Safari Guide

about the school

Operating for 24 years, EcoTraining is the pioneer and leader in safari guide and wildlife training in Africa. EcoTraining is widely recognised by the safari industry for its credibility and standard of excellence in nature guide training. We offer accredited career courses, gap year and sabbatical programmes, nature programmes, high school and university study abroad programmes, custom courses and on-site professional guide training at safari lodges. All courses are run directly from EcoTraining’s unfenced bush camps in prime wilderness areas across South Africa, Botswana, Kenya and Zimbabwe. To date EcoTraining has trained over 11 000 people from 33 different countries around the world.

course content

Some subjects covered on the course

• Ecology
• Common Trees and Shrubs
• Animal Tracks and Tracking
• Bird Identification and Behaviour
• Course Information
• Animal Behaviour
• Astronomy
• Orientation and Navigation
• Bush Skills
• Positioning Vehicle for Photography
• Correct Use of Binoculars

start dates

camps

The sleeping arrangements at all our camps consist of two people sharing per tent. Single requests are required to pay double-rates. Women and men do not share tents unless booked as a couple.

Meals

• Early morning wake-up (tea, coffee, biscuits, fresh fruit and cereal)
• Brunch after activity (cooked breakfast and fruit salad)
• Afternoon tea (light lunch/ sandwiches)
• Dinner (balanced, warm plated meal with meat, vegetables and salad)

The Safari Guide course takes place in one of the following camps (depends on start date): Mashatu or Karongwe.

Karongwe Mashatu

transfers

Departure from Johannesburg (1st day of course)
All EcoTraining scheduled BushBus transfers will depart from the Emerald Guesthouse on the first day of a course. The departure time is strictly 7am from the Emerald Guesthouse
Emerald Backpackers/ Guesthouse: (19 Halifax Rd, Kemptonpark)

Participants flying into Johannesburg (international and domestic) are advised to arrive the day before and overnight at Emerald
Backpackers/Guesthouse to ensure all passengers are on time for departure and the bus leaves as scheduled.
The guesthouse is within close proximity to OR Tambo International Airport and if supplied with your flight details, will collect you at no additional charge. They offer a range of accommodation options, to suit your individual requirements and budget. As the Bush Bus departs early morning from Emerald, overnighting at the guesthouse will help simplify your departure.

Please book directly with Emerald Backpackers/Guesthouse on [email protected]

qualifications

At the end of this course, you will be awarded an EcoTraining participation certificate.

price

2020 rate per person (28 days) R66 590

2021 rate per person (28 days) R71 900

Rate includes:

Accommodation (sharing)
Full meals
Tea/coffee
Instructors and Training
Bush walks
Open vehicle drives and specialist trainer/s.

Rate excludes:

Transfers/transport to and from the camp, before and after the course
Any accommodation before and after the course
Beverages (beer, ciders, bottled water)
Kruger National Park entrance fee (only applicable if the course is at the Kruger Makuleke camp)