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.
Let’s not beat around the bush: an EcoTraining course is no walk in the park. At EcoTraining, we prefer to portray our courses precisely as they are. Being honest and open always pays; incidentally, it also works best on the course. The workload may be huge, but good team spirit, sincere passion, and a healthy bit of elbow (and brain!) grease led to a wonderful sense of achievement. In this story, Wim points out a few tips & tricks to rise to that challenge.
Vultures are famous for their part in our ecosystem, being the renowned clean-up crew of nature. They improve nutrient cycling, reduce the spread of diseases and control populations. Since they provide such vital services, it is frightening to realize that most vulture species are threatened. To increase awareness and appreciation of these valuable animals, we celebrate the diversity of vultures found in southern Africa.
What do they sound like? How do they hunt and where do they live? Although these beautiful birds have unusual colours, a distinctive call and unique feathers, their camouflage and habits can make them hard to see when visiting Makuleke. Understanding their habits can assist us enjoy their unusual beauty.
Have you ever asked yourself if animals get emotional? It sure seems so when you watch a lioness gently cleansing het cubs. When a leopard gets wildly frustrated by a hyena who tries to steal a kill. Or when a group of elephants mourns a lost family member, gently touching the body of a deceased one with its trunk, standing around it in silence. There is something very intimate going on there.
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.
