EcoTraining offers wildlife and nature courses that give students an
understanding of wildlife ecosystems and their inhabitants. We provide
students with practical exposure to the diverse aspects of the natural
environment in a big game area under the guidance of an experienced
instructor and tracker. In addition our courses focus on guest
relationship skills and the safe conducting of game drives and walks in a
big game environment.
All courses are based on our successful 28-day “Certificate in Game
Ranging” course which includes the following aspects: plant
identification and medicinal uses of vegetation; identification, ecology
and behaviour of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals; animal
tracks and tracking; communication skills; rifle handling; approaching
dangerous game on foot; and guide-client etiquette. The emphasis is on
getting practical, in-the-field experience.
Whilst our courses are aimed at people who wish to learn about guiding
with a view to entering the tourism industry, they are also suitable for
young people who are looking for a learning holiday with a difference,
with the opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, on foot or
in open 4x4 game-viewing vehicles. To partake in a course of this
nature is an adventure on its own.
For those simply looking for a vacation with a difference, with the
opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand, on foot or in open
4x4 game-viewing vehicles, we offer shorter courses that can be
tailored to the needs of the guest. These courses can vary in length
from 4 days to the full 28 days and are suitable for business people,
holiday-makers, adventurers, and school groups.
EcoTraining’s “Certificate in Game Ranging” is also the practical
component of the Diploma in Game Ranging offered by Allenby
Campus as a full time course (Tel. No. 011-440-7020). This diploma is
accredited by The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa
(FGASA). EcoTraining’s practical course programme is also the
practical component of the Diploma in Game Ranging offered by Intec
College as a distance-learning course (Tel. No. 011-465 2209) and of
the internet-based Wildlife Campus on-line course (Tel. no. 011-465
2209)
EcoTraining now has official interim THETA accreditation.
WildlifeCampus in partnership with EcoTraining
is proud to present the premier qualification in
Game Ranging and Field Guiding.
Featuring 82 interactive Game Ranging courses for the serious, curious
and the enthusiast. Whether you prefer on-line learning or to download
the courses, WildlifeCampus offers you the opportunity to become a
fully accredited Game Ranger. There are no barriers to entry, no due
dates or deadlines, just fun, interactive, expertly written courses that
combine to give students a Certificate in Game Ranging.
The qualification is conferred by Technikon SA and is fully accredited by
FGASA.
The world's most comprehensive Game Ranging Course
is now a click away.
(011) 467 7175 or info@wildlifecampus.com
The requirements to attend the EcoTraining’s 28-day “Certificate in
Game Ranging” practical course are proficiency in English, a Grade 10
certificate or equivalent qualification and a driver’s license. It is
important that students are able to drive competently.
This rapid increase in sophisticated foreign tourists to Africa has led to a
real need for professionally - trained guides to lead tourists into African
wildlife areas.
Eco Training was established in 1993 to provide potential nature guides
with the basic grounding, knowledge and professionalism required to
enter this rapidly growing industry. Since then, hundreds of students
have attended our courses and many of them have gone on to establish
successful careers in the eco-tourism business.
A Dynamic and dedicated team of professional trainers, all experienced
in their fields carry out this exciting course.
EcoTraining is owned by two highly experienced guides: Lex Hes and
Anton Lategan. Lex brings more than 20 years of guiding experience
into the business and is also a successful wildlife photographer and
author. Anton has worked as a guide in some of southern Africa’s top
game lodges and has traveled widely through southern Africa, visiting
most of the remote wilderness areas in the region.
Our Areas of Operation
Since its beginnings in 1993 with a small camp in the Sabi Sand
Wildtuin, EcoTraining has grown from strength to strength and has
undergone a number of changes. We now operate in 3 exciting wildlife
areas.
1.The Selati Game Reserve is a large 30 000 ha privately-owned game
reserve situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa between the
towns of Gravelotte and Mica. Our camp is situated on the south bank
of the historical Sabi River and we have access to the full 30 000 ha of
the reserve which incorporates a variety of habitats from pristine riverine
vegetation to magnificent ranite hills. The camp consists of bow tents in
shady parts of the bush, shared ablution facilites and a central
communal area. There is accommodation for 20 students at a time.
2.Formerly known as Karongwe, the Edeni Game Reserve is a
9 000 ha privately-owned game reserve situated in the Limpopo
Province of South Africa just north of the Olifants River at the foot of the
Drakensberg mountains. There are magnificent views of the
Drakensberg mountains from various parts of the reserve. We have
access to the full 9 000 ha of the reserve. The camp consists of walk-in
Meru-style safari tents and shared bathroom facilities with
accommodation for 10 students at a time.
3.The Kruger National Park, Makuleke Concession, is 25 000 ha,
situated in the north between the Limpopo and Levuvhu Rivers. This is
a historical piece of land whereby this pristine wilderness area was
returned to its rightful owners, the Makuleke community of the Limpopo
Province. In addition this area will become the epe-center of the new
Transfrontier National Park which will straddle the countries of South
Africa, Zimbabwe and Mocambique. EcoTraining is involved in the
training of field guides in the Makuleke community. This camp is still to
be built, but there will be accommodation for 20 students at a time.
For further information on these and other offers, please contact our
offices directly at +27-13-744 9639