The short bushveld winter has now officially ended in the South African bush. Days are getting warmer and the nights aren’t as cold as they once were. This is the time of year when we eagerly await the first storm. Will it come on time or will it be late? Only Mother Nature has the answer.
Have you ever wondered just how many balls your safari guide must juggle on a safari? Victoria shares her experience of what it’s like to be a new guide.
Swimming when the river flows is the Selati equivalent of making hay while the sun shines. EcoTraining blogger, Victoria, recalls a sunset swim, shared with students and tilapia fish.
Selati is a pristine reserve, home to a plethora of natural wonders. Of these natural wonders, the Lillie Cycad Reserve is a rare and delicate gem. Victoria shares more on the topic in this week’s blog on the Encephalartos Dyerianos.
At the start of this amazing sighting, you can sure bet that Norman was not happy at the loss, but after seeing this lioness play and be so inquisitive it had definitely made him feel a bit better…
July 31st we celebrated World Ranger Day. And by extension, it should also be celebrated as World Field Guide Day.
If you are a Field Guide, Game Ranger or involved in the conservation and eco-tourism industry, then thank you for your time and dedication. We appreciate all those who put in the effort every day to conserve and teach those around us about Africa and the majestic wilderness that surrounds us. If you have ever thought about learning more or getting involved in the industry, whether as a full-time profession or just to learn and broaden your knowledge, then read on…
If your answer is yes, and joining the guiding industry is something that you are passionate about? Or perhaps you just want to up-skill your bushcraft. If either of these is an option, then an EcoQuest course might just be what you are looking for.
Instructor Mike Anderson point of tracks (c) David Batzofin
If you find yourself on Safari or on a game drive with friends, and your thirst for knowledge and your need to know more about the wilderness around you is too much, then look no further than an EcoTraining EcoQuest Course.
The course is a ‘snapshot‘ of the Professional Field Guide Course that we offer.
Tree Squirrel (c) David Batzofin
Time in the bush is not always about dangerous game and encounters with those that have teeth, claws and horns.
It is also about taking time to appreciate the ‘smaller’ inhabitants and how they contribute to a particular eco-system.
(c) David Batzofin
Some of the course’s unique selling points are:
The EcoQuest courses can be tailored to suit individuals or groups.
Participants can sign up for either a 7 or 14-day course, depending on how much time they have at their disposal.
Do you have a speciality that you would like to highlight?
We can structure your course time to focus on that.
It is an immersive experience, in world-class wilderness regions.
Baboon skull (c) David Batzofin
The course is designed to inform, educate and entertain. Finding skulls and identifying them is just one of the activities that can be experienced during an outing.
(c) David Batzofin
Each of the EcoTraining camps in South Africa, Selati, Karongwe, Pridelands and Makuleke are situated in different biomes.
Thus making the vegetation very different.
(c) David Batzofin
Did you know that there are about 100,000 insect species in South Africa?
Most of the reading material only mentions a fraction of these, however, you can find out more about some of those on the walks from the various EcoTraining camps where this course is presented.
Luckily, most of the species found in South Africa are harmless but it does help to know which might sting or bite.
Elephant tracks (c) David Batzofin
What does the EcoQuest course cover?
The course consists of drives, walks and lectures.
Each activity covers flora, fauna as well as tracking and spoor identification.
A termite mound (c) David Batzofin
Aside from the underground construction by this insect, termites also build these above-ground structures.
They can vary in height and are made out of clay that is stuck together with saliva. Should a portion of this mound be broken, they can repair it in record time.
Sunset in the African bush (c) David Batzofin
Walking back to camp as the sun sets.
A perfect ending to a day filled with exciting new experiences.
Campfire (c) David Batzofin
Share experiences around a roaring campfire.
There are stories to be told and it is here where friendships are made and lifetime bonds formed.
EcoTraining Managing Director, Anton Lategan sat down with David Batzofin and shared his hopes and dreams for EcoTraining.
Where we have come from and where we are going. Listen to the interview here.
The camp kitchen is a hive of activity as the sun slowly starts to filter through the trees. A warm beverage (or two) before setting off on an early morning game drive is always a must.
After the quick morning coffee and a chat about the game drive plan, you are then off on a new adventure. You never know what the day has in store for you. It’s very exciting.
Julia Wheeler (c)
Selati camp being situated on the banks of the Selati River makes the mornings even more beautiful, with breathtaking sunrises and interesting animals coming to investigate around the water’s edge the possibilities are endless.
Kirsten Scholtz (c)
Kirsten Scholtz (c)
It is always a pleasure to be out on a drive, even if the vehicle seems to be at an impossible angle. In this instance an instructor was driving, but the students each get a turn behind the wheel. They get to know the capabilities of the vehicle and they get to understand how to interact with guests in situations that might arise while on a drive.
David Batzofin (c)
Vultures perched on trees can give away the presence of a carcass, which in turn often signifies the fact that there are predators in the area. These two White backed vultures looked like they had a disagreement.
David Batzofin (c)
A look can say it all. Often when you get close to a lion, even if you are in a vehicle, a low growl will warn you of their mood.
David Batzofin (c)
Could this be a Shrubby Cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticose)?
Every drive is a learning opportunity for the students. Be it an animal, bird, insect or plant species. Questions are asked by the instructors to make certain that every safari drive it utilized to the fullest.
David Batzofin (c)
This is one of the Kingfisher species that does not eat fish. Instead it preys on insects like grasshoppers and locusts. They have been known to catch and eat lizards.
There is also a recorded case of one seen eating a bat! Of the 10 Kingfisher species found in South Africa, only 4 have a fish based diet.
David Batzofin (c)
The students make time for a sundowner break on the viewing deck perched high above the vast bushveld that stretched out towards the horizon.
David Batzofin (c)
There is no better way to end a day in Africa. Our sunsets are spectacular and will creep into the hearts and souls of students, both local and International.
Many of our potential students wonder what it will be like to spend a year in the bush and how they will manage this if they come from an urban background. Not all the EcoTraining courses run for a full year and there are shorter courses on offer at Selati.
Can you guess who they are?
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.
