Our tourism training
creates rural jobs
Your investment can empower South African youth to represent and conserve our unique wilderness
TWO CHALLENGES, ONE SOLUTION
One South Africa’s world-renowned safari industry is booming. Yet the communities who live beside and depend on these wild spaces for their livelihoods are not fully participating: youth unemployment exceeds 60% in under-served areas.
Two There is a disconnect between conservation areas and adjacent communities which is a critical risk to Africa’s natural heritage. Effective conservation can only happen if we empower local communities as guardians of wildlife.
.jpg)
VITAL MISSION, BOLD VISION
We see an opportunity: a huge pool of eager, untapped talent and an industry with the potential to revitalize rural communities and make conservation more inclusive.
Since 2022, we have identified and nurtured talent living beside wildlife reserves , providing the training they need to become confident and skilled stewards of their own natural heritage.
By bridging the skills gap between local youth and employment in South Africa reserves, we transform conservation into a tool for economic inclusion, shaping a future where communities neighbouring protected wildlife areas are equipped to lead as passionate protectors of nature with a vested interest.
ABOUT US
Bushwise Academy is the social development arm of sector-leading training organisation, Bushwise.
Bushwise Academy was founded to provide local talent with a path to stable, uplifting employment, and to use the historically-exclusionary conservation industry as a vehicle for social transformation.
Academy students benefit from Bushwise's 20 year track record of training professional safari guides. Bushwise has trained over 2,000 safari guides, and our graduates have a 95% employment rate.
WE GUARANTEE EMPLOYMENT
Bushwise Academy delivers an intensive 12-month safari guide training and placement program, recruiting local youth and culminating in a guaranteed permanent job through our extensive partner network.
With funding partners support, we cover the entire cost of the student’s journey, from recruitment to work placement, removing barriers to entry to a permanent job in conservation.
We maximise success by engaging with communities to find resilient, talented prospective students, which we then support every step of the way.
REAL, MEASURABLE IMPACT
The social impact from training our local youth is real, lasting and measurable. Each Rand invested generates
R10.80
in social and economic value. Your investment will transform a life, create a conservation role model, provide economic stability for a household, and spark hope in a local community.
FORGING ROCK-SOLID PARTNERSHIPS
We are thankful for the support of our generous donors and partners. Their faith in our work is the lifeblood of our vision for a more inclusive wildlife conservation space in South Africa.
The Babanango
Foundation
Sabi Sabi
Foundation
Gillespie
Foundation
