EcoTraining Fact Sheet
Introduction: Established in 1993 with a mission to raise the standard of safari guiding in Africa, EcoTraining is a pioneer and the leader of formal training programs for African Safari Guides. EcoTraining is owned and operated by Lex Hes and Anton Lategan, who both have years of experience in the African bush. Lex is one of southern Africa’s top professional nature guides and is a successful wildlife photographer and author. Anton has worked as a guide at some of southern Africa’s premier game lodges. EcoTraining programs first and foremost build empathy with, and an understanding of, one of the planet’s last great natural resources – African ecosystems. EcoTraining’s program participants leave with a greater appreciation of the deeper meaning of conservation in our lives.
Official 28-Day Safari Guide Training courses, accredited by the Field Guides Association of southern Africa, take place at EcoTraining’s three private camps and are developed for people interested in a career in ecotourism as game rangers or professional safari guides. These courses are also open to those looking for a greater understanding of Africa’s web of life, digging deeper and going beyond the traditional tourism and safari circuits. EcoTraining also offers a series of shorter nature courses ranging from Wildlife Photography, Birding, Astronomy, Animal Tracking and Bush Walking. These programs are three to seven days in length and are ideally combined with traditional safari vacations in southern Africa as a means to enhance travelers’ experiences of the African bush and learning throughout the experience.
EcoTraining’s Philosophy: EcoTraining’s philosophy is that no one can truly appreciate Africa’s wild places without actually spending time in the wild. Whether looking for professional game ranger training or for a learning vacation with a difference and an opportunity to experience the African bush first-hand – on foot or in open 4x4 game-viewing vehicles, EcoTraining strives to educate and instill the great passion for the African bush in travelers from around the world.
The EcoTraining Experience: During an EcoTraining program, guests will have an opportunity to get “up close and personal” with Africa’s big game, learn to track game, learn about plants, birds, trees and ecology, learn to handle a heavy caliber rifle, take amazing wildlife photography and simply enjoy absorbing nature. Cooks prepare all meals and group sizes are kept small for a very personal, rustic and comfortable experience. All programs include one or two lectures each day in our “bush classrooms” as well as excursions into the remote wilderness areas every morning and evening.
EcoTraining Camps: EcoTraining operates three camps, all of which are totally unfenced and mostly canvas keeping guests “in touch” with the wilderness at all times. With a combined 255 square miles, these three camps ensure a private and personal wildlife experience. In the famed Kruger Park, the Kruger Park Camp lies in the Makuleke concession in the far northern and more remote part of the park. Accommodation is in permanent safari tents on raised wooden decks and covered with thatch in the shade of Nyala trees. Each tent has a verandah overlooking the bush and an en suite bathroom with flush toilet, shower and sink. Selati Camp lies on the banks of the Selati River in the Selati Game Reserve to the west of Phalaborwa, just outside of the Kruger National Park. This camp is the most rustic, featuring classic dome tents and shared bathroom facilities. Karongwe Camp lies to the southwest of Selati Camp in the Karongwe Game Reserve. Accommodation at Karongwe Camp is in walk-in safari style tents with shared bathroom facilities. This area is great for viewing leopard, lion and cheetah as well as elephant and white rhinoceros.
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