These 7 day educational walking trails embrace the EcoTraining vision of imparting wildlife knowledge, a nature conservation philosophy and enhancing the appreciation of nature, while doing this in an enjoyable and relaxed atmosphere.

The trails are designed for wildlife enthusiasts (usually older than student guides) who are eager to learn more but not in the more formal structure of EcoTraining’s guide training programs. They are structured for more informal learning through a mixture of interesting lectures, discussions and “in the field” observations on the morning and afternoon walks.
Core topics covered in the lectures and discussions are mammals, birds and trees. Other topics depend on the experiences while out walking and are likely to include such subjects as ecology, signs of the bush, insects, grasses, astronomy etc Additional focus can be given to specific subjects.

Customised course content

Geology and soils
Astronomy                           
Weather and climate            
Basic ecology                       
Taxonomy
Biomes         
Trees                                   
Grasses                                
Arthropods                         
Amphibians                         
Reptiles                               
Fish                                     
Birds                                   
Mammals                             
Animal behaviour                 

Learning is a lifelong experience and it is amazing what can be learned in a week of exposure to the wilderness.

About your instructor – Johna Turner

Johna is a FGASA qualified level 2 trails guide and savannah birding specialist who pursued his love for nature after he had spent his initial career in the corporate world of big business. He has extensive wilderness experience from Alaska, northern Australia, Tanzania, Zambia and all of Southern Africa. Besides the educational walking trails, Johna is an instructor for EcoTraining’s formal guide training program on the birding module.

One of the Course Locations - Selati Camp

Our Selati Camp is situated on the banks of the Selati River in the 33 000 hectare (81 545 acre) Selati Game Reserve to the west of the Kruger National Park.  Camp accommodation is simple and rustic in dome tents with shared bathroom facilities and there is a communal area where learners gather for meals and lectures every day.

Selati is a good place for viewing lion, white rhino and elephant.  General game is plentiful and you might even get to see the large herd of eland, as well as the rare sable antelope.

As is the case with our other two camps, the Selati camp is unfenced, and animals do on occasion wander through the camp. Learners have woken up in the morning to find the tracks of elephant, leopard or lion around the camp.

Accommodation
The sleeping arrangements at all our camps consist of 2 people sharing per tent. Single requests are required to pay double-rates. Women and men do not share tents unless booked as a couple.

Meals
Early morning wake-up with Tea, coffee, biscuits and fresh fruit
Brunch after activity, a cooked breakfast, cereals and fruit
Afternoon tea of Light snacks
Dinner, A balanced, warm plated meal (Meat, vegetables and salad)

One of the Course Locations - Madach Camp

Madach Camp is located in the Timbavati Private Game Reserve. The unfenced camps are private and secluded and not open to day visitors. Madach can sleep up to 12 people in large walk-in twin-bedded tents (linen is provided, so sleeping bags are not needed) with sown-in mosquito screens. Ablutions are separate but close with hot showers and flush toilets. Although there is no electricity, there is solar lighting, candles, lanterns and a campfire to guide you around the camp at night. Meals are prepared in the kitchen tent and served in the dining tent. We are able to traverse across 12000 hectares of prime game area with regular sightings of lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard, rhino and general game. The birdlife is also excellent.

Accommodation
The sleeping arrangements at all our camps consist of 2 people sharing per tent. Single requests are required to pay double-rates. Women and men do not share tents unless booked as a couple

Meals
Early morning wake-up with Tea, coffee, biscuits and fresh fruit
Brunch after activity, a cooked breakfast, cereals and fruit
Afternoon tea of Light snacks
Dinner, A balanced, warm plated meal (Meat, vegetables and salad)

Duration: 7 days, 6 nights

Minimum: 4 pax; Maximum 8 pax

Cost: Contact us

Location: Fixed dates at Selati Camp or Madach Camp

Download info here!