EcoTracker Course (7 Days / 14 Days)

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

What is Tracking?

There are two major aspects to tracking – Track and Sign Interpretation and Trailing (following animal trails).

EcoTracker includes Hunter-gatherer techniques as part of the course. All aspects of tracking take years to master.
Track and Sign Interpretation – this component of tracking looks at the signs left by invertebrates, amphibians, birds, reptiles and mammals. All learning takes place in the field using field-guides, photographs and presentations to supplement practical training.
Trailing – this component involves following tracks to find the animal. Mastering trailing takes years and this aspect of the course requires a relatively high level of fitness and an ability to focus mentally. EcoTracker’s instructors are amongst the best animal trailers in South Africa and we pride ourselves on our ability to teach this complex skill. Students will have the opportunity to practice trailing animals themselves – under the watchful eye of an EcoTracker instructor. Interpreting mammal and bird alarm calls, animal behaviour and assessing the age of tracks form part of the trailing skill set.
Hunter-gatherer techniques – Southern Africa’s indigenous peoples survived off the land for centuries. EcoTracker’s instructors will teach you how to build traps using only natural materials, show you how to find birds nests, water and edible fruits. Through sharing of their experiences growing up in the wilderness, the instructors will immerse students in the wild.

Course Information
7-day course:
This course is designed to give the student a basic understanding of track and sign interpretation. The assessment at the end of the course is endorsed by FGASA for those who wish to try and achieve certification. Depending on the seasonal movement of animals in the area, students may be afforded the opportunity to follow or trail animals on foot.

14-day course:
The longer course gives students the opportunity for a more comprehensive understanding of track and sign interpretation, trailing and hunter-gatherer techniques. The core focus of this course is to spend time trailing animals such as rhino, elephant, buffalo and lion on foot (often dependent on seasonal animal movements). At the end of the course, students can choose to do a fully endorsed FGASA trailing and track and sign course. If arranged in advanced, at an extra fee, students may be assessed on animal trailing skills.

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 Tracking course takes place in Makuleke, Mashatu or Selati (depending on start date).

Selati Makuleke Mashatu

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

FGASA endorsed evaluations – the week(s) culminates with a 2-day evaluation of both tracking components. Depending on the results achieved, the learner will receive a FGASA endorsed tracking certificate.

price

Prices 2024/25

7 Day Course: ZAR 22,850 per person
14 Day Course: ZAR 51,950 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)
• Border crossing fee (only applicable if the course is at Mashatu Camp)
• Animal Trailing skills assessment fee (14-day course only)