Bush training: Training to become a ranger and wilderness guide

The EcoQuest course is aimed at those who are looking for an intensive bush experience but don't necessarily have four weeks to take off from work. It offers an ecological, highly immersive learning experience in nature and includes certain aspects of the Safari Guide course. 

Participants learn about the infinite diversity of living organisms that exist in nature, as well as the elements underlying this diversity, such as geology, soils, and climate, to name but a few. 

This program is perfect for you if you no longer want to be just a spectator of nature, but also want to be able to interpret it yourself. You will hone your skills during daily hikes or game drives in the wilderness.

The EcoQuest course focuses on two components: learning about the fascinating elements of nature and how they are carefully interconnected in a specific region, and secondly, aspects of nature conservation.

Topics & Content

• ecology
• Common trees and shrubs
• Animal tracks and tracing
• Identification and behavior of birds
• Animal behavior
• astronomy
• Orientation and navigation
• Bush skills
• Correct use of binoculars and positioning for photography

Course dates

March 11–17, 2021 (Karongwe) – 7 days
July 19–August 1, 2021 (Makuleke) – 14 days
August 26 – September 1, 2021 (Makuleke) – 7 days
October 7 – 13, 2021 (Makuleke) – 7 days
October 30 – November 12, 2021 (Makuleke & Karongwe) – 14 days
November 5–18, 2021 (Karongwe) – 14 days
December 17–23, 2021 (Karongwe) – 7 days
December 24, 2021 – January 6, 2022 (Makuleke) – 14 days

Prices

7-day training course from approx. €1,269.00 per person

14-day training course from approx. €2,156.00 per person

Further information

• For nature lovers, educational travelers, and volunteers
• Minimum age: 16
• You should be physically fit and able to walk at least 2 km.

The EcoTracker course offers you the ultimate experience of immersing yourself deep in the wilderness. Through the ancient art and science of tracking wild animals—possibly the oldest in the world—you will connect with Africa's iconic places and wildlife on foot. In this course, which is usually led by dedicated and experienced Shangaan trackers, all aspects of wildlife tracking are explored in depth: track and sign identification, as well as wildlife tracking and survival techniques.  

In many parts of Africa, the ancient survival techniques of tracking wild animals are disappearing at an alarming rate, and with them, people's connection to the earth and their appreciation and respect for nature. Urbanization and technology are causing much of the profound ecological intelligence that is most important for long-term survival to be lost.

The EcoTracker course aims to help preserve indigenous wilderness skills and protect the last wild places on Earth. The instructors are certified by the renowned Tracker Academy—the first and only accredited tracker training school in South Africa. As a participant in the EcoTracker course, you will get a taste of the knowledge of Shangaan trackers who are dedicated to mastering the skills of traditional hunters and gatherers.

There are two main aspects to tracking wild animals—interpreting tracks and traces, and following animal trails. The EcoTracker course includes hunter-gatherer techniques. Incidentally, all aspects of tracking take years to master.

Interpreting tracks and traces – this involves the traces left behind by invertebrates, amphibians, birds, reptiles, and mammals. You will learn directly in the great outdoors, with practical training supplemented by guides, photos, and presentations.

Trailing– following tracks to find the animal. Mastering tracking takes years, and this aspect of the course requires a relatively high level of fitness and the ability to concentrate mentally. EcoTracker's instructors are among the best animal trackers in South Africa and look forward to teaching you this complex skill. Interpreting mammal and bird warning calls, animal behavior, and estimating the age of tracks are all part of the skills involved in trailing.

Hunting and gathering techniques – The indigenous peoples of southern Africa survived in the wild for centuries. EcoTracker instructors will teach you how to build traps using only natural materials and show you how to find bird nests, water, and edible fruits. They will share with you their experiences of growing up in the wilderness.

The 7-day course will provide you with a basic understanding of tracking and sign interpretation. If you wish to obtain certification (Tracker Academy Track and Sign Certificate), an FGASA assessment will be offered at the end of the course. Depending on the seasonal movement of animals in the area, students will have the opportunity to track animals on foot.

During the 14-day course, participants will have the opportunity to gain a more comprehensive understanding of trail and track interpretation, trail reading and tracking, as well as hunter-gatherer techniques. The focus of this course is on spending time tracking animals such as rhinos, elephants, buffalos, and lions on foot (often depending on seasonal animal movements). At the end of the course, participants can choose whether they want to complete a fully accredited FGASA Trailing and Tracking & Sign course. (Tracker Academy Track and Sign Certificate / Tracker Academy Trailing Certificate / Tracker Academy Tracker Certificate / FGASA Tracker Certificate)

Course dates

March 5–March 11, 2021 (Karongwe) – 7 days
June 12–June 18, 2021 (Makuleke) – 7 days

July 24 – August 7 (Botswana!) – 14 days

Prices: 

7-day training course: €1,041.00 per person

14-day training course: €2,373.00 per person

Further information

• For nature lovers, students spending a year abroad, interns, volunteers, guides, researchers, hunters, and anti-poaching activists
• Minimum age: 16
• You should be physically fit and able to walk at least 2 km.
• No prior knowledge required

Taking great nature and wildlife photographs requires creativity and technical skills, but also knowledge and understanding of the subject itself. The wilderness photography course provides participants with knowledge about the equipment needed to become a versatile wilderness photographer. Participants also learn about the various elements required to create good wilderness photo compositions. This course gives both photographers and aspiring photographers the time and opportunity to put this knowledge into practice under the guidance of an experienced wilderness photographer. Participants will spend mornings and afternoons in the bush looking for photographic opportunities, followed by a daily lecture and constructive critique of all digital photos taken during the activities.

Course content:

• Module 1: Understanding exposure
• Module 2: Composition
• Module 3: Understanding light
• Module 4: Photographic Leadership Skills
• Module 5: Image editing and social media

Topics:

• Equipment, lighting
• backgrounds
• Depth of field and exposure
• composition
• effect
• storytelling
• Action/movement sequences

Course dates:

September 20–26, 2021 (Makuleke)

Prices for 2021

7 days €1,182.00 per person

Further information

• For beginners who want to learn the basics of wildlife photography
• Minimum age: 16

This six-day course is the right choice for aspiring or qualified guides and nature lovers to gain meaningful wilderness experiences and reconnect with nature. It can be an inspiring cornerstone in the lives and careers of all those who are passionate about nature and its inhabitants and want to develop a lifelong culture of conservation.

This purist wilderness experience involves traversing some of southern Africa's most beautiful and remote wilderness areas on foot. The course can push participants to their personal limits as they sleep under the stars in the open wilderness, traveling with minimal supplies and light luggage.

It's more about the depth of experience than the distance when you learn how to build a fire, find water from natural sources, and leave a light footprint. While there are no formal subjects or lectures, the course focuses on meaningful wilderness philosophy, low-impact guiding skills, and bushcraft. The adventures are taught by some of Africa's most experienced trainers/guides, with a selection of breathtaking locations within the Makuleke Concession in Kruger National Park.

You won't find the lessons from this course in any book; you will learn hands-on: appreciation of the wilderness and the MIA (Minimal Impact Approach), situational awareness, setting up an environmentally friendly camp and water purification, as well as "leave no trace" are just some of the advanced skills you will learn.

Course dates:

June 24–29, 2021 (Makuleke)
August 16–21, 2021 (Makuleke)
September 20–25, 2021 (Makuleke)
October 1–6, 2021 (Makuleke)

Further information

• For guides, nature lovers, hikers
• Minimum age: 18
• You should be physically fit and adventurous, and able to walk 5-10 km with a backpack including camping equipment.
• Participants who are qualified trail guide backups and wish to receive hours and encounters for their guide qualification will rotate as backups and can log their hours and encounters.

Experience an exciting, educational safari adventure with your best friends and celebrate the end of school and the new chapter in your life that lies ahead in an excitingly different way, in a beautiful, large Big 5 game reserve with a cozy tent camp. A time full of meaning, adventure, memories, and experiences awaits you.

This course is aimed at high school graduates who want to enjoy an enriching experience in the African bush in December. Experience a snapshot of the life of a safari guide. And while you're at it, learn a lot of interesting facts about the infinite diversity of living organisms that exist in nature, as well as the underlying elements that support this diversity of life, such as geology, soils, plants, and climate.

You will

• Wake up to birdsong and drumbeats in the early morning.
• Go on a game drive into the wilderness and enjoy awe-inspiring views and exciting encounters with wild animals.
• learn to drive a powerful 4×4.
• Take walks in the wilderness and approach big game on foot (always with an armed instructor nearby).
• Wade through a river and feel the cool water on your sun-kissed legs.
• Sitting around the campfire in the evening and having enough time for a few drinks.
• Experience sunrises and sunsets together and capture all these memories with your camera.

You will learn

• Use tracking skills to locate animals.
• lots of interesting facts and skills for protecting our wildlife.
• sleeping outside under the stars of the African sky.
• to orientate and navigate using the markings and traces left by nature.
• how to handle a rifle and practice target shooting.
• drive a robust 4×4 vehicle and acquire off-road driving skills.
• Get to know the night sky and refresh your astronomical knowledge.
• a lot about the animal world.

Course dates 

December 2–5, 2020 – Karongwe
More to be announced

Further information

• For high school graduates, school leavers
• Minimum age: 17
• You should be physically fit and able to walk at least 2 km.
• This five-day stay in the African bush is not for the faint-hearted. You'll need more courage to encounter an elephant on foot or in camp than you do to face a tequila hangover.

Birdwatching as a hobby has gained enormous popularity over the past ten years. Visitors to African wilderness areas often want to do more than just observe big game. The seven-day Birding in the Bush course was developed in response to this development on the ecotourism front.

The course is aimed at nature and bird lovers who want to learn the basics of bird identification or improve their existing identification skills. You will identify a variety of bird species by sight and sound and learn about their biology and ecology. The beauty of South African bird life will inspire you, and after the course you will be delighted to pass on your newly acquired knowledge to your family, friends, or customers.

Contents

• evolution
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Habitats and environments
• Identification of birds
• Bird behavior
• ethics

At the end of the course, all participants will receive an EcoTraining certificate of attendance.

Course dates
February 27 – March 5, 2021 (Makuleke)
October 24 – 30, 2021 (Makuleke)

Further information

• For birdwatchers and bird lovers
• Minimum age 16
• You should be physically fit and able to walk at least 2 km.
• No prior knowledge required

In this 28-day safari guide training course [a condensed version of the accredited EcoTraining Field Guide (NQF2) course], which is unique in the safari industry, you will experience a great bush holiday while learning about the natural environment you are in. For one month, you will live and learn in the wilderness of Karongwe Wilderness Camp, gaining a wealth of practical and theoretical knowledge, as well as an insight into the life and work of a safari guide.

You will learn how to identify and interpret elements of the natural environment. The course is designed to give you the best immersive learning experience in the environmental field while understanding the role and some techniques of a professional field guide. This is a great course for those who are still deciding whether a career as a safari guide is what they want to pursue.

Contents

• Ecology, geology, and soils
• Identification of trees/vegetation
• birds
• Tracking and tracing
• mammals
• Guiding skills (including vehicles and radio procedures)
• arthropods
• Reptiles and amphibians
• astronomy
• Climate and sleeping in
• Bushcraft
• Fish and taxonomy
• grasses
• habitat management
• Historical human habitat
• Basic firearms theory and practical shooting/practice

ASSESSMENTS

There are two tests, a presentation, and an evaluation during the course. These are not mandatory, but they may give you a sense of the purpose of the course. Even if you are not interested in studying, writing, and being tested, please be considerate of those who are taking this course for these purposes.

* Depending on the group, activities and lectures may change based on group interests and sightings. However, lectures and activities are always offered for students who wish to take full advantage of the course structure and experience.

At the end of this course, you will receive a certificate of participation in EcoTraining.

Course date

June 6 – July 3, 2021 (Karongwe)

Further information

• For nature lovers, students spending a year abroad, interns, volunteers, researchers
• Minimum age 16
• You should be physically fit and able to walk at least 2 km.

The Makuleke Concession is the ancestral home of the Makuleke people and the most biologically diverse and scenically attractive area of Kruger National Park. It is located within the Pafuri area, a 24,000-hectare area between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers in the northern part of Kruger National Park. The region is not accessible to ordinary tourists visiting the park.

In 1968, the Makulele community was expelled from this area. However, after a lengthy legal process, it was finally returned to the community in 1998, which was a historic event for South Africa.

The Makuleke Concession is undoubtedly the wildest and most remote part of Kruger National Park. It offers diverse vegetation, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and the best birdwatching in the entire park. It is also steeped in the folklore of early explorers and ancient civilizations.

The landscape surrounding the EcoTraining Camp ranges from the beautiful, calmly flowing Luvuvhu River, which lies in the shade of nyala trees and fever tree forests and is teeming with hippos and crocodiles, to the impressive Lanner Gorge, palm-fringed wetlands, and rocky outcrops with thousand-year-old baobab trees.

All the wildlife you would expect to see in a large national park such as Kruger National Park can potentially be found on the concession. Wild animals such as zebras, kudu, and impalas are common, while lions and leopards are a special sighting. Herds of elephants, some rhinos, African buffalos, nyala antelopes, and even rarely seen animals such as eland antelopes and bush pigs can be observed here.

This part of Kruger National Park is considered one of the best birdwatching areas in the park and is home to rarely seen species such as the fish owl, the three-banded sand run, and the grey-headed parrot.

Weather:
Average maximum summer temperature (October-March): 40˚C
Average minimum winter temperature (April-September): 9˚C

Accommodations Twenty students can be accommodated in comfortable thatched tent rooms, which are located on wooden decks in the shade of large nyala trees. Each room has its own bathroom with shower and sink, running hot water, and a flush toilet, as well as a veranda overlooking the surrounding bush. The camp is not fenced, which means that animals occasionally wander through the camp.

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Karongwe Camp is located on the banks of the Karongwe River (mostly a dry riverbed) in the 9,000-hectare Karongwe Game Reserve, which lies southwest of Kruger National Park. Three rivers flow through the reserve, all tributaries of the Olifants River, which have carved their way through the bedrock and divided the reserve.

The vegetation of the reserve belongs to the savanna biome of southern Africa, with various vegetation zones represented—mixed lowveld and mopane bushland together with grass savanna, riverine vegetation, and rocky outcrops.

More than 60 species of mammals and a rich bird life make for excellent photo opportunities. All cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—as well as elephants and white rhinos are regularly sighted. In the unfenced camp, nighttime visits from other species, such as hyenas, are not uncommon.

Weather
Average maximum temperature in summer (October-March): 40°C
Average minimum temperature in winter (April-September): 6˚C

Accommodations The camp consists of 10 walk-in Meru tents, each with two single beds (students share the tents) and bedding (blanket and pillow) provided. However, you may bring an extra blanket for the winter months and an extra pillow if you wish. There are shared washing facilities and a central common area. The viewing terraces in the central area of the camp are used by many students as their "bedroom" for part or all of the course. The camp itself is not fenced.

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