Bushwise

The story of Bushwise Field Guides began with a vision rooted in passion and conservation. Founded in 2006 by Sophie Niemann, a dedicated conservationist originally from the UK, the organization emerged from her own challenging journey to find a foothold in the African wildlife industry. After struggling to secure a role working with large African mammals, Sophie realized there was a significant gap in the market for professional, high-quality training that could bridge the divide between passionate enthusiasts and the rigorous demands of the safari industry. Determined to create a pathway for others, she partnered with Richard Walton to establish a training provider that would set a new standard for ethical guiding.

What started as a single course has grown into a world-renowned institution, now recognized as a leading provider of Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) and CATHSSETA-accredited training. Bushwise has evolved from a small operation into a multi-campus organization with a global footprint, offering everything from immersive 6- and 12-month professional courses to online learning modules accessible worldwide. Today, Bushwise is celebrated for its 'employment guarantee' for eligible graduates and its commitment to producing highly skilled, ethical guides who go on to work at prestigious lodges across Africa and beyond. The company's recent acquisition by a group led by long-standing Chairman Andrew Valentine marks a new chapter of growth, ensuring that the founder's original mission of conservation through education continues to thrive.