ECOTRAINING TRACKING COURSE: 12-18 MARCH 2013, KARONGWE NATURE RESERVE (SOUTH AFRICA)

[Ecotraining]

 

What is that, who made it, when was it here, what happened? And if you didn't see it, does it mean it wasn't really here, there or wherever? The questions are endless, but the answers are there as well…

A vast amount of information can be gathered about mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates without ever having seen them. Although this may sound strange, every animal leaves some indication of its presence or passing whereby it can be recognized  And then the “reconstruction” of what could have, would have, should have happened.

To unravel the mysteries of nature even further, book your place on one of EcoTraining’s unique tracking course. There are still places left on the two upcoming courses – 12-18 March (Karongwe Nature Reserve, South Africa) and 10-23 April (Mashatu, Botswana). 

Join one of these courses where you will get the chance to learn the traditional art of tracking at the hands of authentic Shangaan tracker instructors. You will also get a glimpse into ancient skills taught by local African experts. EcoTraining, the renowned field guide and nature guide training company, aims to restore this indigenous knowledge by engaging with some of the last true indigenous experts.

In many areas of our continent, over the past 30 years, ancient tracking skills have disappeared at an alarming rate. With rapid urbanization in Africa, people no longer require the services of the original hunter-gatherers and traditional master trackers. Their deliberate ways of living have been replaced by modern retail selling fast moving consumer goods.

Unfortunately, most of us have lost our tracking skills and therefore become ecologically illiterate.

The good news is that genuine tracking skills and ancient hunter-gatherer techniques can be taught. Tracking is measurable, it can be explained, and therefore can be practiced to a high degree of success. At EcoTraining we are very fortunate to have talented and knowledgeable tracker trainers who passionately teach these valuable skills.

You will be provided with an in-depth animal tracks and tracking course where it will be all about understanding and learning to interpret so much more about the bush and wildlife as you search for, tracks and find game.

The course outline is simple: the bush is the lecture room; the available tracks and sign, trails, and animals are what we work with.  And then the questions, much in the vein of “Right, in the circle, who made that, with which foot, male or female, and how long ago did that animal walk here?”

For the novice a few marks in the sand, may just look like that, nothing more or less.  The master on the other hand, though, will simply bend down on one knee, with the light in just the right place, view the track from all possible angles, and then without doubt identify the phantom animal.

If we've peaked your interest, then put your nose to the ground and follow the signs to www.ecotraining.co.za or send an email to [e-mail] to book your place!