The 2025 curriculum covers key guiding principles, including geology, the relationship between soil, vegetation, and wildlife, and traditional African starlore. A special focus was placed on winter constellations – particularly relevant during peak safari season – enhancing guides’ understanding of celestial navigation and cultural interpretations of the night sky. Additional modules include beverage intelligence, guest experience refinement, advanced guiding techniques, and first responder skills. Continuous learning remains a priority, with in-camp follow-ups reinforcing the knowledge gained during refresher courses.
“This refresher has been an incredible exchange of knowledge, with guides at all levels actively asking questions, sharing insights, and learning from each other’s experiences. The training is an ongoing process, with in-camp follow-ups helping to reinforce and deepen the knowledge gained during these sessions. The energy has been contagious, and it’s clear that everyone is walking away with something valuable. No two days in the bush are ever the same, and after guiding for 25 years in the Linyanti and Moremi areas, I’m still learning, and honoured to manage the Wilderness Botswana guiding team. In this role, I’m able to share my experience and bear witness to the promising next generation of guides in action, which is exceptionally rewarding”, says Cilas Mafoko, Wilderness Botswana Guide Trainer Manager.
Guiding is a defining pillar of the Wilderness experience. By investing in ongoing training and skills development, the company continues to set the standard for luxury safari experiences, ensuring guests enjoy meaningful, expertly guided encounters in Africa’s wild places.
