Nature Learning On Your Feet in South Africa

Walking safaris are about much more than looking for iconic big game, and this is a chance to see why. Spend a week (or two) at a camp in the care of professional guide trainers, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem. 

Operated by Africa's biggest guide training company, EcoQuest is a ‘light’ version of the 28-day Safari Guide course, and includes the basic aspects of the course. So you’ll learn about ecosystem structure – geology, soil, climate and plenty of unusual organisms that contribute to the balance of nature. It’s an overview course that gives insight into the way the natural world works. Participants spend part of each day on foot, as it's essential to cover the whole interconnected web of nature. It's also fun to learn about tracks and trails.

EcoQuest guests can choose between Makuleke, in the remote north of Kruger National Park, or Mashatu in the Kalahari fringe-lands of Botswana, and there are 7 days or 14 days options. The longer course allows time to cover a few more topics, and of course to simply enjoy more time in the bush. Guests are based at camps that are comfortable and functional, sharing spacious 2-bed tents. 

Each day, EcoQuest guests mix walks and drives in prime wildlife areas. Modules covered on the 7-day course are:

• Ecology & Geology
• Bird identification
• Animal ID
• Animal tracks
• Common trees and shrubs
• Astronomy
• Orientation and navigation
• Tips for environmentally friendly living

On a 14-day course, these topics are also covered:

• Bird Behaviours
• Amphibians and their Role
• Animal Behaviours
• Animal Trailing
• Dangerous game knowledge and behaviour

In camp, days start before dawn so that the main field activity can take advantage of the morning conditions. Back at camp, brunch is followed by some classroom work, and there's also plenty of time to relax before the afternoon outing. A highlight of experience is the chance for an overnight in the wilderness (weather permitting).

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Tea, coffee and cordials
• Instructors and training
• Walks
• Game drives
• Other activities (wilderness experience etc.)

• Beverages (beers, ciders, soft drinks)
• Entry to Kruger Park