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.
Nestled in the northern part, between the Mara River, Kilileoni Mountain and the rolling grasslands of Kenya’s Maasai Mara ecosystem, EcoTraining, the Mara Training Centre, and Enonkishu Conservancy offer a unique blend of education, adventure, and cultural immersion. From the moment you arrive, the landscape’s sheer beauty and the wildlife’s richness set the stage for an extraordinary experience. Here’s a glimpse into what makes this destination so unique, with a focus on food, accommodation, and the overall atmosphere.
Elephants are iconic figures of the African landscape. Their gigantic stature and unique physique make them a symbol of strength and power. Their intelligence, strong social bonds, and intricate behaviour evoke human admiration and sympathy. Their distinctive features make them a huge tourist attraction and a keystone species in their ecosystems.
Saving South Africa’s Wildlife from Deadly Snares – we delve into the world of snare poaching that threatens our iconic African mammals and explore some solutions, from active snare patrols to community awareness initiatives. Together, we can make a difference!
World Nature Conservation Day, celebrated annually, highlights our vital role in protecting our natural world. We must celebrate the day and consciously explore how we can all make a real difference in our daily lives. No matter how small, every action adds to a significant, collective effort to protect our environment and promote sustainability.
Imagine yourself in the South African bush after a lovely day out, driving back to camp in the evening. You shine with the spotlight right and left, hoping to see something interesting, when you spot a small whitish reptile on the tree branch before you. Could this be a chameleon?
As we celebrate World Youth Skills Day, we join a global initiative to empower the next generation of leaders and innovators. This year’s theme, “Skilling Teachers, Trainers, and Youth for a Transformative Future,” highlights the crucial role of education and skill development in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Study wildlife conservation and accredited field guide courses at any of our pioneering African training camps.
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 unique safari destination that offers
visitors an immersive and unforgettable
experience.
Offering a diverse and rewarding
learning environment, teeming with life
and rich in ecological variety.
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.
