Wilderness immersion courses and programmes
Learn more about guiding and the natural world
Choose from our various courses, whether a career and endorsed FGASA course or a shorter wildlife course; all of our programmes will help you improve your knowledge and leave you feeling reawakened and reconnected.
Start your wildlife career
We offer various career courses, shorter wildlife courses, and online courses. There’s something for everyone who has a passion for nature and wildlife. With every EcoTraining course, your knowledge will be enhanced, and your enthusiasm nurtured.
Our unfenced camps in large dangerous game areas also offer complete immersion in nature and practical experience. With two activities daily – like game drives and game walks – there’s never a dull moment on a course.
Accredited by leading associations such as FGASA and official training entities such as CATHSSETA, our career courses and programmes offer individuals an opportunity to turn a passion for wildlife and nature into a career.
Higher Certificate: Ecotourism Field Guide
This course is designed to equip learners with the relevant knowledge and experience needed to specialize in nature guiding.
55-day Field Guide ONE Course
The EcoTraining Field Guide ONE course is industry-tailored, mainly aimed at giving South Africans their first steps towards their field guide career. It is the number ONE course to consider when becoming a qualified Field Guide.
1-year Professional Field Guide Course
The all-inclusive course for adventurers who want to turn their love of wildlife and animals into a career educating others.
Our Wildlife programmes and courses are designed for everyone who is interested in nature, whether they intend to pursue a career in conservation or simply love being in the bush.
7/14-day Masai Mara EcoQuest
This EcoQuest program is based in South Africa and Botswana, it includes unique elements which reflect the fascinating dynamics occurring in the wildlife areas of the Mara.
7-day Birding in the Bush Course
Learn to identify a great variety of species of birds by sight and sound while also learning about their fascinating biology and ecology.
6-day Wilderness Trails Skills Course
Experience meaningful wilderness encounters with this inspiring cornerstone course that develops a lifetime conservation culture in those who love nature.
Connect with like-minded people from all over the world with our live and interactive online sessions. Study conservation online in this adventure-packed learning experience.
On-demand Field Guide Course
This on-demand Field Guide course is a tailor-made solution for individuals with busy schedules who yearn to pursue their passion for field guiding at their preferred pace.
Online Trails Guide Course
A chance to learn how to interact safely with wild animals from the comfort of your home.
Online Field Guide Course
This online FGASA course offers a comprehensive introduction to field guiding from the comfort of your own home.
Take a gap year and experience an immersive wildlife experience or customise a course for small groups, university study programmes or private travel with EcoTraining.
Gap Year
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our unique wildlife gap year programs, immersing yourself in breathtaking habitats, learning, discovering, and making a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a school leaver unsure of your future path or a nature enthusiast, step into an exciting world of adventure with our wildlife gap year programme.
Customised Wildlife Programmes
Customised courses for agents and tour operators to assist with the planning of educational safari itineraries catered for small group departures, alumni travel, private celebrity travel, summer schools, and university study abroad programmes.
Advantages with EcoTraining
On every EcoTraining course or programme, the adventure of a safari is combined with environmental education to offer a truly immersive wilderness experience.
Courses offered online include field experience as well.
Enjoy experiential training with twice-daily wildlife activities.
Receive guidance and training from expert trainers.
Live in unfenced camps on big game reserves.
Experience hands-on practical learning.
Camp location map
Testimonials
