Follow your Heart
As a university student, Sam has already completed three years of a five-year course in the environment and law studies, which he will go back and complete in full.
“But I also realised I didn’t want an office job,” he says. “I heard about EcoTraining from a friend and looked at photos on Instagram. My parents supported my decision to come because they said it would change me greatly, and it already has. I have learnt independence and to know what I want.”
A Well Structured Day
Sam says his bush knowledge is greatly improved, and he enjoys that the day has structure.
“I love starting the day walking in the bush, then we come back and have brunch, maybe take a nap, have some free time and learning time, and later we go out on the afternoon activity. It’s all very balanced. The instructors are accommodating and great mentors too. The camp is very comfortable and meets all my expectations.”
In a comic twist, hyenas stole Sam’s undies while drying and left him with just a single pair; he laughs about it. Being at Pridelands, adjacent to Hoedspruit, it was easy to get replacements the next day, so it all ended well.
“Because the camp is unfenced, I love waking up the next morning to see which animals came through the night, leaving their tracks behind. Waking up with an elephant standing at my tent was a bit scary but also very cool. The whole experience here has been fantastic.”
Sam does have a word of advice for those considering doing an EcoTraining course too, and he speaks from experience. “If you know it’s for you, do it. Listen to your gut and trust it. Being here has given me peace of mind. It makes me happy and truly soothes my soul.
How to become a Field Guide | EcoTraining Professional Field Guide
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About the Author:
Keri Harvey is a Travel Writer and Photographer.
For Keri, travel is life, like breathing. She is a modern-day nomad from her home in the Cape to Cairo, Abidjan to Zanzibar, into the Middle East, Europe and Asia. With about 50 countries visited date, her stories are told on blogs and websites and in over 3 000 magazine feature articles spanning over 20 years.
Previously an award-winning editor on various South African lifestyle, travel and wildlife publications, Keri has worked freelance since 2001 and published articles in over 100 magazine titles. Every day, Keri wakes up to write or to travel, and her greatest wish is to inspire people through her stories to pack their bags and allow the travel bug to bite.
