Tracker Experience

About

Walk on the wild side with us as we explore the art of tracking. Come with us and learn how to interpret the signs of the wild and how to safely follow the subtle signals left behind by animals as they move through the bush.

The art of tracking is often referred to as the origin of science. Everything that moves out in the wild leaves a subtle mark or sign to show it has been there. Whether it is a blade of grass blowing in the wind, arthropods going about their business, frogs, reptiles, birds, mammals - you name it, they all leave their very individual signature on the world around them.

Our tracker programme is designed to teach you the unique language of the wild. Reconnect with nature as you spend two  weeks moving through the bush on foot and observing animals without them being aware of your presence. For anyone in the FGASA Trails Guide programme join us to hone your skills and you will be eligible to log mentored hours and encounters with us throughout the two weeks.

What to Expect

Tracking is more than just being able to identify and follow spoor. Take a digital detox with us as you learn how to: navigate without the need for a GPS; treat ailments without needing to visit a doctor; eat and drink without needing to visit a shop.

Our tracker course combines knowledge and interpretation of the tracks and signs of the wild together with survival skills that have been passed through many generations.

On foot, without the disturbance of a vehicle, your appreciation for the landscape, combined with the thrill of moving among the large mammals of South Africa is heightened.

Each course is designed to maximise the opportunities for participant engagement and no prior tracking experience is required. The course is ideal for anyone who is looking to spend time on foot in the South African bush.

Our programmes run with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalised attention and allowing us to adapt each programme to meet the interests of the participants.

The programme will take place in a stunning 28,000+ hectare wilderness area with no other commercial operations currently running on it.

 The reserve is situated close to Mapungubwe National Park, a World Heritage Site, and is home to Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Spotted hyaena, Brown hyaena, Bat Eared Foxes, Aardvark, Hippo, Crocodile, Giraffe, Eland, Zebra as well as a wealth of other general game, hugely diverse birdlife and many, many more species besides!

Unlike most reserves these animals are not regularly interrupted by commercial safari activities and so participants will get to view truly wild behaviour and responses - an unparalleled learning opportunity.

The accommodation boasts: a private waterhole; stunning vistas over the reserve; communal kitchen; comfortable social space with free Wifi; a lecture area; ablutions and braai areas.

The shared twin rooms are air-conditioned and serviced daily. The programme is fully catered and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for each full day, programme participants will join a rota for meal preparation but are well-cared for by a dedicated housekeeping team who take care of all cleaning up and care of the facilities themselves.

Your course will be run by our team of experienced professionals who are dedicated to ensuring participants receive the highest quality experience available.

Vaughan Jessnitz: a CyberTracker Track and Sign Specialist, and a registered FGASA Trails Mentor with an amazing knowledge of the art of tracking and over 15 years of experience in the guiding industry. Vaughan has spent these years working as a professional field guide, tracker, trails guide mentor and field guide trainer. Vaughan has spent thousands of hours on foot in the Southern African bush and brings great knowledge and passion to the courses. Vaughan is well-known for the humour and fun that he brings to the learning environment.

Sophie Barrett: also a CyberTracker Track and Sign Specialist, she has 9 years of experience in the South African bush as a professional field guide, lead trails guide and field guide trainer. Sophie has spent hundreds of hours on foot in the bush, many of which were spent captivated by the signs left behind by its residents. A passionate student of animal behaviour she brings this knowledge to her interpretation of track and sign, and trailing of animal spoor.

What is Included?

The programme Fee includes:

14 days of fully guided trailing training and experience
Access to wilderness area Nature Reserve and all associated conservation levies
Great food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) (please note : snacks and alcoholic drinks not included)
Shared, air-conditioned accommodation
Secure onsite parking facilities

What to Bring:

Good, comfortable hiking shoes
Camera & binoculars
Good quality head torch
Comfortable day backpack which can hold at least 3L of water
Neutral coloured bush clothing (the days are usually quite warm-hot, evenings can get cool)
Books/pens/laptops etc for taking notes & editing photos etc

Book Now