Our Qualified BEST Experts
"Sharing their Knowledge of the Bush is Invaluable"
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FGASA accredited field guide & specialist nature courses
Bushveld Experience Skills and Training
"The What, the How and the Why of the South African bush."
The Who
This course is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts who want
to increase their understanding and enjoyment of nature.
Those who wish to pursue a nature related career, (field guides, safari operators, lodge owners, photographers), will reap the benefits of our in-depth training.
The part-time format of our course is designed for busy people with limited free time, and allows us to offer comprehensive training at very reasonable rates.
The How
Our emphasis is on practical training in a professional and stimulating yet relaxed environment facilitated by the subject experts.
Our subject experts not only have extensive, up-to-date knowledge in their respective fields but also wide-ranging practical experience.
Field trips take place at a variety of venues with different habitats, which enhances your diversity of knowledge and understanding.
The What
Bushveld Experience Skills & Training is a FGASA accredited training provider which allows you to achieve an NQF2 qualification at the end of the course.
We follow the FGASA NQF2 (Apprentice Field Guide) syllabus, however, the level of knowledge and practical experience offered far exceeds level NQF4.
The course covers all elements of South Africa’s beautiful natural heritage in the savannah and grassland biomes, from Earth & Plants to Animals
The Why
Getting to grips with the sights and sounds of nature is one of the most rewarding outcomes our course offers.
BEST will leave you with an advanced knowledge of the South African bushveld as well as some of the best once-in-a-lifetime experiences to share with new friends.
Earth
- The Story of Life & Earth,
- Weather & Climate,
- Astronomy,
- Geology, rocks soils & vegetation,
- Palaeontology
Plants
- Taxonomy & Classification
- Grasses
- Trees
- Wildflowers
- Veld Management
- Non-vascular plants, lichens, etc.
Ecology
- Interpreting Ecosystems
- Ecology in Practice
- Relationships & Interactions
- Biomes
- Animal behaviour
Animals
- Mammals
- Birds
- Amphibians
- Arthropods
- Reptiles
- Signs of the Veld
Guiding
Skills
- Creating a BEST Bushveld Experience
- Planning, Preparation & Research
- Communication & Evaluation
- The Client
Focus Courses
- Wildflowers
- Medicinal Plants
- Focus on Acacias
- Ecology in the Field
- Birds LBJs
- Snake Handling
- First Aid level 1
- Tracks & Signs
Our Nature Training Venues
"Explore Diverse Ecosystems within South Africa."
Sediba Game Lodge
Pilanesberg National Park
Kgaswane Mountain Reserve
Marakele National Park
Golden Gate National Park
Cradle of Humankind
Some of our Memories
"Nature at its BEST. The People, the Places, the Things"
What our Happy Students Say
"Testimonials from the past 10 years"
I have re-joined BEST for the second year in a row now. With Mike & Angela, together with her team you will know that you are in good hands. They are very knowledgeable and are always prepared to share information, knowledge & experience. The team members as well as external presenters are handpicked and are absolutely brilliant.
Pieter Myburgh2nd Year Best Student 
The Behrens family, Debbie, Paul and daughter Maddy joined the BEST course after years of enjoying the bush wanting to learn more. On the course we learnt was that we actually knew very little and we were embarking on a journey of endless intrigue and wonderment at the amazing way that everything in the natural world is connected. The course is brilliant with the trainers being leaders in their field of expertise, making it the best (pun intended) possible platform for learning. It wasn't just work, what we became at BEST was part of the family. Even after we qualified, we continued to join the team for specialty weekends where fun and banter is a constant companion, be it out on a practical in the bush or around the campfire. Joining the BEST course isn't just something you do, but it becomes a wonderful part of your lifestyle.
Behrens Family1st Year Student 
Studying with BEST has been an extraordinarily transformative experience. Many of the lecturers are the authors of the textbooks that you will use or they are at the forefront of their fields. And what you come away with, is more than being able to name some plants and animals - you come away with an appreciation of the interconnectedness of things, and a knowledge of ecological cause and effect - probably the most important thing of all. They school you practically in the art of guiding - so you get to organise your own events, just as you would in a guiding role. And they know how to have fun!!
Peter Kearns1st Year Student 
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