Search
Get in touch

Blog

Read the latest posts from EcoTraining and immerse yourself in our natural world. Explore the wild, learn about conservation, discover our camps, join us in spotting wildlife and so much more.
Three blue cranes standing tall
Blog

Protecting South Africa’s Blue Crane

Graceful and iconic, the Blue Crane holds a special place in South Africa’s identity, gracing stamps and coins, and serving proudly as the national bird. However, behind their elegance lies a growing concern: these birds are facing a rapid decline in their population. Thanks to ongoing research and close monitoring, conservationists have been able to respond quickly, working to protect this cherished species before it slips further toward endangerment.

Read more
Blog

Graduating as a Field Guide

After eight weeks of online theory and a 35-day practical, it all comes down to the final assessment drive. More than just an exam, it’s a real game drive where you apply everything you’ve learned—just like a true Field Guide. And after three hours, that’s exactly what you’ll be. In this story, Belgian graduate Wim shares what an incredible feeling that is!

Read more
Blog

Dung Beetles in the South African Bush

When you spend time in the South African bush, especially in the warmer summer months, you will very likely encounter a lot of different dung beetles around and within piles of dung. We explore what makes them interesting and why they are essential for the ecosystem.

Read more
Blog

Lessons From the Bush: Four Things I Learned

Before starting my field guide course with EcoTraining, I expected to encounter wildlife, experience adventure, and encounter some discomfort. I got all that—but also much more. From deep connections with people to unexpected joys (hello, birds!) and the reality of serious study, here are four things I wish I’d known before heading into the wild.

Read more
Blog

The Secret Season for an Unforgettable Safari

When people imagine going on safari, they often envision the golden glow of the African sun, vast open plains, and the thrill of seeing lions, elephants, and giraffes in their natural habitat. But many don’t realize that winter is when the bush comes alive. Here’s why winter is the best-kept secret of the safari world.

Read more
Blog

How to Become a Trails Guide?

The elephant bull looks at us. Neither surprised nor scared. But still, he watches every subtle move while we are sitting on the edge of the river bed in the forest, surrounded by ana trees, nyala berries and fever trees. The colours, the sounds and the presence of three gigantic elephants make this feel like a scene from a movie.

Read more
Blog

When you’re almost a Field Guide

A practical course at EcoTraining takes a healthy dose of commitment, thorough studying and quite a bit of elbow grease. But once you’ve invested all that time and effort, that magical moment comes when all the hard work is about to pay off. The final week on a 35-day practical really is something quite special. In this story, Belgian graduate Wim looks back on his ‘final straight’, in a story full of achievement and happy moments that would create ever-lasting friendships. The kind of story, really, that only the bush can tell…

Read 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

Find a camp

Study wildlife conservation and accredited field guide courses at any of our pioneering African training camps.

Enter your wildlife career. Explore our camps.

Masai Mara
Wild Bandas

Located on the banks of the Mara river,
the camp is nestled between communities
and wildlife conservancies.

View camp

Kruger National Park
Makuleke

Explore the untamed wilderness of Kruger
National Park’s Makuleke Concession
with EcoTraining.

View camp

Mashatu Land of
the Giants

Located at the confluence of the Limpopo
and Shashe Rivers, in the eastern
corner of Botswana.

View camp

Greater Kruger Balule
Pridelands

A natural wonderland with free-roaming
elephants located in the Limpopo
Province of South Africa.

View camp

Karongwe Game Reserve

A unique safari destination that offers
visitors an immersive and unforgettable
experience.

View camp

Greater Kruger
Timbavati

Offering a diverse and rewarding
learning environment, teeming with life
and rich in ecological variety.

View camp

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.

Enquire now