7/14-day EcoTracker Course
The EcoTracker course will immerse you in all facets of tracking wild animals, including trailing and natural survival skills.
Wilderness connection
EcoTracker offers you the ultimate wilderness immersion experience. Through the ancient art and craft of animal tracking, you will connect with Africa’s iconic places and wildlife on foot. The EcoTracker course will immerse you in all facets of tracking wild animals, including trailing and natural survival skills. Course participants will also learn directly from Shangaan trackers who have dedicated themselves to mastering the skills of traditional hunter-gatherers.
Our EcoTracker courses, which last 7 and 14 days, take place in secluded wilderness areas in Botswana and South Africa.
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What to expect from the 7/14-day EcoTracker Course
Track and sign interpretation (7-day course)
This component of animal tracking looks at the signs left by invertebrates, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals. All learning takes place in the field using field guides, photographs and presentations to supplement practical training.
Trailing (14-day course)
This component involves following tracks to find the animal. Mastering trailing takes years, and this aspect of the course requires a relatively high level of fitness and the ability to focus mentally. EcoTracker’s instructors are among the best animal trailers in South Africa, and we pride ourselves on our ability to teach this complex skill.
Hunter-gatherer techniques
Southern Africa’s indigenous peoples survived off the land for centuries. EcoTracker’s instructors will teach you how to build traps using only natural materials and show you how to find birds’ nests, water and edible fruits. The instructors will immerse students in the wild by sharing their experiences growing up in the wilderness.
Where the course takes place
The 7/14-day EcoTracker Course is held at one of our EcoTraining Camps in Southern Africa.
The benefits of taking the 7/14-day EcoTracker Course
Our 7- and 14-day courses will take you deep into the remote wilderness areas of Botswana and South Africa where you will learn all aspects of track and sign identification, trailing, and survival techniques of wildlife. You will be guided by engaging and expert Shangaan trackers who will share their vast knowledge and experience with you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best in the business and experience the thrill of tracking wild animals in their natural habitat.
Certification & accreditation
EcoTraining is an FGASA-endorsed training provider that is accredited by CATHSSETA. We will assist you by registering you with FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa). FGASA will automatically register you with CATHSSETA.
The 14-day course culminates with a 2-day evaluation of both tracking components.
Depending on the results achieved, the learner will receive an FGASA-endorsed tracking certificate.
An EcoTracker certificate for participation will always be awarded for attendance.
What you can expect to graduate with
7-day course:
- Tracker Academy Track and Sign Certificate
14-day course:
- Tracker Academy Track and Sign Certificate
- Tracker Academy Trailing Certificate
- Tracker Academy Tracker Certificate
- FGASA Tracker Certificate
- FGASA-endorsed evaluations
Entry level requirements
- The learner needs to be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
- Participants need to be over the age of 16 years and older unaccompanied by an adult. 12–15 years old must be accompanied by a guardian / parent.
- Fit and able to walk for at least 5km.
What to pack
We’ve put together a useful packing list for you so you know what you need to bring with you on this course. What kind of clothing, gear, bedding, toiletries and shoes you’ll need to be comfortable and make the most of your time in the African bush. No need to guess or overpack.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Course dates
FAQ about the 7/14-day EcoTracker Course
Our 7- and 14-day courses will take you deep into the remote wilderness areas of Botswana and South Africa where you will learn all aspects of track and sign identification, trailing, and survival techniques of wildlife. You will be guided by engaging and expert Shangaan trackers who will share their vast knowledge and experience with you. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best in the business and experience the thrill of tracking wild animals in their natural habitat.
There are two significant aspects to tracking wildlife: track and sign interpretation and trailing (following animal trails).
We spend most of our days on foot, learning to identify and follow tracks. A practical approach to animal tracking is the best way to learn more about this subject. The EcoTraining EcoTracker course will immerse you in all aspects of tracking wild animals, including track and sign identification, trailing and survival techniques for wildlife. The course offers in-depth knowledge of an animal’s behaviour and habitat that can help you narrow down the options when trying to identify animal tracks.
Have more questions? Check out our general FAQ page or get in touch for more information.
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