Living my dream under the African sun – My safari guide journey

This blog was written by Gunther Bauer, a Bushwise Professional Safari Guide student. Each student takes a turn as camp manager, and writing a blog is part of the experience.

From a young age, my parents nurtured in me a deep love and respect for the natural world. Whenever we had the chance, we would pack up and head to Kruger National Park — camping, exploring, and soaking up everything the park had to offer.

We’d leave home in the early hours of the morning, always aiming to reach the gate by sunrise. Most of our trips started in Phalaborwa, where we’d check in and watch the first golden rays break over the bushveld. Our destination was usually Letaba or Shingwedzi rest camps, where we’d set up camp for eight unforgettable days. And, of course, no trip ever began without a little family game: each of us would choose the animal we thought we’d see first.

It was during one of these family holidays, when I was 12 years old, that everything changed for me. I attended a presentation by a herpetologist volunteering as an Honorary Ranger at the Elephant Hall in Letaba. After the talk, I stayed behind to chat with him. His passion was contagious, and right then and there, I knew  I wanted a future connected to nature. But life had other plans.

After school, I was offered a management position at the restaurant where I’d worked as a waiter. What was supposed to be a temporary detour became a 25-year career in the food and beverage industry. I worked my way up to Operations Manager and held that role for ten years.

Eventually, I hit a ceiling. I’d achieved everything I could in that field, and I knew it was time for a change. Two years later, after much reflection, that little boy inside me, the one who sat mesmerised in Letaba rest camp, reminded me of his dream. With the encouragement of my beautiful wife and son, I took a leap of faith and enrolled at Bushwise. That decision changed everything.

Now, four months into the IFGA Professional Safari Guide Course (6/12 months), I still can’t quite believe that I wake up to the African bush and its sunrises every single day. It’s been challenging and incredibly rewarding as my knowledge has grown exponentially since day one.

While there have been countless memorable moments, what I value most are our trainers. Their passion for guiding and willingness to share their knowledge is something truly special. To anyone considering this path, soak up every bit of wisdom your trainers offer.

One of my favourite things about training here is the unpredictability of each day. One moment, you’re having a quiet drive, identifying trees and grasses, and the next, you’re stumbling upon a giraffe carcass with lions nearby or tracking elephant herds. The freedom of stepping off the vehicle and following lion tracks down a dusty path is indescribable. My highlight so far? Learning to read tracks and truly understand animal behaviour. It’s like deciphering stories left behind in the sand.

Every day consists of early mornings spent packing my gear and savouring a quiet coffee, followed by 5:30 am game drives, incredible wildlife sightings, daily lectures, and afternoons chasing sunsets, and the best part is, I get to do it all again the next day.

It really does feel like I’m living my dream out here under the African sun, and I’m excited to see where my journey takes me once I complete the course.

Ready to reignite your childhood love for nature and turn it into a career? Explore Bushwise's courses and take the first step!