So
many things to do, so little time… Therefore the EcoTraining 28 Day Safari Guide course from 26 November-23 December is just the
right way to make 2013 a year to remember.
From
three of our wilderness camps – Mashatu
(Botswana), Karongwe, Selati (South Africa) – you will experience an
unrivalled bush holiday whilst learning about the environment in a unique and
exciting way. It is for those that are passionate about nature,
who would like a more in-depth experience and understanding of it. The
knowledge you gain on this course will take your safaris and bush holidays to
the next level and give them a whole new meaning.
You will also get to immerse yourself in the unique
animal and plant life of three different reserves on this specific course – each
with its own sense of allure.
And experiences like this,
described by a course participant, won’t be out of the ordinary…
“We were about to sit down for dinner when
we heard a lion roaring just outside of camp. We hopped into the Land Rover… It
was a lone lioness and she called several more times while walking past the
camp, attracting the attention of several spotted hyenas.
Continuing a feud
as old as time, three hyenas came looking for her and found her, while five
more circled around behind. She held her
ground until the hyenas attacked, and then she let out a ferocious snarl and
swiped at one of them before running for the nearest nyala tree. The hyenas
followed in pursuit and stalked around the tree.
The next morning,
tracks showed that two male lions eventually joined the fray, probably
dispersing the hyenas, allowing the lioness to come down.”
Here’s a diary snippet from
another fortunate participant to whet the appetite…
“Lions were spotted just across
camp! We followed the tracks and found five lions after one hour of walking.
What a great experience! The cubs were playing around but at the same time also
very alert. The female started growling at us, swishing her tail. Eventually
they all started growling at us. We had an awesome sighting and had to back out
because of the alertness, growls and warning signs. We continued the walk away
from them. And then, to top it all, we also saw a bat eared fox! Not to mention
the many kudu and impala in the riverbed and the vultures in the sky. It was a
lovely walk in the cool breeze.”
And if that
wasn’t enough…
“The sun was setting rapidly, and as darkness descended
the radio call came in: ‘There are lions in camp! They are close to Tent 13!’
We raced off back to camp after I instructed all the guys in camp to gather in
the main lecture area or to stay in their tents. As we approached the camp, we
decided to go and see exactly where the lions were, and how many there were so
that we could make a judgement call as to what the next plan of action would be.
As we came around the corner,
there they were; 3 of them, sprawled out in the middle of the pathway leading
from the instructor’s tent to tent 13. It was a lioness and her sub-adult
nephew and niece. They were quite relaxed before the young male got up and
walked to tent 12. As he disappeared out of view we kept on looking at the
older lioness who was very relaxed with in our company.”
So come on, what are you
waiting for? Get in touch and book your place – 26 November-23 December – Mashatu, Karongwe, Selati – Email enquiries@ecotraining.co.za.
(Thank you Agnes van der
Heijde for the photos!)
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