This intensive hands-on course is for those who like to be at the centre of the action – you’ll learn everything you need to know about running a successful game farm or reserve.
DURATIONS: 6 or 12 MONTHS
NEXT START DATE: 7 JAN 2026
FORMAT: ON-CAMPUS
ACCREDITATION: CATHSSETA
AGE: 18+
Do you dream of working on a game reserve, managing wildlife populations, conserving ecosystems, and maintaining the African bush? The Bushwise Practical Game Management Course, offered in 6-month or 12-month formats, is designed for individuals looking to gain real-world conservation skills and pursue a career in wildlife or reserve management.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, aspiring conservationist, or someone seeking meaningful, outdoor work, this intensive course offers the training and certifications you need to thrive in the field.
Why Choose the Bushwise Practical Game Management Course?
Unlike traditional academic programs, Bushwise’s Practical Game Management Course is hands-on, field-based, and tailored for action. You won’t just read about wildlife—you’ll live and work on a real game reserve, gaining the practical experience needed to manage land, animals, and ecosystems effectively.
You’ll get the opportunity to:
- Develop skills in habitat and wildlife monitoring
- Participate in game capture operations
- Assist with invasive species control
- Work on infrastructure maintenance and anti-poaching support
Bushwise is well-known for producing highly employable graduates in the conservation and eco-tourism sectors across Africa.
Course Options: 6 Months vs 12 Months
Bushwise offers two distinct pathways based on your time, budget, and career goals:
6-Month Practical Course
Perfect for gap-year students or career switchers looking for strong foundational training. Key components include:
- Reserve operations and daily management tasks
- Bush skills (tracking, driving, mapping)
- Wildlife monitoring and conservation techniques
- Short-term volunteer work on real projects
- Entry-level certifications (e.g., 4×4 driving, basic first aid)
12-Month Professional Track
The full-year course is ideal for those committed to a long-term career in conservation or eco-tourism. It includes everything in the 6-month course plus:
- Advanced wildlife management practices
- Bushfire management and water systems
- Extended work experience placements (internships)
- Project leadership and reporting
- Higher-level certification opportunities
Both options give you meaningful, real-life exposure to the challenges and responsibilities of game reserve work.
What You’ll Learn: Course Content Overview
The Bushwise Practical Game Management Course is structured to blend theory, fieldwork, and operational experience. It is highly interactive and designed to simulate real reserve management conditions.
Here are the core components:
1. Wildlife Management
- Population counts and data logging
- Game capture and translocation techniques
- Wildlife feeding and breeding programs
- Animal health monitoring
2. Habitat Management
- Alien plant control and bush clearing
- Grassland rehabilitation
- Water point management
- Soil erosion control
3. Infrastructure Maintenance
- Fencing and road repairs
- Borehole and pump maintenance
- Firebreak construction and control burns
- Vehicle and tool upkeep
4. Reserve Operations
- Anti-poaching and patrolling
- GPS navigation and mapping
- Camera trap deployment
- Communication systems (radio protocols, reports)
5. Conservation Awareness
- Sustainable tourism practices
- Human-wildlife conflict mitigation
- Community involvement and education
You’ll also learn to work in teams, develop leadership skills, and gain valuable insights into eco-tourism lodge support and project logistics.
Where You’ll Train: Bushwise Camp Life
Training takes place in South Africa’s Greater Kruger region, one of the most biodiverse and ecologically significant conservation areas in Africa. The Bushwise campus is located inside a private Big Five game reserve, offering:
- On-site wildlife like lions, leopards, rhinos, and elephants
- Rustic bush camp living with shared accommodations
- Daily exposure to real reserve challenges
- Field classrooms and practical workspaces
Living and learning in the bush allows students to become fully immersed in African wildlife ecosystems while developing a deep appreciation for environmental stewardship.
Who is This Course For?
The Bushwise Practical Game Management Course is ideal for:
- Young adults seeking a career in wildlife conservation or reserve management
- Gap-year students or volunteers who want practical field experience
- Career changers looking to shift into a more hands-on outdoor profession
- International students wanting to work or volunteer in Africa
- Future park rangers, wildlife technicians, or eco-tourism operators
No prior experience is necessary, but you’ll need to be physically fit, adaptable, and passionate about nature.
Accreditation and Certifications
Throughout the course, you’ll receive industry-recognised certifications that boost your employability and skills profile. Depending on your chosen track, you may earn:
- FGASA modules or endorsements (optional add-on)
- 4×4 off-road driving certificate
- Wilderness First Aid Level 1 or 2
- Bushfire awareness and control certification
- Certificate of Participation and Skills Portfolio from Bushwise
For 12-month students, internship performance may also lead to employment offers or future placements with reserve partners and conservation NGOs.
Course Costs and What’s Included
Tuition fees vary depending on course length and add-ons, but generally include:
- Training and instruction
- Field equipment and study materials
- Meals and shared accommodation
- Uniform and Bushwise kit
- On-site transportation during the course
- Access to reserves and wildlife areas
Not included: International flights, travel insurance, visa costs, and optional excursions.
Scholarship or bursary opportunities may be available—contact Bushwise directly for details.
Career Outcomes: Where Can This Take You?
Bushwise graduates go on to work in a range of wildlife and conservation careers, such as:
- Game reserve or wildlife ranch managers
- Field researchers and monitoring technicians
- Wildlife rehabilitation and veterinary assistants
- Anti-poaching rangers and patrol leaders
- Eco-tourism and lodge support staff
- Community conservation officers
The demand for skilled, hands-on personnel in African wildlife sectors remains strong—especially those trained in ethical, sustainable practices like Bushwise promotes.
Related: IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course – 6/12 Months of Real-World Wildlife Training
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a course that combines practical learning, real-world conservation, and personal growth, the Bushwise Practical Game Management Course is one of the best in southern Africa. In just 6 or 12 months, you’ll gain the confidence, knowledge, and qualifications to start a meaningful career in game reserve operations and wildlife protection.
Forget the classroom—this is learning by doing, in the heart of the African bush.