Christmas comes early at EcoTraining
EcoTraining wants to spread the joy and say thank you to all our loyal supporters before Christmas.
Sometimes you lose, sometimes you learn, sometimes life takes you on a new path
Sometimes, the hard moments in life forces you to rise above all odds and make the best of your situation. This is exactly what Jerry Sibiya did when circumstances left him homeless for a night.
Where will YOUR off the beaten path take you?
You don’t need to be born in Africa to have Africa in your blood. The longing to be connected with the African wilderness is a way of life for a lot of people from all around the world and an unexplained marvel.
Konica Minolta sponsors field guide students from the Good Work Foundation to train at EcoTraining
In August 2017, EcoTraining welcomed a group of eleven young individuals from the Good Work Foundation (GWF) bizhub Conservation Academy in Mpumalanga. Konica Minolta South Africa (KMSA) in partnership with GWF sponsored these previously disadvantaged candidates to pursue their dream of becoming accredited Field Guides.
Life without dreams is ‘irrelephant’
Chrissi’s journey to becoming an EcoTraining back-up
The honeymoon that will live on in our spirits forever
Marriage and nature have something in common, if you truly love it, you will always find beauty in it. This is what newlyweds, Christian and Mimi did. After exchanging their vows, they decided to begin their honeymoon immersed in nature where they would explore a deeper connection with the African wilderness.
Sustainable conservation efforts, indigenous communities and the abundant wildlife of Kenya
EcoTraining has been running courses in across Kenya since 2009, having proudly trained students on various Safari guide courses in a variety of diverse landscapes. In 2017, EcoTraining was pleased to announce the launch of their new operation in the world-famous Masai Mara ecosystem, partnering up with the Mara Training Centre (MTC) in Enonkishu Conservancy.
Perseverance knows no obstacles, my journey of becoming a Lead Trails Guide
“Wildlife, Nature conservation, and guiding were a few key words that I sought out and followed over the past few years. It led me, to be who I am now. A Level 1 Nature Guide and a Lead Trails Guide. It all started as a dream that needed to be realised” –
Haritha Pilapitiya
Guiding Dreams
“I had a dream, then I woke up and lived it.” The journey of Daniel Welmers’ first steps of becoming a Safari Field Guide.
The Masai Mara EcoQuest Course in Kenya
An interview with EcoTraining instructor Andreas Fox
A tree gave me a reality check
“For a tree that doesn’t speak, it gave me a lot to think about. This sounds very deep, but then again, roots are.” – Natashia Brittion
You are never too old to live life to the fullest!
Inspiring testimonials for those who fear that age hinders their decision to enrol for a FGASA Field Guide Level 1 / NQF 2 Course.
Respecting nature is not enough, we need to love it! This is why I want to become a Field Guide: Anika Green
Opportunities can be found in the strangest places, Anika found hers in between the pages of a research paper which was EcoTraining. She fell in love with the idea of becoming a field guide and imparting knowledge about the plight of animals and nature around the world.
My Gap year that set my soul on fire: Laura Gutknecht’s pursuit of becoming a Field Guide.
Since Laura was a little girl she dreamt of becoming a Field Guide. This is exactly what she decided to do as part of her Gap Year experience after graduating from High School in Switzerland.
The Verreaux Eagles defend their turf
The last Advanced Birding course was filled with exciting wildlife encounters and learning opportunities on the beautiful Mashatu Game Reserve. See what the students experienced in this photo blog.
A British Naturalist in the African Bush serving as a volunteer EcoTraining Back-up
“The reality is that these instinctive influences would have been a part of daily, world-wide, human survival in pre-historic times and in fact remain vital to some indigenous populations today.”
The many fascinating secrets of a baobab
The Baobab tree is more than what meets the eye. It holds fascinating secrets very little people know of. Read more to discover the many interesting facts about a Baobab tree.
The Unlikely Birdman
Samuel Japane, former student of EcoTraining was too determined to be defeated by life’s obstacles and today is the well-known bird man of the Outpost Centre. We interviewed Samuel on his new book ‘The Unlikely Birdman’ and this is what he has to say.
Gap Year or a Sabbatical? That is the question
There are so many different reasons for people to take a year off. Some people might have just finished high school, others have come to a crossroad in their career paths or perhaps want to learn something new. With unlimited options to choose from – the choice is yours.
What to expect on Field Observation Day
As the end of the first month of the 55-day Field Guide Course (NQF2) draws nearer, the anxiousness and excitement grows for our field guide students as they prepare for their assessment on their competence and knowledge of the various aspects and fauna and flora.
Professional Field Guide: Student Lodge Placement Programme
EcoTraining students receive the best credible work experience at reputable lodges across southern Africa.
The Wildlife Defenders: A project dedicated to the unsung heroes of wildlife protection and conservation
A father and son team working together to celebrate the ordinary people doing an extraordinary job to protect our rhino’s – they refer to these people as The Wildlife Defenders
The road to discovering a life purpose
“You can´t start the next chapter in your life if you keep re-reading the last one.” The journey of Anna Katharina Raaben realising her dream of becoming a Professional Field Guide.
I grew up in Belgium but I was made in South Africa! Tayla Bungen pursues her dream of working in conservation
When Tayla was 13 years old, her family left South Africa and immigrated to Belgium. Tayla’s passion for nature never faded and now she is back in South Africa to pursue her dream of becoming a Conservationist.
My Bush Sabbatical, from Lawyer to Guardian of Nature: Priyanka Mehta
As a highly qualified Lawyer in India and New York, Priyanka just wasn’t satisfied with her life. Her desire for fresh air led her to take a sabbatical, away from the everyday hustle and bustle of the city and enroll in a Field Guiding Course with EcoTraining.
The best chance to follow your dreams
Natasha de Woronin has certainly criss-crossed the globe before finally landing the perfect job. Natasha now researches leopards for the Global Leopard Project in Namibia. She credits her EcoTraining course with having given her the best chance to follow her dream of working with wildlife and inspiring her to help save the natural world.
What is a Back-up Trails Guide?
With every one-year Course group, our Instructors choose a few candidates to become Back-up Guides as part of their lodge placement program. This is a great opportunity for students who want to gain walking hours towards their Lead Trails Guide qualification.
Meet Lazarus, EcoTraining’s newest instructor
We are proud to introduce Lazarus as EcoTraining’s newest instructor. Lazarus will be based at our camp in Botswana and have already made a big difference with his bubbly personality and extensive knowledge about wildlife and the environment.
Fiammetta Carmellini: This is how I ended up with EcoTraining
It took two years of volunteering in Africa for Fiammetta to realise her passion and enrol on a one-year Professional Field Guide course in Africa. She left her home in Italy and embarked on her new adventure to realise her dream to become a guide and work with animals.
Wildlife Photography course report: 26 April to 02 May 2017
Etienne Oosthuizen, from Africa Photographic Services, recently hosted our first Wildlife Photography course of the year. “Photography has become such an integral part of the safari experience and this course is designed to give guides the skills to become better photographers”.
