African Bush Camps concludes 2025 annual guides training program

 

African Bush Camps, the leading operator of pristine camps recently concluded the 2025 Annual Guides Training Program which brought together expert guides from Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe for an intensive skills exchange.

According to the Southern Africa-focussed company, the initiative strengthens their expertise to deliver world-class safari experiences. Since 2016, African Bush Camps, which owns several camps such as Khwai and Linyanti begun each year by leading an immersive ten-day Guide Training Program in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park and Botswana’s Linyanti Reserve.

“This rigorous program is a significant undertaking, with all our Experiences closing temporarily so that every ABC guide can participate. In 2024, 33 guides completed the program, which combines practical training with theoretical learning to ensure they’re well-prepared to deliver exceptional safari experiences to our guests,” said the company, better known for heart stopping safari experiences.

In media release, the company said the training focusses on various training programs which include practical, theoretical and mentorship training. “During practical training, emphasis is placed on tracking, aging techniques, shooting, astronomy, and the identification of plants, insects, and birds. Our guides learn how to safely approach elephants and other wildlife on foot. Our more experienced guides lead walks to demonstrate their knowledge, while everyone else contributes and elaborates, facilitating rapid learning through shared interactions,” said African Bush Camps which was formed in 2016.

Under theoretical training, guides are taught ornithology, conservation, history and culture, geology, and biology. “These lessons complement practical training, providing a well-rounded foundation of skills and knowledge,” noted the company founded by the enterprising Beks Ndlovu way back in 2006.

The mentorship program pairs each guide with a more senior guide, who offer practical advice and ongoing support throughout the year.

Meanwhile, Ndlovu, who has more than 20 years in the industry speaks highly of the annual training of guides. “At African Bush Camps, our annual guides training brings together nearly 600 years of guiding experience under one roof to learn, share, and inspire,” he said recently.

Meanwhile, Nick Polenakis, Professional Private Guide, Safari Consultant, and Head of Guides Training Program, stated “Having all the African Bush Camps' guides under one roof is an inspiration to all the guides and in particular the trainee guides who are keen to take themselves to the next level. The knowledge base here is extraordinary where everyone is expected to interact and to contribute which is an incredible opportunity to learn.”