Search

The Ultimate Happiness

“It was the happiest four weeks of my life,” she says. “I signed up for the 1-year Professional Field Guide course and started in October last year. I just asked myself: What makes me happy? And the answer is: being in the bush. So here I am.” – Jule

Photograph © Tayla McCurdy
Jule Friehs – Photograph © Vinicio Herrera

Jule says she loves learning about and understanding how nature works so well together because everything is connected.

“Now, when I see my future, I see Africa – maybe South Africa, Namibia or Botswana.”

Working back in a lab is not on the radar for Jule. Her sights are on working in the African bush.

 Photograph © Marie Schmidt

She recounts an experience that profoundly impacted her while on the course at Selati Camp in the Kruger National Park.

“We were on foot and encountered a group of about 80 elephants at a waterhole. They were drinking and spraying themselves, and the younger ones were playing. We stood watching quietly, and it was amazing to experience this at ground level. You can’t explain it.”

Even though Jule works tirelessly around the camp with endless energy and enthusiasm, to her, it does not feel like work because she is in her happy place. Jule says her family does wish she would phone or text more often,

“but I just don’t feel like being on my phone much,” she smiles. “Here in the bush, I just feel relaxed.”

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:
Picture of Keri Harvey

Keri Harvey

Explore more

Blog

Career Pathways Beyond Field Guiding

Becoming a certified field guide is often seen as a dream job—immersed in the wild, leading guests through unforgettable encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife, and spending every day surrounded by nature’s untamed beauty. Yet, many don’t realize that earning a field guide qualification is much more than a passport to life on safari and in the bush; it’s a gateway to many diverse and fulfilling careers.

Read more
Blog

What is a Primitive Trail?

Sleeping under the stars for a couple of nights, carrying everything you need on your back, immersing yourself with nature without any interruptions: A primitive trail is not only a big adventure but also the perfect opportunity to experience the bush on a deeper level. But what about water, food and basic hygiene? We answer all your questions.

Read more
Blog

What is an EcoTraining Field Guide Course?

EcoTraining’s Professional Field Guide course trains students to learn about the natural ecosystem and wildlife while getting hands-on experience in the bush to become remarkable Field Guides. EcoTraining provides a one-of-a-kind year-long field guide course that is certified and offers industry-level skills & mastery.

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.