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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.
elephant herd in Pridelands with the mountain range in the background
Blog

The Elephant is Watching You

Many people love encountering elephants on their game drive in the South African bush, regardless of whether it is on an individual or a whole herd. Besides the obvious visible behaviour, there are many smaller signs of body language. Knowing them and being able to interpret them can increase your enjoyment of any elephant sighting.

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The African Wild Dog

African wild dogs are a sight to behold with their colourful coats and long, elegant legs, especially in large packs. Unfortunately, the wild dog is one of the most endangered carnivores on the continent. We find out what makes them unique and how conservation initiatives strive to protect them.

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The people you meet on an EcoTraining course

Have you decided to take an EcoTraining course? Then, a wealth of information is available to take in beforehand. The course descriptions, enough pictures on social media to make you daydream for hours, packing lists, and videos on EcoTraining’s YouTube channel. You name it, it’s there! One thing you won’t be able to find out upfront, though – unless you sign up with a bunch of friends – is who will be the people joining you on the course. In this story, Wim reflects on the fantastic group on his 35-day Practical Field Guide course.

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Celebrating World Giraffe Day

With their long necks, Giraffes can browse on leaves that other browsers can’t reach. Their strong hearts ensure that they can pump blood to their brain. Variations in genetics and coat patterns suggest that there might be more than one species. However, these fascinating creatures face threats, e.g. habitat loss, civil unrest, poaching, and ecological changes.

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two elephants in Mashatu
Blog

What the bush can teach us about humility

The elephant is getting close to the little ‘koppie’ we are sitting on; all of us are sitting incredibly still. We have yet to since our instructor shooed us up there when he realized the big bull—that we quietly observed only a few minutes before—was heading in our direction.

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EcoTraining Celebrates World Environment Day

EcoTraining, a leading provider of professional field guides and nature training in Africa, proudly announces its commitment to World Environment Day. Our mission is to inspire individuals to connect with nature and become guardians of the environment. EcoTraining promotes conservation education and sustainable practices worldwide. We advocate for conservation education and sustainable practices.

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students in nature with clipboards
Blog

Leading the Way to Higher Education in Ecotourism

Are you an aspiring nature guide looking to develop your skills and expertise? Look no further than EcoTraining, Africa’s leading safari and wildlife training institution. EcoTraining has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first Guide Training School on the continent to receive accreditation from the Council for Higher Education (CHE) in South Africa.
Let us explain why this is such a significant achievement for EcoTraining and the Field Guiding Industry.

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bee on lavendar plant
Blog

Why Bees are Important?

Daily we hear about animals whose population numbers are in decline, but did you know that the humble Bees numbers are also in decline and they too are at risk of extinction?

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arrow-marked babbler
Blog

The Magic of the Morning Chorus

Imagine yourself early in the morning in the middle of the South African bush; the sun is just about to rise, and the wildlife begins to wake up. You close your eyes and listen. What can you hear?

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in the driver seat
Blog

Expect the Unexpected

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to sleep in a tent in the middle of the African bushveld, falling asleep to the sound of a lion roaring in the far, some jackals playing, hyenas laughing? Have you ever asked yourself if you are “made” for a life out there? Well, I did! Doing the 28-day course in Mashatu was more than just a break from everyday life. It was a deep dive into the core of life itself.

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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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Blog

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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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.