Ranger Training in South Africa with EcoTraining

We were trainee rangers and got a behind-the-scenes look at the ranger training at EcoTraining.

Every time I return from South Africa, I am plagued by longing. I want to go back. Back to the wonderful nature. Surrounded by animals and the unique soundscape of crickets, frogs, hyenas, or the bone-chilling screams of a lion. In the wilderness of Africa, I can unwind like nowhere else. This is what they call the 'Bush bug.'

That's why Gesa came to me more than 2 years ago during a joint trip to South Africa: 'You have to visit EcoTraining someday. You will enjoy taking a course.'

For those who don't know Gesa: She has since written 2 bestselling books. One is about how she quit her well-paying job in television and trained as a ranger at EcoTraining. (Book title "Breakfast with Elephants" - I devoured that book.)

Two years and a few conversations with South African Tourism and EcoTraining later, the time had come. We sit on the plane and land in summer-filled Hoedspruit, one of the 'gates' to the Kruger National Park and the adjacent reserves.

We were allowed to participate in a shortened program as bloggers for three days in both the Field Guide Course and Trails Guide Course at EcoTraining. The two camps were located in the Karongwe Game Reserve and Pridelands. Two wonderful places in the Greater Kruger.

EcoTraining is the leading (and in my opinion, the best) provider of ranger and wildlife training (EcoTraining Professional Field Guide course) in southern and eastern Africa. For 27 years, they have been offering training for nature guides here. You can also attend shorter courses if you (like me) do not intend to work as a ranger in Africa long-term. They offer a 7 or 14-day EcoQuest program as well as various birding, wildlife photography, or shorter safari guide courses (1 month).

The great thing is that all courses are conducted directly from EcoTraining's unfenced bush camps in first-class wilderness areas in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. I love it! You can view all courses here. My next one is a 14-day EcoQuest in Kenya. A report will follow, of course.

What is normally only available in luxurious lodges can be experienced daily at EcoTraining. A life in tents without fences, surrounded by nature. Bush walks and game drives where you get closer to wild and less wild animals than anywhere else.

'Which animal made this track? How old is the track? Is it a leopard or a lion? Male or female? In which direction did they go?'

During the taster course (EcoQuest), regular tourists can book the ultimate safari experience. Be in the bush for 5, 7, or 14 days. Often without cellular reception, because it can be done without here.

Nature is the entertainer. Something happens all the time.

At night, hyenas like to sneak around the tents and break into the kitchen. Or like in Karongwe, a powerful elephant, who eats the stock of marulas around the marula tree in the camp. Sweet fruits are their favorite meal.

Instead of alarms in the morning, you hear leopards or hyenas again. Adrenaline shoots through the body at any time, and the heartbeat is always in action.

During bush walks, the best experience on foot, we follow the tracks of elephants, hyenas, or rhinos. You won't get this close anywhere else. Because all participants have one goal: they want to become rangers in Africa.

Students are taught in theory lessons and in practice during bush walks or game drives how to read tracks and follow them. They learn a lot about animal behavior, especially mammals and birds. These are important when you're on foot. Ignoring the alarm calls of an oxpecker? A no-go. You would fail the exam.

Because these calls signal when danger is present in the form of a lion, leopard, buffalo, or rhino.

It is also essential to recognize plants like grasses, flowers, and trees. A complete package that allows one to become a temporary ranger. We learn quickly and absorb everything.

Even in the tent, caution is necessary. One quickly gets used to shaking out shoes, looking under and in the bed for scorpions, snakes, or spiders. Especially at night, one should pay attention to sounds.

Do you love Africa and animals? Do you want to learn more and actively explore the bush?

Then a ranger training or taster course at EcoTraining is just right for you. You will learn to read animal tracks, identify plants and their uses, or practice sneaking up on wild animals.

We learn a lot in the few days. Even though I've traveled southern Africa numerous times, I always learn new things. Those who come here usually have some experience and exposure to Africa. There are hardly any true newcomers to South Africa.

If you want to get a better feel for the bush, EcoTraining is the right place for you. They are the first and thus market leaders in ranger and nature guide training in southern Africa. They are even represented in Kenya now.

We learn that Africa's best trackers and rangers pass on their knowledge to eager students at EcoTraining.

Has your adventurous spirit been awakened? Then there are many opportunities for you to take a course:

The students in the camps are represented across all age groups. From 18-year-old school leavers to retirees or 40-year-olds who have taken a break from work. Everyone is on first-name terms, and the atmosphere is very familial. There's no such thing as being too old. Just be physically fit enough for 2-3 hour walks in the bush.

Everyone has tasks in the camp: from kitchen duty and presenting the food to clearing away or waking everyone early in the morning.

Outside the camp begins the bush. The everyday tracks of hyenas and leopards tell a story. Caution is advised, especially if you need to go to the bathroom at night.

The daily routine is determined by the rising and setting sun. The wake-up call comes before sunrise. The waiting adventure drives away the sleepiness before 5 a.m.

For bush walks or game drives in the morning, one sets off around 6 a.m., as soon as it gets light. That's when the animals are active, just like in the early evening, right before it gets dark. Around 4 p.m., bush walks or game drives start again.

After breakfast, there are theory lessons followed by time to relax, learn, or take a short nap.

Every participant is adventurous, dressed in khaki or earth tones, armed with binoculars or a camera, notebook, and pen.

During walks, the instructor always carries a gun, as does his junior ranger (backup). You hope never to use it. Thanks to a good understanding of animal behavior, this is usually not necessary. There are only a few rules. The most important one: Do not run. Never.

If you encounter a wild cat or elephants, first stay still or slowly back away. But never run.

This helps, even if you have to overcome the urge to sprint away.

You should always be alert, not talk, and be fully aware of your surroundings. Walking in a line is another rule that everyone must follow.

From a safe distance, observing animals is no problem. However, if they show signs of stress, it's better to leave them alone and retreat completely.

More and more Germans yearn for a life in the bush. That's why it's no surprise that we encounter numerous Germans in the courses of EcoTraining. Those who pass the course are offered a six-month contract as a ranger with the prospect of permanent employment.

The taster course starts at around €1000. It includes all transfers, park entrance fees, food at the camp, and all activities according to the program.

You can find more information about the courses on the EcoTraining website

The Karongwe Game Reserve is a 21,000-hectare private reserve in Limpopo, South Africa, just 45 minutes from the world-famous Kruger National Park near Hoedspruit.

In the north, there are numerous lodges, and in the south, the EcoTraining camp. Its location between four rivers makes the Big Five reserve extremely attractive. The wildlife is exciting, and they are very active against poaching here. That's why we also had the opportunity to participate in the dehorning of rhinos (more on that in a separate article).

The camp feels quite large with its buildings that have sun or viewing decks for learning and sleeping. At least compared to the cozy camp in Pridelands. The location on a mostly dried-up riverbed (with a volleyball field) is beautiful. Animals frequently come through and pass by.

A camp that is also located near Hoedspruit and was recently added to EcoTraining's portfolio. The camp feels small and very familial. Because it is located by a dam, animal sightings are almost guaranteed. Elephants especially love cooling off in the water. Many hippos like to make a multi-day stop here. The camp is simple and unpretentious. That's what I particularly like about it.

EcoTraining has more camps in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya. Especially the camp in the northern part of Kruger National Park in Makuleke seems to captivate all students. Unfortunately, we haven't been there yet. There are also Mashatu (Botswana) and Mara (Kenya), which participants say are wonderful places.

I find it hard to believe that there is a camp that isn't wonderfully located. You can tell that many professionals work here and know exactly where the best places for ranger courses are.

After only a few days in South Africa's nature, I feel more secure in the bush than ever. I was never afraid; my adventurous spirit is too great. Even if no animals are sighted, I enjoy every minute in nature. I have a strong desire to stay in the bush for longer in the near future. I just have to take the plunge.

EcoTraining emphasizes conservation and is particularly dedicated to it. That's why I'm grateful that we were able to participate in a dehorning for the protection of rhinos. But that's a story in itself, which I will report on soon.

I know that I will soon be back in the wilderness as a participant, whether in South Africa, Kenya, or Botswana.

I have found my happiest and best way to explore the wilderness of Africa!

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Disclaimer: Philip and I were supported by South Africa Tourism and EcoTraining to experience the ranger course. My love for Africa is genuine. The opinion remains our own. I have been to South Africa 8 times already. And it surely won't be the last!