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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.
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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pangolin at night
Blog

The Mysterious Pangolin

Have you ever seen a pangolin? These mysterious creatures are facing severe threats to their survival, including poaching, electric fences, climate change, habitat loss and road mortality. Learn more about them on World Pangolin Day, 18 February 2023.

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elephant sighting
Blog

When the Bug Bites

The reasons why people embark on an EcoTraining adventure are different for everyone. For some, it’s a clear-cut path to a professional career in guiding or ecotourism. For others, it’s simply a way to immerse themselves more. But whatever the reason, and whatever the walk of life of the students, EcoTraining offers a course for everyone. EcoTraining graduate Wim looks back on how his EcoTraining adventure came to be.

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leopard walking in the riverbed
Blog

An Incredible Leopard Encounter in Mashatu

Mashatu did it again! What we thought would be an ordinary end-of-day sundowner was an incredible adventure! EcoTraining Instructor Michael Anderson shares the incredible leopard encounter they experienced in Mashatu. From the moment they first caught sight of the leopard until the moment he disappeared. All of this happened on day two of the 55-day Field Guide course.

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cheetah on the rock
Blog

Extraordinary Adventures from Karongwe

Do you want to experience incredible wildlife encounters in the African bush? Embark on a visit to Karongwe and learn about what gives this camp its charm. From the graceful resident nyalas, to the vibrant camp dinners under a magnificent Jackalberry tree, to game drives and on-foot cheetah sightings.

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female students in the bush learning
Blog

Empowering Women through Education

EcoTraining celebrates the International Day of Education on the 24th of January. We reflect on education’s pivotal role in nurturing peace and fostering development. We pride ourselves in our commitment to providing inclusive and equitable quality education. Let us all strive towards making quality education accessible for all and contribute to shaping a brighter future for future generations.

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students encountering elephants in nature on foot
Blog

A Year in Review

The past year has been an exciting year of reflection as we celebrated 30 years of EcoTraining. I wanted to remind you all of some of the beautiful and raw moments of 2023.
The year started at a gallop – lions at Pridelands dam to welcome the first group of students and storm warnings to prepare us for all the upcoming weeks of deluge. The opening act was a trip to Holland to promote EcoTraining, and back home, there were more lion sightings and the song “It’s a Beautiful Day” to remind us all to be thankful.

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Ezulwinin in Pridelands
Blog

Ezulwini, the Duke of Pridelands

Have you ever had the privilege of having a memorable encounter with an elephant? What about a magical moment with a tusker?
Here’s a remarkable story about how the Duke of Pridelands, a famous tusker, shared a moment with EcoTraining’s Bush Bus Guide – Andries Kemp.

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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.