustain enthusiasm for the duration of the programme.   It is amazing how easy it is to adapt and adjust to bush living – the world of cars, street lights, skyscrapers and

Tim’s Personal Log –  I had the good fortune of being able to visit Africa for the first time in October 2013 for a two week period.  During this time I gained my introduction to the safari lodge experience in Kafue National Park, Zambia with wonderful animal encounters, and moved onto Livingstone where I witnessed the force of nature that is Victoria Falls.   Upon returning to my home in Australia I suffered the worst case of traveller blues that I had ever experienced; the Africa bug had bitten and after weeks of dreaming about Africa every night I resolved to take action.   My plan was simple.  Discover a way to work and live in a safari lodge in Africa.   Fatefully I sat down in front of the computer and googled three words, ‘Africa’  ‘hospitality’ and ‘volunteer.’   Bushwise appeared on top of my search engine screen and after scanning the information on the website it appeared I had instantly discovered my pathway back to Africa.   Life was never supposed to be this simple!    I did not act immediately but searched around for other options but nothing came close to the opportunity that was being offered by Bushwise.  I contacted GVI Australia about my interest in the Bushwise Hospitality Internship programme with a start date in March for a twenty week period.   I received an application form which I completed and sent to Bushwise Communications Manager, Rachel Greenwood on 31st December 2013.   My last action of the year proved to have the most decisive influence on the course of my life in 2014.   A telephone interview with Rachel was scheduled and after a half hour conversation it was evident that Bushwise was my new path.   Fast forward to June 2014 and I am currently living and working in a safari lodge in the Limpopo Province of South Africa bordering Kruger National Park.   Here I have had three fantastic months of experiences to being substance and reality to what was once a dream called Africa.