What can you expect from a day in the bush as a field guide student with EcoTraining? You will LOVE your stay at our camps because every day looks the same. Sounds boring? We can promise you that it is not. NEVER. Because the bush is full of surprises every day at every time. Structure is a lovely way to focus on what is really important here.
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. The skills, knowledge, and passion gained through field guiding can lead to impactful roles across conservation, tourism, and beyond.
The southern ground hornbill is a unique bird and a cultural icon. It is a big, black bird with red skin on its face and neck. Habitat loss, human-caused mortalities, and climate change threaten this distinctive bird. Several conservation initiatives are in place to protect these birds.
The yearlong course is designed to produce the highest-calibre guides possible, who can immediately go to work in the field. Students learn why certain insects, mammals, and birds behave in specific ways at certain times by living amongst the wildlife for the duration of the course.
Have you ever wondered how EcoTraining showcases the incredible environments in which their courses take place? The great photos and videos on social media come from dedicated media interns—enthusiastic and creative individuals constantly looking for captivating moments. Whether it’s a breathtaking wildlife sighting, students engaged in field observations, or an impromptu game of volleyball, these interns are there to capture it all!
One of the privileges of spending time in Makuleke is the tremendous diversity of birdlife. Although not everyone who begins their journey to becoming a guide with EcoTraining is a keen birder, there are so many fascinating birds to learn about that one is almost sure to fall in love with at least one of them. Some of the most exciting birds that inhabit the region are the Pel’s Fishing Owl, the flying fisherfolk of the night.
Today, we will unravel some of the top myths about being a guide; you might have heard some of these myths before. Lawrence Steyn delves into some myths about being a guide, what it means, what you can expect, and how to be great at guiding.
Have you ever been on a bush walk in Selati? What’s so great about going out on foot? Everything! You can focus on the little things. Walk on animal paths, see what they see, smell what they smell.
As the world unites to celebrate World Animal Day, EcoTraining, Africa’s leading field guide training institution, underscores the urgent need for global action to protect wildlife. With increasing threats to biodiversity, EcoTraining’s mission to empower future conservationists has never been more critical.
One of my favourite times of the day during my 35-day practical with EcoTraining in South Africa was the drive home after our sunset break. It was still light, but it became a little darker every minute. When we happened to be rather far away from our camp, sometimes we could already see the stars appear in the dark sky before we reached home. Looking up into the night sky, the Milky Way is fascinating, and it has been the topic of many ancient stories that, to this day, are being told.
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.
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.
