Price
2,669 USD
* (See price tab)
Course Type
Short Course
Country
Botswana, South Africa
Duration
14 Nights
Location
Makuleke Concession Pafuri
The EcoQuest course is designed to provide an ecological learning experience by incorporating certain aspects of the 28 day Safari Guide course. It is primarily aimed at those who are looking for a more in-depth bush learning experience, but who do not necessarily have four weeks to break away from work obligations. It consists of two components – learning about the fascinating elements of nature and how each are carefully interconnected to one another in a specific region, while at the same time experiencing some aspects of typical safari guide training.
general information
Why do the course?
If you are an adventurous spirit wanting to gain a greater understanding of nature and the environment, whilst experiencing the excitement of the bush, then EcoQuest is for you. If you are a student testing the waters for a career in this field, join this course. In addition, we show you how to drive a 4×4 vehicle, to identify common birds, plants, trees, tracks and how to track game.
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 NavigatioBn
- Bush Skills
- Positioning Vehicle for Photography
- Correct Use of Binoculars
start dates
9 November 2024 - 22 November 2024
22 December 2024 - 4 January 2025
15 March 2025 - 29 March 2025
6 July 2025 - 19 July 2025
31 July 2025 - 13 August 2025
14 November 2025 - 27 November 2025
22 December 2025 - 4 January 2026
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 Ecoquest course takes place in one of the following camps (depends on start date): Makuleke, Mashatu or Karongwe.
transfers
Scheduled Bush Bus Transfers
There will always be a scheduled transfer for the start and the end of all EcoTraining courses. These transfers come at an additional rate.
Departure from Johannesburg (1st day of course)
All EcoTraining scheduled Bush Bus transfers will depart from the Emerald Guesthouse on the first day of a course. The departure time is strictly 7am from the Emerald Guesthouse. Please arrive at departure point no later than 15 minutes prior to departure.
Participants flying into Johannesburg (international and domestic) are advised to arrive the day before and overnight at Emerald Guesthouse to ensure all passengers are on time for departure and the bus leaves as scheduled. Please book directly with Emerald Guesthouse on info@emeraldguesthouse.net.
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.
Drive time (from the relevant EcoTraining Camp):
- From Selati or Karongwe: approx. 5 hours
- From Botswana: approx. 7 hours
- From the Makuleke Concession (Kruger National Park): approx. 7 hours
Departure from Camp (Last day of course)
All EcoTraining scheduled BushBus transfers will depart from the relevant EcoTraining camp on the last day of a course. The departure transfer time is strictly 8am from all camps.
Please expect a late afternoon arrival back in Johannesburg. Drop off can be arranged at OR Tambo International Airport or Emerald Guesthouse only. Please book late evening flights (preferably 20h00 and onwards). Alternatively, please arrange post course accommodation at Emerald Guesthouse.
qualifications
All course participants receive an EcoTraining certificate of participation.
price
Price 2024
ZAR 47.650,00 per person
Price 2025
ZAR 50.500,00 per person
*Please note that the official price for this course is in ZAR as above. Any other currency price for this tour is merely indicative. The ZAR price will be converted to your preferred currency using the exchange rate on the date of invoice.
Price includes:
- Accommodation (sharing)
- Full meals
- Tea/coffee
- Instructors and Training
- Bush walks
- Open vehicle drives and specialist trainer/s.
Price 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)
A career change, a gap year or simply a different adventure?
With courses ranging from a few days to a full year, the education and training programs are suitable for both those who simply want to enhance their safari experience by becoming knowledgeable about the African environment and those that want to prepare for a career in the field.
