Say no to nothing

Of the EcoTraining 1-year Professional Field Guide course, he says:

“It was everything and more. I met incredible people far from home but with a big shared interest. Our group had students from nine different countries, and we had a blast.”

Rufus and his fellow students in Makuleke
Rufus and his fellow students from different countries – Photograph © Cameron Clements

Rufus has visited most EcoTraining camps in Southern Africa and says Mashatu in Botswana is his favourite.

“I am not spiritual, but it felt spiritual there. I can’t explain it. It wasn’t just the place’s natural beauty; it was something more.”

Rufus-on-safari
Rufus and his fellow students out on their game drive – Photograph © Vinicio Herrera

His advice to prospective EcoTraining students is as follows:

“Do it. Don’t dither. The best advice I received was from my younger brother. He said: ‘Say no to absolutely nothing’.”

 And so the world is wide open to welcome him.

Bush walk in Makuleke
Rufus Cottrell as backup, together with some EcoTraining students on a bush walk in Makuleke – Photograph © Keri Harvey

How to become a Field Guide | EcoTraining Professional Field Guide

Would you like to know more about the EcoTraining Professional Field Guide Course?

Here is your chance to learn more and get an in-depth idea of your year with EcoTraining.

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.

About the Author:
Keri Harvey

Keri Harvey

Explore more

a group of students looking at tracks in the sand
Blog

Understanding Wildlife Tracking

The ancient art of tracking unveils the secrets of animal behaviour. We explore the key steps of identifying, interpreting, and tracking wild animals in the heart of the South African wilderness.

“Do not be afraid to get dirty. Get down on your knees and have a close look at the tracks. It is essential to take your time. You can make a mistake by being too quick on the trigger when identifying tracks,” said Gerhard Delport, a former EcoTracker student.

Read more
students at lanner gorge
Blog

EcoTraining Celebrates 30 Years of Excellence

Thirty years of EcoTraining is a significant milestone. This celebration is a testament to EcoTraining’s long history of promoting field guiding and wildlife conservation. It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation of passionate individuals who will continue the legacy of creating guardians of the natural world.

Read more
a group of students walking in nature.
Blog

How do I become a Backup Trainee for EcoTraining? 

“To be selected as a backup trail guide is a privilege and carries great responsibility. You are responsible for the life of the Lead Trails Guide and the lives of guests who are with you and require a great deal of trust”, says Gino Cinquina, former EcoTraining Backup. As a backup trainee for EcoTraining, you can walk in beautiful wilderness areas and experience incredible moments on foot with wild animals.

Read more

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.

× Available from 08:00 to 16:30 Available on SundayMondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturday