Nature Learning On Your Feet in Kenya

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 in Kenya stay at a camp overlooking the Mara river in Enonkishu, a private conservancy that is part of the Mara ecosystem. There is access to a number of adjacent conservancies. EcoQuest has 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. The course is a great fit for wildlife enthusiasts wanting to gain a greater knowledgeable understanding of nature while experiencing East Africa’s wildlife. The Masai Mara EcoQuest course fits perfectly with wildebeest migration and other Kenya travel plans. Participants enjoy daily bush activities on the Mara plains teeming with wildlife; learn to track and trail game; learn about the fauna and flora, study the Kenya night skies and get to know how the ecosystem works.

The Mara Training Camp is comfortable and functional, with shared 2-bed tents and shared ablutions. 

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.)
• Conservancy fees

• Beverages (beers, ciders, soft drinks)
• Day trip and access fee to the Masai Mara National Reserve, Rhino Sanctuary, Mara Triangle, Masai Village
• Transfers to Mara Training Centre