admin.bushwise.guide

Tag: #fieldguide

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
‘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
Inspiring the next generation of female field guides

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

Enrolling with Bushwise academy has been a great evolving journey for me, I have developed into a passionate and knowledgeable person with wildlife. This blog reflects my growth and development before, during and after. How I got to be part of the Bushwise 6-month program was a very fortunate experience for me, through the Sabi-Sabi Foundation which sponsored four candidates to study in becoming a field guide with Bushwise and the Sabi-Sabi Ranger Academy. Out of 700 plus candidates that applied for the sponsorship I got to be part of the four candidates that made it to the final selection. After the selection, that’s when I knew my life was about to change to an exciting one – new skills and development.

Before

I have always been passionate about wildlife, as I have worked at a safari lodge as a receptionist for over 6 years. With my great customer service, patience and being a team player, I knew I would be a perfect fit for being a field guide. Before stepping into Bushwise’s gates, I knew little about animal track, signs and trails, birds and trees, yet I had the eagerness to learn the ins and outs about the wild. I had so much interest in bush walks, even though I had a limited knowledge of the ecosystem. With the lack of information and direction, it took me a little bit longer to finally be where my passion is.

During

One can acquire a skill from an academy, from a role model or a mentor. Currently as a Bushwise student I have gained so many skills. I got my driving skills with Bushwise with the help of the head trainer – I will forever be grateful for such an opportunity. I have gained a lot of skills and am still learning, with the very knowledgeable and patient mentor I got to learn a lot. Practical assessments such as track and sign, birding, botany, astronomy and sleep out I enjoyed the most, theory lessons were also exceptional, reptile was a bit of a challenge but had a happy ending. Lodge hosting was top-tier for me as I have experience in hosting from my previous workplace; it reminded me of all the good times shared with customers creating unforgettable experiences.

At the beginning of the course I had less confidence in myself, especially being 1.5 metres in height. I had a few challenges that did not favour my height, like reaching the pedals [in the game viewer], getting on the tracker seat, and changing tyres, but it all comes with practice.

Future

Now all that is left is the fun stuff – rifle handling and trails . My goal is to achieve the remaining assessments and I am looking forward to getting placed at the lodge. That is when reality will hit, putting all the practical and theoretical skills into practice and engaging with the ecosystem.

There is still a long road ahead – more studying, research, learning new techniques and exploring to do. Everyday is a learning experience. Graduating will be the biggest part of my growth and development.

The Bushwise program is definitely a life changing opportunity, I would recommend it to anyone who has the passion to become a field guide because of their well-trained instructors, proper study material and good course planning. My mission is to grow in the industry and inspire other young females who are passionate to become field guides. Exploring outside the country and experiencing different ecosystems is definitely a dream for me.

Ready to begin your own wildlife journey? Apply for a Bushwise course and start your adventure.

October 25, 2024
The call of the bushveld

This blog was written by Jon-Harry van Wyk, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

When I was a young boy growing up in South Africa, the ultimate experience would be to stay in the bushveld. The wildness of the place, the sounds you hear at night, the excitement of seeing animals looking at you through the underbrush – there is no place on earth where you feel more in touch with the beauty and magnificence of nature. It is hard not to have an awakening in your soul once you have travelled deep into the bush, along the rivers and looked out over it from atop the peaks.

The first experience that I can think of that really sparked my interest in becoming a guide was around the age of ten. My family and I went on a game drive in the Pilanesberg Nature Reserve when this happened. I remember it was a sweltering day, the flies followed us as we moved in hopes of getting moisture from a bead of sweat. Our guide had found a herd of elephants who at the time were in the midst of their breeding season. We watched as two massive bull elephants struggled against each other for dominance and the breeding rights to their female onlookers. One of the bulls was defeated after a tussle that shook the ground and broke trees. As we sat there, he turned to face us, you could almost see the embarrassment in his eyes after his loss. There was a switch that flipped in his mind, he decided he would not stand the embarrassment, no mock charge or warning he flew towards us.

I remember in those moments of fear and the pumping of adrenaline how cool and collected our guide had stayed. He had read the situation before the fight had even finished, he had kept a cool head when the dust started flying and five tons were barreling towards us. After we had reversed for over three hundred meters or so the elephant felt he had gotten his frustrations out. As we drove back to the lodge, I felt an excitement and a newfound feeling of yearning to be the man in that seat, to be the man who could read the wild, to be a guide! Many years have passed since then, but that passion has always kept burning inside of me.

Now, as a young man, my passion for the bush has evolved. I want its serene beauty to still be here for my grandchildren and their children. I have taken the first steps in my journey towards becoming a guide by joining Bushwise. I want to immerse myself with this lifestyle and learn all it can teach me, I intend to leave no stone unturned in this experience. My end goal is to get involved in more of a conservation career through hunting. I’ve come across many individuals who disagree with my plan but in order to keep our parks ecosystems functioning there has to be checks and balances for populations. I hope that through my career I can learn from and teach those that I encounter how to ethically control population numbers, so that we may preserve the beauty of the South African bush for many generations to come.

My adventures along this path may very well lead me to different outcomes for my future, but my sights will always firmly be set upon preservation of the wild environment I now get to call home. Becoming a guide is just the beginning of this journey that I have set out upon, however it will not be its conclusion. Being in a place surrounded by people with the same passion and love for the bushveld was the perfect start. I encourage those that feel the pull of the bushveld to take that step deeper into its wonder and wildness, it is a place that changes you.

Ready to start your own journey in nature conservation? Explore Bushwise courses and apply now to become a qualified field guide!

October 11, 2024
A wilder path: Why I quit my desk job for a life in the South African bush

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

3 min read

I used to be an Executive Assistant. A bubbly joker of an Executive Assistant to a wonderful Executive Director in the heart of Brisbane, Australia. My biome was the concrete jungle filled with twinkling glass skyscrapers and dilapidated old buildings waiting to be bought out and replaced with even more twinkling glass skyscrapers. My flagship species was the roaring city buses, all filled with different assortments of workers and, keeping with my current theme, tiny parasites. Okay, yes, I mean lice.

Life in the concrete jungle biome was defined by the scent of coffee every morning, followed by the unfriendliness of people waiting for those coffees to work miracles. Life inside the twinkling glass skyscraper home ranges was defined by eye strain from staring at three computer screens for eight hours a day, ticking the seconds on the tiny computer clocks.

We choose the path of least resistance, right? I’d fallen into administration because I was good at it, it paid well, and the opportunity to climb up the corporate ladder meant very nice moolah (money) if I stuck at it. But there’s something missing in this scenario – job satisfaction, happiness, contentment.

Thanks to my job being inside, I was suffering from a serious lack of not just vitamin D, but also vitamin joy! So, while volunteering in Finland in 2023 with 87 Siberian Huskies, I made a decision: I would pursue a career in something that brought me joy – animals. And so, I applied to study Zoology at university and I got accepted!

Unfortunately, I simply could not commit to living in the concrete jungle for three straight years while I completed my degree. Call it whatever you want – commitment issues, a travel itch, a yearning for something BIG – I felt that there was something else out there for me, another pathway I could take to pursue my dream of escaping the desk and being surrounded by animals every day. And then I found it, or more specifically, it found ME! It was like the sky opened up, and a choir of angels started singing as I laid eyes on the description of the Bushwise Field Guide Course, courtesy of my Instagram targeted ads. It had everything I had desired to learn in the zoology course, but implemented in a practical setting to get me out into the real world NOW.

An interview, a deposit, many appointments and visa stresses later, and I was on the plane to South Africa to pursue this dream. Did I cry when I flew away from my previous biome and my previous home range and my previous role in this complicated ecosystem? No. Did I cry when I left my family, not knowing when I would see them again? Yes. But the beauty of this course is that I’ve accidentally found an entirely new family out here in the bush.

My new home range is a small village of bomas set in the savannah biome of South Africa. My territory is, in my humble opinion, the cutest boma in the village, stationed right outside the dining hall and bathrooms. Our flagship species is no longer the crowded buses and lice-ridden seats but the African Elephant and Leopard. No, we’re not parasite-free, but many impalas are here to nibble any ticks attached to their fur.

My days are no longer spent in front of a screen, but instead I’m living out the scenes of my computer screensaver. We drive through herds of elephants, watch flocks of vultures take to the sky in wind thermals, track the prints of lions until we find entire prides. And then every night we eat together as a family, recounting the adventures and sightings of the day.

I used to be an Executive Assistant. Now, I’m a Field Guide in training and I finally feel alive.

Ready to leave the office and embrace a life in nature? Learn more about Bushwise courses and apply today to start your adventure as a field guide!

September 27, 2024
Tracks, signs, and transferable skills: How art helped me master the bush
This blog was written by Chané Jansen, a Bushwise International Field Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

4 min read

The Sabi Sabi students have all taken turns as ‘Camp Manager’, but I was the one holding the title during Sam Patrick’s 7-day Track & Sign course and assessment. While those first few days were filled with nerves, apprehension, and thoughts like, ‘I don’t have any professional bush experience; what if I can’t do this?’, my tune soon changed when I realised I’ve been training for this for many years – I just didn’t know it.

My background and education in design and fine arts had, all this time, been rewiring my brain to identify shapes, scale, and patterns. And what do you know? That’s exactly what track and sign is. Tapping into my artistic skills took me from zero to Level 3 Tracker in just 7 days.

When Sam arrived that Sunday, I knew next to nothing. My first ‘baseline’ test score is not something I’ll be bragging about, and it shook my confidence to the core. Over the following week, we would be learning to identify the tracks (footprints) and signs (dung, markings, evidence) of the animals and critters in our area. Living in the heart of Sabi Sabi, the list of wildlife we could encounter was extensive, and by day four, our species count was over 45. From paws to hooves, snakes to beetles, a multitude of bird feet, and even frog tracks on assessment day, track and sign tests not only your knowledge but also your observation skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Staring down the barrel of track and sign suddenly made me question how qualified I really was, and self-doubt began to creep in. I have a degree in graphic design with a minor in fine arts – what on Earth am I doing here? The things I know exist on a computer screen or a stretched canvas. The delicate, technical skills I’ve acquired throughout my life felt miles away from the wild South African bushveld I found myself in now. After all, what could something like still-life drawing or logo design possibly have to do with staring at the ground?

Information overload doesn’t begin to describe the first couple days. Our schedule looked something like this every day:
- 6:30am to 10:30am: finding, mock testing, and discussing tracks out in the field.
- 2:00pm to 3:00pm: lecture-based class on tracks and signs.
- 3:30pm to 6:00pm: another round of finding, testing, and discussing.
Amidst the hectic schedule, it was a flurry of toes, pads, lobes, claws, hooves, edge profiles, points, angles, registering, gait, and stride. I never realised how much information could be gathered from marks in the sand and the vast variety of marks possible. Just as you begin to feel comfortable, a new track, ever so similar to one you’ve already learned, throws your groove off entirely. It was simply a matter of putting your head down and trying.

Slowly but surely something was happening – like a camera lens sharpening its focus on a once-blurry subject, click by click, track by track, I was starting to see things clearly. The hooves that just two days ago all looked the same were each their own distinct shape. The round toes were glaringly different from oval toes, and gait seemed obvious. Rather than an endless list of feet I had to memorise, I was seeing shapes, patterns, and the subtleties that differentiated one spoor from another.

One moment from day four stands out to me vividly – walking up to yet another circled track in the sand, as we had been doing countless times each day. But this time was different. I took a single glance at the track – no more than three seconds – and without hesitation, I confidently said, “that’s a duiker,” already turning to walk away before the thought had even fully registered. It was only when I stopped and turned back that I realised what had just happened, my own confidence had caught me off guard.

I took a moment to go through the process of elimination we had been learning: a relatively small hoof, a slightly curved outer edge profile, a slightly blunted point, and the tracks directly registered. The length of the hoof was more or less equal to the width. All signs point to one answer: duiker. But what struck me wasn’t just the accuracy of identification, it was how instinctive it has become. This track simply looked like a duiker. Instead of painstakingly dissecting each print, I began to just know. Know the shape, know the pattern, know the scale. Within this moment, I recalled something Sam had said on the very first day (that I didn’t really hear through all my internal self-doubting): “Track and sign is just shapes and patterns.” It seems silly looking back how long it took me to realise that what I know best is exactly what we were learning here, just in another form.

By the time assessment came around, I walked up to tracks with a smile on my face. Not only had I learned so much in just a week, but I also finally tapped into what I already knew. As my journey in the bush continues, I want to remember that all my skills, whether I realise their relevance or not, can only make me better. I want to encourage anyone thinking about a course with Bushwise or a career in the bush who feels uncertain about having the “right” skills or enough experience. Let me assure you: there is no one-size-fits-all field guide. Whatever knowledge or skills you bring, from any discipline or area of life, will only add to your strengths and make you a unique, well-rounded guide. Embrace what makes you different – those are the very things that will set you apart and allow you to thrive in ways you never imagined.

Ready to turn your unique skills into bush knowledge? Explore Bushwise courses and apply now to start your journey in wildlife guiding!
September 20, 2024