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Living my dream under the African sun – My field guide journey

This blog was written by Gunther Bauer, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

From a young age, my parents nurtured in me a deep love and respect for the natural world. Whenever we had the chance, we would pack up and head to Kruger National Park — camping, exploring, and soaking up everything the park had to offer.

We’d leave home in the early hours of the morning, always aiming to reach the gate by sunrise. Most of our trips started in Phalaborwa, where we’d check in and watch the first golden rays break over the bushveld. Our destination was usually Letaba or Shingwedzi rest camps, where we’d set up camp for eight unforgettable days. And, of course, no trip ever began without a little family game: each of us would choose the animal we thought we’d see first.

It was during one of these family holidays, when I was 12 years old, that everything changed for me. I attended a presentation by a herpetologist volunteering as an Honorary Ranger at the Elephant Hall in Letaba. After the talk, I stayed behind to chat with him. His passion was contagious, and right then and there, I knew I wanted a future connected to nature. But life had other plans.

After school, I was offered a management position at the restaurant where I’d worked as a waiter. What was supposed to be a temporary detour became a 25-year career in the food and beverage industry. I worked my way up to Operations Manager and held that role for ten years.

Eventually, I hit a ceiling. I’d achieved everything I could in that field, and I knew it was time for a change. Two years later, after much reflection, that little boy inside me, the one who sat mesmerised in Letaba rest camp, reminded me of his dream. With the encouragement of my beautiful wife and son, I took a leap of faith and enrolled at Bushwise. That decision changed everything.

Now, four months into the IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (6/12 months), I still can’t quite believe that I wake up to the African bush and its sunrises every single day. It’s been challenging and incredibly rewarding as my knowledge has grown exponentially since day one.

While there have been countless memorable moments, what I value most are our trainers. Their passion for guiding and willingness to share their knowledge is something truly special. To anyone considering this path, soak up every bit of wisdom your trainers offer.

One of my favourite things about training here is the unpredictability of each day. One moment, you’re having a quiet drive, identifying trees and grasses, and the next, you’re stumbling upon a giraffe carcass with lions nearby or tracking elephant herds. The freedom of stepping off the vehicle and following lion tracks down a dusty path is indescribable. My highlight so far? Learning to read tracks and truly understand animal behaviour. It’s like deciphering stories left behind in the sand.

Every day consists of early mornings spent packing my gear and savouring a quiet coffee, followed by 5:30 am game drives, incredible wildlife sightings, daily lectures, and afternoons chasing sunsets, and the best part is, I get to do it all again the next day.

It really does feel like I’m living my dream out here under the African sun, and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me once I complete the course.

Ready to reignite your childhood love for nature and turn it into a career? Explore Bushwise’s courses and take the first step!

April 17, 2025
The secret life of giraffes – Facts about Africa’s tallest animal

This blog was written by Runé Jansen van Vuuren, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

When thinking of Africa’s iconic wildlife, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Big Five. But few people pause to appreciate the other extraordinary animals that call this vast and varied continent home, like the giraffe. This majestic creature is the tallest hoofed land mammal on Earth, and it’s no wonder giraffes have captured the hearts of wildlife lovers and travellers alike. With their towering necks, distinctive spotted coats and calm nature, giraffes are truly remarkable.

A giraffe’s height is nothing short of impressive. Males can reach a staggering 5.48 metres (18 feet), while females are generally a little shorter, growing up to around 4.26 metres (14 feet). Their long, sturdy legs – each about 1.82 metres (6 feet) in length – provide the strength and balance needed to support their size.

Of course, it’s the neck that steals the show. A giraffe’s neck can stretch up to an incredible 3 metres, yet they have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans – just seven. Despite this impressive anatomy, giraffes face a rather awkward challenge when it comes to drinking water. Their necks are too short to reach the ground on their own, so they must bend their legs in a strange, splayed position to lower their heads. Thankfully, giraffes don’t need to drink all that often. They can go for weeks without water, absorbing most of their hydration from the leaves and plants they feed on.

Giraffes are sociable animals and live in loose, ever-changing groups known as “towers” or, occasionally, “journeys”. Unlike many herd animals, giraffes don’t follow a strict hierarchy. Instead, they interact in a calm, easy-going way. Group sizes can range from just a few individuals to over 20, and the makeup of the group can shift regularly. Female giraffes often form smaller, more stable groups, particularly when raising calves. Males, on the other hand, tend to roam more widely and are commonly seen in bachelor groups, especially during the mating season when they compete for dominance and the right to breed.

Beyond their striking appearance and social habits, giraffes play a vital role in the health of their environment. As browsers, they help manage the growth of trees and shrubs by feeding on them, preventing certain species from becoming overgrown. This helps maintain a balanced and diverse ecosystem, benefiting countless other species. In a way, giraffes are the quiet gardeners of the savannah. They are also an important part of the food chain, particularly for predators like lions. While their sheer size offers some protection, calves are particularly vulnerable to predation.

The giraffe’s unique adaptations, peaceful social lives and ecological importance make them a treasured part of Africa’s wild landscapes. Sadly, some giraffe subspecies – such as the Rothschild’s giraffe – are listed as vulnerable, with their numbers declining due to habitat loss and other human pressures. However, thanks to the efforts of conservation organisations working to protect their habitats and raise awareness, there is hope. These initiatives are helping to ensure that giraffes – with their graceful silhouettes and gentle demeanours – continue to roam Africa’s wild areas for generations to come.

April 11, 2025
The humble dung beetle: Nature’s unsung hero

This blog was written by Cari van Eeden, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement, the

greatest source of visual beauty, the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the

greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” – David

Attenborough.

Dung beetles, known across the world, often go unnoticed. However, during my time at Bushwise, I learned just how crucial they are to the environment.

The crucial role of dung beetles

Dung beetles are vital to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. During the summer months, they play an essential role by burying dung, which, as it decomposes, returns nutrients to the soil. This process improves soil structure and supports plant health. Additionally, they help control pests like flies, which can spread disease. By moving dung, they also assist in seed dispersal, unknowingly giving plants a helping hand.

Dung beetles: The silent workers

There are four categories of dung beetles. One group, known as telecoprids, is particularly interesting. These beetles roll balls of dung away from the dung pile, then bury them in soft soil. This not only helps the nutrient cycle but also plays a large role in the biodiversity and beauty of our surroundings. As field guides in training, we quickly recognise how valuable these creatures are, so we make it a point to drive around them while they’re busy at work. It’s also important for us to share the significance of their work with guests during future safaris.

The fascinating dung ball

So, why the dung ball? Dung balls serve two primary purposes. They are either used as a food ball, providing nourishment, or as a brood ball, where females lay their eggs. Sometimes, both.

Brood balls are fascinating. Often, one beetle clings to the ball while the other pushes it along with its hind legs. The male does most of the heavy lifting, rolling the ball far from the dung pile. Once he finds soft soil, they both dig and bury the ball, allowing the female to lay her eggs inside. This is a perfect example of teamwork in action. The ball ultimately serves as both a food source and a home for the developing larvae. It’s incredible to think that such a small creature can push 50-80 times its body weight.

Other interesting dung beetles

There’s also a group of dung beetles called endocoprids. These beetles don’t roll dung but instead dig tunnels beneath the dung piles. Then, there are the paracoprids, who skip the rolling and tunnelling altogether. Instead, they hop onto the dung and lay their eggs right there, though this method comes with the risk of being trampled by larger animals.

Lastly, the kleptocoprids are beetles that steal dung balls from other beetles, often after a fierce struggle.

What we can learn from the dung beetle

Facts aside, these remarkable insects offer valuable lessons: Firstly, there are many ways to achieve the same goal, so avoid comparison. Secondly, never underestimate the power of the “smallest” among us. And lastly, you are often stronger than you realise.

Ready to learn more about nature’s incredible creatures firsthand? Explore our wildlife courses to begin your journey into field guiding.

April 4, 2025
Everything you need to know about the greater kudu

This blog was written by Whian Kruyshaar, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

The Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife reserves and is home to a variety of animals. Among them is the greater kudu, which stands out as one of the most striking and elegant antelope species. With its spiralled horns, sleek body, and distinctive markings, the kudu is truly a magnificent sight to see.

A closer look at the greater kudu

The greater kudu is one of Africa’s largest antelope species, admired for its majestic presence and elusive nature. Males can weigh up to 315 kg (694 lbs) and boast impressive, spiralling horns that can reach up to 1.8 metres (6 feet) long. These horns contribute to the kudu’s regal appearance. Females are smaller and don’t have horns, making them easier to identify.

One of the defining features of the greater kudu is the colour of its coat. It has a tawny or greyish-brown fur, marked with white vertical stripes along its sides, which provide excellent

camouflage in the dappled light of the African bush. This colouration helps them blend

seamlessly into their surroundings, making them harder for predators to spot.

Where to find the greater kudu in the Kruger National Park

Kudus are found in a range of habitats across Kruger National Park, but they prefer dense

woodlands, thickets, and bushveld regions. They are commonly seen in areas with lots of

tree cover, such as along riverbanks or near mopane and acacia forests.

Kudus prefer areas with more tree cover, likely because of their feeding habits. As browsers, they mainly eat leaves, fruits, and flowers, so it makes sense they’re drawn to regions with plenty of trees.

Behaviour of the greater kudu

Despite their size, greater kudus can be shy. Unlike more social antelope species, kudus tend to be found by themselves or in small groups, usually consisting of females and their young. Males are often solitary except during the mating season when they compete for dominance and mating rights.

Kudus are most active during the early morning and late afternoon, making these the best times to spot them on a game drive. They are, however, able to stand still for long periods, which can make them challenging to see, given that they blend perfectly into the bush. However, their loud and distinctive alarm call, similar to a dog’s bark, can sometimes give away their presence.

Predators and survival strategies

Lions, leopards, and wild dogs are among the main predators of greater kudus. Their primary defence mechanism is their agility, speed, and ability to jump as high as 3 metres. They also have an excellent sense of hearing – especially with those large ears – and smell that usually allows them to pick up any signs of predators in the area.

How the kudu fits into the ecosystem

As browsers, kudu play a role in controlling vegetation growth and helping with seed dispersal. They spread seeds by defecating what they’ve eaten but not fully digested while moving around. And, of course, they’re also an important food source for predators.

Conservation status

Although greater kudus aren’t considered endangered, they do face threats from habitat loss and human activities outside protected areas. In some regions, they can also be vulnerable to diseases like anthrax, which can occasionally affect their numbers. However, this is less of a concern in game reserves that focus on strict conservation efforts while maintaining a healthy, balanced ecosystem.

Spotting a greater kudu is always a treat, whether it’s a lone male with his striking spiral horns or a group of females and their young moving elegantly through the bush. While they may be fairly common in some areas, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate their role in the ecosystem – and to look a little closer to rediscover the magic of these incredible animals.

Want to experience Africa’s wildlife up close? Join a Bushwise course and learn from experts while seeing incredible wildlife.

March 28, 2025
Luxembourg to the Lowveld – My Field Guide Journey

This blog was written by Mara Belacchi, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

Almost five years ago, I decided to become a field guide. At the time, I was camping in the Serengeti National Park as part of an overland journey from Kenya to South Africa, traveling with a group of strangers who, over time, became close friends. That night, under a sky so full of stars, we sat around the fire, reflecting on the last few days of game drives in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.

As we shared our thoughts, one of the travelers told us something that changed my life. He mentioned that he had completed a 60-day field guide training course, IFGA Professional Safari Guide Short course (2 months), and was now a qualified safari guide. Until that moment, I hadn’t even known that such a career path existed. I was fascinated. The idea of living and working in the African bush, of spending every day surrounded by nature and wildlife, immediately took hold of me. He gave me an email address, and after a few exchanges back and forth, I was introduced to Bushwise. That was the day I decided that I would become a field guide.

At the time, I was just 20 years old and had only recently finished school. I decided to go to university first, but from that moment on, there wasn’t a single day – truly, not one – where I didn’t think about this dream. I followed Bushwise on every platform, read every post, watched every video, and counted the days until I could finally be here. And now, here I am.

The first four weeks of my 6-month training have felt like a dream. A dream I finally get to

live, and one I never want to wake up from. Every part of the training feels right – whether

it’s attending lectures, practicing my driving skills, memorising plant species, or heading

out on game drives. My heart has never been this full, and my mind has never been this

at peace.

It’s not just the big moments, like watching elephants calmly pass by or the thrill of

navigating the game viewer across rivers, that make this experience so incredible. It’s

the small, everyday moments that truly bring it to life. Starting to recognize plants and

trees, excitedly shouting “Knob Thorn!” every time we pass one. The growing instinct to

identify birds by their calls alone. Learning to identify birds, ticking new species off my

list, and slowly becoming a birder. These are the moments that make this experience so

special. The small victories, the quiet realizations, the growing connection to the bush.

Every day, it feels more like home.

Now, an exciting break lies ahead – our first off-week. A few of the girls from my campus

and I are heading to the very north of Kruger National Park, a region known for its

incredible birdlife. While taking a break from training will be strange, the thought of

exploring a new part of the bush with new friends makes it exciting. Of course, I have a small but important mission: to find and identify birds we haven’t seen yet. The Giant Kingfisher, in particular, has been on my mind, and I’m determined to finally tick it off my list.

Every day here reaffirms that I am exactly where I am meant to be. The road to get here

wasn’t always easy – it took patience, determination, and years of waiting – but it was

worth every second.

Five years ago, I sat under the Serengeti sky, dreaming of this life. Now, I wake up every

morning, step outside, and realize that I am living it.

I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Ready to start your journey as a field guide? Explore Bushwise courses and apply now to become a qualified guide!

March 11, 2025
What can an expert guide learn from Bushwise? This is Daniel’s story

Daniel Razafimandimby, an experienced tour guide from Madagascar, recently travelled to South Africa to join the Bushwise IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (2 months). His goal? To enhance his skills, deepen his knowledge, and bring these insights back to inspire and elevate guiding standards in his home country. This is his story.

With a career spanning more than 20 years, it’s safe to say Madagascan tour guide Daniel Razafimandimby is an expert in his field. Though he giggles as he recalls being completely stumped by Bushwise’s Track & Sign module during his first week in South Africa.

“Nobody explained to me about the tracks and signs,” he laughs as we connect via Zoom. “And then I thought, what were they doing? When the instructors stopped and explained about the toes, about the lobes [animal tracks in the sand], what were they doing?”

Fueled by curiosity and encouraged by his fellow students, Daniel referred to his course material, quickly working to understand tracks and signs and other essential guiding skills. And so began his 2-month journey as a Bushwise student in the South African savannah.

“I think the best way to describe the 2-month IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course is to say it’s an ‘experience of a lifetime’,” says accomplished Bushwise trainer Andrew Kirton. This high-level course, backed by the International Field Guides Association (IFGA), is perfect to get students ready for the guiding industry. “It takes a lot of hard work from the trainers, but even more so from the students,” he adds.

The Bushwise IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (2 months) consists of 17 modules including ecology, botany, astronomy, arthropods, taxonomy and more. Students also participate in daily game drives, learning to operate viewing vehicles, track animals, identify bird calls and distinguish between different flora. “The modules are the foundation of what a guide should know,” says Andrew.

And while courses like astronomy were introduced to Daniel in Madagascar, he praises the comprehensive approach Bushwise implements.

“Here [we’re equipped with] a practical way to combine everything. Especially the practice drives helped a lot; we don’t have that in Madagascar,” Daniel tells me. “My instructors really helped me have extra practice with driving. That doesn’t exist in Madagascar – to combine everything together and to be assessed on it, that doesn’t exist at all. We have a written test at the end of the program, and that’s it.”

Daniel’s course with Bushwise was made possible through Noble Caledonia, a boutique wildlife and marine expedition cruise company based in the UK. Recognising the value of Bushwise’s field guide courses, especially their focus on soft skills training, Noble Caledonia sponsored Daniel’s studies. Over two months, he acquired these invaluable skills and will now share them with his network back home.

“Soft skills are one of the most important aspects of being a guide,” explains Bushwise trainer Andrew. “We work on developing great communication skills, verbal and non-verbal skills, teamwork and being a team player, but also having the responsibility of being camp manager for a week, which ensures delegation skills and teaches students how to work under pressure. Time management is also an important aspect within the many soft skills we cover.”

With these skills in hand, guides gain a deeper understanding of the tourism industry, says Andrew. “Bushwise has mastered this throughout the years, ensuring the best possible guides come out of this course, which is an important aspect for us – they are, indeed, the future of the guiding industry.”

In his short time with Bushwise, Daniel gained insights from his trainers and identified ways that guides in Madagascar could enhance their customers’ experience. “We don’t have hotboxes [insulated cases designed to keep drinks and food hot or cold] in Madagascar; we don’t have any drink breaks, even during a trek that can start from 06:00am until 16:00pm. I think I can tell them how it’s quite the highlight of a tour just to add a kind of hotbox to have a drink break.”

Daniel also plans to share his experience on the Bushwise way of learning. “I think the most important thing will be how to combine astronomy with geology, the climate and wildlife. Because in Madagascar, the guides are mainly focussed on wildlife, and that’s about flora and fauna (plant life and animals) most of the time. Some will add a bit of history and culture. But it’s a big world, I think everything should be included, because I was told I might not see animals during a game drive, and so I had to talk and get the guests interested in what I’m talking about.”

Daniel’s passion for guiding can be felt even through the computer screen, and Andrew says it was even more of a joy to behold in person. “Daniel was such a great person to have on the course. One thing I can say is, the Daniel who arrived is not the same Daniel that left.”

Learn more about Bushwise courses and how you can take your guiding expertise to the next level with the IFGA.

December 6, 2024
From rugby fields to the African bush: My field guide journey

This blog was written by Charlie Birch, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

Bushwise is a place where like-minded people come together to complete a course that they are all passionate about. If that’s conservation, guiding or just nature in general. We have all heard the same story of “I’ve always wanted to do this” and “this has always been my dream.” Yes, to some extent this was mine, but it came about in a completely different way than I imagined.

My original dream was to play rugby, and I’ve been fortunate enough to have played at a decent level in different countries, experiencing things that one can only dream of. However, like a lot of dreams, you eventually wake up. I got injured multiple times with my shoulders and decided to call it quits long-term, as I would like to still be intact when I reach the age of 40!

This is where Bushwise comes in. If you told me a year ago that I would go from playing rugby, living in a flat with someone in my hometown, working a good job and progressing in it, to then moving to the South African bush, living with a bunch of strangers studying to be a field guide, I’d say you’re lying. But here I am.

This has honestly been one of the most important and fascinating decisions of my life. I feel at home here more than I have ever before. The people, the culture, the food, the brandy and coke, just everything seems right for me here in South Africa. I can say I have met some people I will be friends with for life – cringe, I know, but I do genuinely see myself keeping in contact with some and having them in my life forever.

This past week, I had the pleasure of being camp manager, which involves having more duties as well as a voice for your fellow camp mates. Fortunately, we have had a nice week of ARH (advanced rifle handling) which has been a great new experience as I have never shot with a rifle before. I say this, but due to us having rifle handling, and one of our golden rules being ‘drinking and shooting don’t mix’ it’s been quite a dry week where some of the camp mates have struggled adjusting to this new way of life! All-in-all, we have passed everything so far and have enjoyed it, but I can assure you we all have a lot to learn and none of us will be a James Bond any time soon.

In terms of what is next for me, I have no clue. One thing I have learnt about myself and about life out here is that it’s best not to plan too far ahead as everything changes on a dime. I want, and would love, to stay here and work in a lodge as I feel like I’d do well as a guide, or maybe one day even a trainer and share the knowledge I gathered through the years I was working and hiding here.

This is my plan and I know for some it will be theirs if they do this course too. Maybe one day I will go back home to the Southwest. One thing is for sure, though, I will never lose my love and respect for this place and its wildlife. My name is Charlie Birch and this is the beginning of my guiding journey.

Ready to start your own life-changing journey? Learn more about Bushwise courses and apply today!

November 22, 2024
Through the lens: A birder’s paradise

This blog was written by Alex Rivarola, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

Hello Everyone! My name is Alex and I want to talk to you about birds! Why birds, you may ask? Well it may or may not have something to do with our schedule of just finishing up our Bird Theory exam, followed by Bird Slides and Sounds. I also really enjoy finding and observing our avian neighbors. There is just something relaxing about waiting a while to just listen to their plethora of calls and unique behaviours. So let’s dive right in.

I am based at the Sabi Sabi Ranger Academy (also known as Greg’s Camp) and what I can tell you is that we are in an ideal location to see all kinds of birds. The camp is located along a drainage and is the lowest point in the surrounding area. This, coupled with a high water table, means that the drainage line has had water in it throughout the dry season. Sufficient water means a lot of healthy vegetation for birds to go about their daily business.

Of the kingfisher’s typically found in our area of operation, we have had visits from giant, pied, striped, brown-hooded and malachite kingfishers. It is also only a matter of time before the woodland kingfisher shows up. We have been warned that this particular kingfisher is rather noisy, so it should be relatively easy to find it when it does show up.

We have also had some regular visits from grey, striated and even a white-backed night heron! I always find these birds a bit awkward with how they walk around, until they manage to snatch something from the water with surprising speed.

Another group of birds we see (and hear) on the regular are the sunbirds. White-bellied, Marico and scarlet-chested so far. Much like us students before an assessment, these are busy, busy birds as they move from tree to tree and flower to flower.

From small to large, we have also had some visits from some of the resident raptors such as the African fish eagle, Wahlberg’s eagle, brown snake eagle, and a rather ruthless dark chanting goshawk, who has made it it’s life mission to find every crested francolin or Natal spurfowl in our camp.

And last but not least a few of my favourites! Hopefully we will find some more species paying a visit to our camp. And hopefully not during game drives! I hope you enjoyed this brief foray into some of the local birds. Goodbye everyone!

Ready to immerse yourself in the wild? Learn more about Bushwise’s field guide training programs and how you can start your journey today.

November 15, 2024
Fierce, fast, and under threat: The extraordinary life of African wild dogs

This blog was written by Amy Jefferson, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

Facts:

African wild dogs are highly endangered animals with an estimated population of 6,600 with their current population decreasing. They have incredible hearing, with muscles allowing their large ears to swivel. They only have 4 toes per foot, unlike other dogs which have 5 toes. They can run up to 70 kilometres per hour. They generally live up to 11 years old in the wild. They communicate by touch, actions and vocalisation.

They have a success rate of up to 80% when hunting due to their high levels of communication, they are among the most effective predators in the world. To put that into perspective, lions have a one-in-four success rate. This is nearly all a result of their pack coordination, which is still a rich source of zoological research. It was only recently discovered that they use sneezes to ‘vote’ on hunting decisions.

Territories:

Wild dogs spend their days prowling huge amounts of territory, with home ranges of up to several hundred square kilometres. To put that into perspective, Greater London is home to 8.8 million people, but an area that size could only support one or maybe two Wild Dog packs.

Pack social structure:

African wild dogs are seasonal breeders, in South Africa pups are usually born mid winter, after a gestation period of 70 days. Litters can be 12 pups or more, the female cannot suckle offspring for too long. From the age of 3 weeks, milk is supplemented with regurgitated meat brought to the pups by other pack members. Their pups are given priority over dominant pack members when feeding. Packs average around 15 members and have been known to sometimes go up to 40. Before the recent population decline, packs of up to 100 were recorded.

Non-breeding adults sacrifice their own nourishment to ensure the pups in the group get enough to eat and grow. The packs typically hunt antelopes and will also tackle much larger prey. They are extremely social and known to help the other members of the pack when they are weak or sick. Once mature, males stay with their original pack while the females generally seek a new pack. They are extremely loyal to its species and habitat.

To form a pack:

To form a pack you need a few brothers and a few sisters who are NOT related and put them in an enclosure together and they will decide who becomes the alpha male and alpha female. Only the alpha female and male will mate and have pups but the whole pack will look after the pups. If they do not form any connections together, when they are sedated you can rub one on the other and when they wake up they will automatically be drawn together because their scents will be on each other.

Threats:

Unfortunately, they are often hunted and killed by farmers who fear for their livestock. They are also threatened by shrinking space to roam as well as susceptibility to diseases – these diseases include rabies and distemper from coming into contact with domestic animals. The IUCN reports that the population level of African wild dogs fluctuates but is in a likely irreversible decline. Genetic inbreeding may be the possible cause of the Kruger National Park wild dog’s life expectancy of only 6 years.

Conservation:

African wild dogs are among many species that benefit from the creation of protected wildlife corridors that help connect their increasingly fragmented habitats. Conservation groups are also working on initiatives that reduce conflict between humans and African wild dogs. These include awareness initiatives that dispel myths about the animals as well as educational initiatives that offer farmers training in livestock management techniques that prevent depredation

Learn more about Bushwise courses and find out how you can contribute to conservation efforts and make a real impact.

November 8, 2024
‘I have found my true passion’: A life-changing Bushwise journey

This blog was written by Surprice Shabangu, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

My name is Surprice Shabangu from Numbi village, which is located near the Numbi gate of the Kruger National Park. Growing up I used to see buses and open vehicles taking international tourists to the national park “Skukuza”, and that was quite fascinating to see how people from all over the world are coming to visit the national park which is a symbol to our locals. I have always been curious to how few of our elders with the community ended up working in the park driving open vehicles.

After completing my studies in BA honors in sociology, which mainly focuses on society and its behavior, I worked for an NGO known as Gold-Youth Development, where I served for 4 years as a intern facilitator. My contract was for 3 years and this year it was extended by 2 years where I was going to serve two more years as a lead intern facilitator.

I started following Bushwise on social media early 2023 and I was fascinated by the things they used to post about. To me their posts were informative and some of the things were very relatable to me as a local resident. Last year I saw a post from Tourvest, but never got the opportunity to apply. I spend so much time with high school friends who are now nature and culture guides, listening to their life stories of Kruger National Park and wildlife. They made me more curious and to develop love for the bush and wildlife.

Around May or June this year I saw a post from Bushwise together with Sabi Sabi Ranger Academy, they were looking for people who will be trained as field guides. I did not waste time because I knew that this could be a life-changing opportunity. I applied and luckily I was amongst the people who received the scholarship.

I did not know what life would be like in the bush, hence I was ready to face anything. When I got the opportunity I had to quit my job to start a new life in the bush. Bushwise came to me at a time where I was stressing a lot about life as I knew that soon the pipeline at work was going to get to me and I was going to be unemployed eventually.

Honestly, being in the bush with Bushwise has imparted me with knowledge and skills that I never thought I would gain in life – from understanding animal behaviour and nature to delivering an ethical nature guide experience for guests. I gained skills on how to work within a team, how to manage and lead people with diverse cultures and behaviour.

I have found my true passion and I feel connected to nature. Through this new journey I have gained incredible experience on trailing wild animals, interpreting animal’s behavior. I believe that I will be a good mediator between wildlife and people visiting Africa who never got to see the wildlife.

I met wonderful people, from the previous 60-day students to my classmates; I believe that I met lifetime friends whom I might work with in future. Being with them feels like a new home and we are a family. We often fight but always have a way of sorting our differences, we help each other with academics and whenever one loses focus we are able to be honest with one another and encourage each other.

Lastly, how can I forget my instructors, they did an amazing job in sharpening my driving and guiding skills. They are amazing people, always patient with their students and they want what’s best for us. I will forever be grateful to Sabi Sabi and Bushwise for changing my life, ensuring that I am able to change my home situation.

I hope that Bushwise will continue to transform the lives of disadvantaged African children to be tools that will ensure that conservation is preserved so that the future generations get to know the beauty of African wildlife.

Ready to discover your true passion? Explore Bushwise courses and apply now to start your own adventure!

November 1, 2024