Ten-day training nurtures guiding excellence and team spirit, African Bush Camp’s female guides included and on track to guide in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia

Abundant wildlife, authentic experiences, local culture, and conserving Africa together are key elements of African Bush Camps’ (ABC) promise to reward travelers with one of the best African safari experiences. But deep in the wilderness of Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia, ABC’s team of stellar guides makes those experiences possible. In early 2025, African Bush Camps is once again doubling down on its long-held commitment to excellence in guiding with an annual Guide Training Program to polish the talent that ensures the dream of every traveler for memorable adventures in the African bush.

Shared Excellence in Safari Guiding

“Having all of our guides under one roof is an inspiration to all of us, and in particular to trainee guides who are keen to take themselves to the next level,” said veteran guide Nick Pollinakas, who was named one of “10 Great Tour Guides Who Can Transform Your Trip” by National Geographic. “The knowledge base is extraordinary, with everyone excited to interact, contribute, and embrace an incredible opportunity to learn.”

Held each year since 2016, ABC’s Guide Training Program unfolds over 10 days in January 2025, during which the safari operator’s collection of 18 luxury tented camps and lodges is closed to ensure full participation. The 2025 program will be the third to include female guides, the result of an initiative launched in 2021 by the African Bush Camps Foundation to boost employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for women from communities around African Bush Camp’s properties. The Female Guide Program in Botswana and Zambia addresses the gender disparity in the safari guiding profession. Launched in November 2021, the program provides skills training, mentorship, and job shadowing for 13 African Bush Camps female guides.  The goal is to employ 25 female guides by 2025.

From a Professional Guide for all African Bush Camps Guides

ABC’s steadfast commitment to guiding excellence dates from its 2006 launch by Founder and CEO Beks Ndlovu, who drew upon his own experience as a professional guide in Zimbabwe to prioritize the value of guides. The Guide Training Program, which Ndlovu notes “brings together nearly 600 years of guiding experience to learn, share, and inspire,” is continually honed to ensure that the company’s team of guides is nurtured with knowledgeable locals who have explored the bush and long to share and conserve Africa, together while passionately conveying their knowledge and wisdom to guests.

The Guide Training program includes in-depth instruction from Head Guides and Senior Guides on myriad aspects of leading travelers through the bush, including wildlife tracking, aging techniques, safe approach, mokoro, and shooting, as well as fine points of plant and insect identification, ornithology, photography, and communication and guest relations. Guides practice how to safely approach elephants and other wildlife on foot. They also lead bush walks to demonstrate and grow their knowledge.

A host of external lecturers will also be part of the program, offering theoretical modules that cover topics such as conservation, local history and culture, geology, biology, and astronomy.

African Bush Camp’s 2025 Guide Training Program unfolds over two sessions, including at Somalisa Bush Camps, Hwange National Park for guides in Zimbabwe, January 13-23; and at Atzaro Okavango Camp, NG32, Botswana, for guides in Botswana and Zambia, January 25-February 5.