The elephant is getting close to the little ‘koppie’ we are sitting on; all of us are sitting incredibly still. We have yet to since our instructor shooed us up there when he realized the big bull—that we quietly observed only a few minutes before—was heading in our direction.
Have you ever wondered what it feels like to sleep in a tent in the middle of the African bushveld, falling asleep to the sound of a lion roaring in the far, some jackals playing, hyenas laughing? Have you ever asked yourself if you are “made” for a life out there? Well, I did! Doing the 28-day course in Mashatu was more than just a break from everyday life. It was a deep dive into the core of life itself.
EcoTraining has a multiheaded mission of environmental education, empowering people on courses while acting as guardians of the land. In this way, we act for conservation at different levels.
For 30 years, EcoTraining has been privileged to operate in many game reserves where we are pioneers of guide training and catalysts for job creation and increased revenues for high-end tourism.
Mashatu did it again! What we thought would be an ordinary end-of-day sundowner was an incredible adventure! EcoTraining Instructor Michael Anderson shares the incredible leopard encounter they experienced in Mashatu. From the moment they first caught sight of the leopard until the moment he disappeared. All of this happened on day two of the 55-day Field Guide course.
Growing up, I would imagine going on safaris as a live-action version of The Lion King, with wild animals interacting and living their lives, paying no attention to me. The two trips I’ve taken in the bush as an adult weren’t actually that far off from that image: I saw a ridiculous number and variety of animals from the safety of a game vehicle. My most recent experience – an EcoTracker course in Mashatu – was somehow entirely different, and even more magical.
Study wildlife conservation and accredited field guide courses at any of our pioneering African training camps, around Africa.
Located on the banks of the Mara river,
the camp is nestled between communities
and wildlife conservancies.
Explore the untamed wilderness of Kruger
National Park’s Makuleke Concession
with EcoTraining.
Located at the confluence of the Limpopo
and Shashe Rivers, in the eastern
corner of Botswana.
A natural wonderland with free-roaming
elephants located in the Limpopo
Province of South Africa.
A sanctuary for wildlife, providing visitors
an opportunity to witness Africa’s
animals in their natural habitat.
A unique safari destination that offers
visitors an immersive and unforgettable
experience.
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EcoTraining offers career and accredited courses, wildlife enthusiast courses, gap year programmes and customised group travel courses.
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