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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.
leopard in the wild
Blog

Celebrating International Leopard Day

International Leopard Day celebrates this elusive, spotted member of the Big Five. While leopards are widespread and versatile in their selection of prey and habitat, their numbers are declining at an alarming rate due to several threats. Several conservation projects are researching, mitigating human-wildlife conflict, and surveying population numbers to protect leopards in their remaining habitat.

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Celebrating International Hyena Day

Hyenas are among the most unmistakable and recognisable animals in the world but are also among the most misunderstood. They are often perceived as dangerous and dirty scavengers. Many people are unaware of their unique characteristics and that they are essential to African ecosystems.

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bat in makuleke camp
Blog

International Bat Appreciation Day

This annual celebration, observed on April 17th, highlights the often misunderstood and downright cute mammals that grace our night skies. Join me as we embark on a journey to discover bats’ vital role in our ecosystems and why they deserve our admiration and protection.

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student sitting in the game viewer
Blog

The first 24 hours on an EcoTraining Practical Course

There’s one for aspiring professional Field Guides, taking an entire year. There’s one specifically for birding enthusiasts, taking just seven days. And there’s an extensive range of other ones in between. EcoTraining’s practical courses and experiences can cater to many different needs, but they all guarantee one thing: intense quality time immersed in nature! EcoTraining graduate Wim tells the story of his 35-day Practical Field Guide course, which took him first to Karongwe and then to Pridelands.

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group of students on a birding course
Blog

Popular Birding Book Takes Flight

The newly revised Second Edition of Robert’s Birds of Greater Kruger book was released! It is a fresh and new edition, from the introduction to new chapters, habitat descriptions, checklists, distribution maps, illustrations, and photographs—and it only took three hard years to revise.

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group photo of field guide students
Blog

Globalization in the Wild

My dad’s experience at EcoTraining was genuinely remarkable. It was an incredible example of how people from different backgrounds and cultures can come together to learn and appreciate nature. The diverse group of companions he met at the camp, including those from Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, UAE, and Reunion, made the experience even more enriching. He learned from instructors from various countries, explored the African wilderness, and encountered awe-inspiring birds. It was a unique opportunity to witness globalization in the wild.

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mother and child elephants
Blog

EcoTraining’s Evolution at Mashatu

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.

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elephant sighting on foot
Blog

Open your workbooks

Some people look for a way to shorten the time needed to take an EcoTraining Practical Course. Some prefer taking their time to study the theory first. For others, it’s just a very appealing idea to learn more about the African bush from home. EcoTraining graduate Wim tells the story of his online course and how it opened up his path towards becoming a qualified Field Guide.

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guardians of nature
Blog

A New Era for Nature Guides

Young people stand at the threshold of an exciting future – the 5th Industrial Revolution. It heralds a new era where humanity, technology and nature intertwine. It focuses on people, sustainable decision-making and a genuine environmental concern. In this transformative time, a career as a nature guide or guardian of the natural world emerges – not just as a career path but as a calling.

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cover buffalo
Blog

Bush Adventures of a Media Intern

After 87 days as a media intern for EcoTraining, I reflect on my time spent in the bush with many new memories and experiences. Being in Africa, out in nature, in unfenced camps, and surrounded by like-minded people is the definition of my happy place. Combined with the opportunity to grow my photography skills, this period of my life is only the start.

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Find a camp

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

Enter your wildlife career. Explore our camps.

Mara Training Centre

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

Makuleke Concession

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

Mashatu Game Reserve

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

Pridelands Conservancy

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

Selati Game Reserve

A sanctuary for wildlife, providing visitors
an opportunity to witness Africa’s
animals in their natural habitat.

Karongwe Reserve

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

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.