Search
Get in touch

Arista Botha

Arista Botha is a freelance scientific writer with a background in research. She has a master’s degree in wildlife conservation physiology and several scientific publications. For five years, she worked as an associate research officer at the University of the Witwatersrand while registered for a PhD. She published several papers but did not complete her PhD. Instead, she became a writer. Her key areas of interest include wildlife, ecology, and the conservation of plants and animals.
Blog

Kori Bustard Conservation: On a Collision Course with Powerlines

With its powerful build and impressive wingspan, the kori bustard is an unforgettable sight—especially in flight. Yet, despite its strength, this iconic bird faces a silent and growing danger across Africa’s open landscapes. Powerlines, nearly invisible in the air, have become a major threat, with collisions contributing to a steady decline in their population. As energy infrastructure continues to expand, researchers are racing to better understand these birds and find innovative ways to protect them—before this remarkable species disappears from our skies.

Read more
Blog

The Decline of the Saddle-billed Stork

The saddle-billed stork is an iconic waterbird, known for its large stature, black-and-white plumage, and red bill. Unfortunately, they are being poached for food, cultural practices, and the pet trade. Additionally, their habitats are threatened by development, pollution, and climate change.

Read more
Blog

A Cultural Icon: The Secretary Bird

The secretary bird, with its distinctive look, is endemic to Africa, where it is a cultural icon, symbolising strength and protection. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining fast due to habitat loss, powerline collisions, and poaching. Urgent research and conservation actions are essential to preserving this unique bird.

Read more
Three blue cranes standing tall
Blog

Protecting South Africa’s Blue Crane

Graceful and iconic, the Blue Crane holds a special place in South Africa’s identity, gracing stamps and coins, and serving proudly as the national bird. However, behind their elegance lies a growing concern: these birds are facing a rapid decline in their population. Thanks to ongoing research and close monitoring, conservationists have been able to respond quickly, working to protect this cherished species before it slips further toward endangerment.

Read more
Blog

How to tell a zebra by its stripes

International Zebra Day, 31 January 2025, raises awareness of these striped mammals. From the widespread plains zebra to the endangered Grevy’s zebra and the vulnerable mountain zebra, learn about the different species and subspecies of zebra and the conservation strategies in place to protect them.

Read more
Blog

Cheetah Conservation in Action

International Cheetah Day aims to raise awareness of the threats the cheetah faces. While they are famous as the fastest land mammals, they are vulnerable to larger predators, habitat loss, and poaching. International collaborations between governments, NGOs, and other organisations have contributed significantly to cheetah conservation in action.

Read more
Blog

The Unique Southern Ground Hornbill

The southern ground hornbill is a unique bird and a cultural icon. It is a big, black bird with red skin on its face and neck. Habitat loss, human-caused mortalities, and climate change threaten this distinctive bird. Several conservation initiatives are in place to protect these birds.

Read more
cape hooded vultures claening a carcass
Blog

The Diversity of Vultures

Vultures are famous for their part in our ecosystem, being the renowned clean-up crew of nature. They improve nutrient cycling, reduce the spread of diseases and control populations. Since they provide such vital services, it is frightening to realize that most vulture species are threatened. To increase awareness and appreciation of these valuable animals, we celebrate the diversity of vultures found in southern Africa.

Read more
Blog

Celebrating the African Elephant

Elephants are iconic figures of the African landscape. Their gigantic stature and unique physique make them a symbol of strength and power. Their intelligence, strong social bonds, and intricate behaviour evoke human admiration and sympathy. Their distinctive features make them a huge tourist attraction and a keystone species in their ecosystems.

Read more
Blog

The African Wild Dog

African wild dogs are a sight to behold with their colourful coats and long, elegant legs, especially in large packs. Unfortunately, the wild dog is one of the most endangered carnivores on the continent. We find out what makes them unique and how conservation initiatives strive to protect them.

Read more

Find a camp

Study wildlife conservation and accredited field guide courses at any of our pioneering African training camps.

Enter your wildlife career. Explore our camps.

Masai Mara
Wild Bandas

Located on the banks of the Mara river,
the camp is nestled between communities
and wildlife conservancies.

View camp

Kruger National Park
Makuleke

Explore the untamed wilderness of Kruger
National Park’s Makuleke Concession
with EcoTraining.

View camp

Mashatu Land of
the Giants

Located at the confluence of the Limpopo
and Shashe Rivers, in the eastern
corner of Botswana.

View camp

Greater Kruger Balule
Pridelands

A natural wonderland with free-roaming
elephants located in the Limpopo
Province of South Africa.

View camp

Karongwe Game Reserve

A unique safari destination that offers
visitors an immersive and unforgettable
experience.

View camp

Greater Kruger
Timbavati

Offering a diverse and rewarding
learning environment, teeming with life
and rich in ecological variety.

View camp

Start your wildlife career

Want to become a field or nature guide? Explore our immersive courses and training programmes for professional safari guides and guardians of nature, taught and led by experts in the industry.

EcoTraining offers career and accredited courses, wildlife enthusiast courses, gap year programmes and customised group travel courses.

Join our nature-loving community.

Enquire now