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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
This annual celebration, observed on April 17th, highlights the often misunderstood and downright cute mammals that grace our night skies. Join me as we embark on a journey to discover bats’ vital role in our ecosystems and why they deserve our admiration and protection.
There’s one for aspiring professional Field Guides, taking an entire year. There’s one specifically for birding enthusiasts, taking just seven days. And there’s an extensive range of other ones in between. EcoTraining’s practical courses and experiences can cater to many different needs, but they all guarantee one thing: intense quality time immersed in nature! EcoTraining graduate Wim tells the story of his 35-day Practical Field Guide course, which took him first to Karongwe and then to Pridelands.
The newly revised Second Edition of Robert’s Birds of Greater Kruger book was released! It is a fresh and new edition, from the introduction to new chapters, habitat descriptions, checklists, distribution maps, illustrations, and photographs—and it only took three hard years to revise.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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National Park’s Makuleke Concession
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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.
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