Staying in an EcoTraining camp is a unique experience, because every place is a little different – they have their friendly visitors, specific outlays, little lookouts, gyms, dining areas and fireplaces. So, let’s have a closer look. Today, we’ll visit our Selati camp on the banks of the Selati River in the 33,000-hectare Selati Game Reserve, to the west of the Kruger National Park.
What does a day in Selati look like as an EcoTraining student?
The morning: Waking up with nature
Early mornings are part of the bush experience. But you will grow to love it – because mornings, as a field guide, students hold so many great moments.
5.30 AM
A single natal spurfowl breaks the silence of the morning with its loud, very persistent call. First, people start to move into the tents. The duty team is strolling over to the kitchen to boil some water. Luckily, the elephant bull just left camp, so you don’t get stuck in your tent.
6.30 AM
After some coffee, tea, and rusks, you start your morning activities, such as a game drive or a nature walk. The last yawns and tired eyes get replaced by excitement and gratefulness for another beautiful morning. What does Selati Game Reserve hold for us today?
8.30 AM
Coffee break in the bush. Surrounded by mopane trees and sickle bush, sitting on a solid granite rock in silence, being stared at by a giraffe in the background.
Breakfast
10 AM
There are eggs, there is bread, there is beans. Add some fresh fruit, sometimes even avocado – and you have yourself a perfect Selati breakfast. You better get your bird calls right before you can dig in! Because students will often test each other before they can enjoy their well-deserved meal.
Study time!
As a field guide student, the bush is your classroom. But never underestimate the power of some theoretical knowledge. So you will enjoy the lectures and self-study time as well.
11 AM
Lecture time! From animal behaviour to ecology: Selati lecture hall has seen a lot of fascinating theory lessons – many more to come. The well-staffed library, wall paintings and many bush artefacts help students get into the material.
12 PM
Study time: You can get your workbooks done, look up a track from this morning’s walk in the tracker manual or prepare some fun facts for the next drive.
1 PM
Take a little break! Go spend some time in Selati’s bush gym, get your laundry done, shower, and have a quick nap. Or sit down at the Pitschi Point, enjoy the view on the riverbed – and take in the stunning scenery.
The afternoon: Ready for action
Time to get back on track (literally!) and practice your knowledge in the field.
3 PM
Lunch: Famous for their delicious banana bread, fresh salads and other delicious treats, the Selati kitchen team helps to get everyone energized before their afternoon activity. But be careful: get your food before the cheeky nyalas steal a snack.
4 PM
Out we go for another game drive or nature walk. Explore the bush, enjoy a sunset with the mountain range in the background, and be mesmerized by all the small and big wonders of the reserve. (Don’t get do dreamy though: We are still in Selati, there could always be a black rhino just around the corner).
The evening: Time to unwind
Nothing is better than watching the sunset and discussing the day with your former field guide students.
7 PM
From burgers to pasta bake to some traditional pap: You don’t want to miss out on dinner! There might even be some chocolate mousse once in a while.
8 PM
The night sets in, the voices quiet down, and the sounds of the bush take over. You gather around the fireplace, share stories from the day, stare into the flames and identify some nocturnal visitors.
9 PM
Time to sleep – don’t let the occasional hyena calls disturb your precious dreams.
3 AM
Was this a lion roaring in the riverbed? Let’s see if we find some tracks tomorrow.
A day in the life of an EcoTraining student? Exciting!
Life in our camps is pretty exciting. And the best thing? You never know what’s next. Because in the bush, anything can happen at any time 😉
Immerse yourself in the African wilderness, expand your knowledge, and embark on a transformative learning experience with EcoTraining.
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Let us take a walk through our Selati camp
Join us on a breathtaking tour of the EcoTraining camp in Selati. The camp, situated on the banks of the Selati River, offers a true wilderness immersion.
