EcoTraining in Kenya

Ever wonder what it’s like to be an
African Wildlife Ranger?

Experience the “Safari behind the Safari” at
EcoTraining in Kenya!

Experience an introduction to African Wildlife and the Natural Environment, in an enjoyable and exciting way. Your unique EcoTraining course will teach ethical behaviour in natural environments as well as conservation initiatives that everyone can contribute to in their day-to-day life.

The objective is for participants to understand the underlying elements that support this amazing variety of life such as geology, soils, plants, and climate - as well as how both small and large organisms and species interact with one another and their environment.

Learning from the best EcoTrainers & Wildlife Guides in Africa!

ITINERARY
Day 1 – Welcome to the Mara

14:00 Estimated Arrival Time at EcoTraining Mara Eco-Camp
• Upon arrival a safety briefing will be conducted, an orientation of camp as well as an introduction to the staff.
• Participants will be shown to their accommodation, followed by time to settle in and prepare for the afternoon activity (dependent on arrival time).
Afternoon Activity
• A late afternoon Game Drive and Night Drive to introduce the participants to the reserve and the night sky.

Day 2 – Navigation & Orientation

Morning Activity:
• Trail from camp focusing on Navigation and Orientation and how to use nature as a tool to navigate and orientate yourself in the bush and make your way to your midday picnic spot.
Noon Discussion and Practical Experience out in the field:
• Interactive discussion by the instructor based on Navigation and Orientation as well as Bush Skills.
• Discussion topics and practical experiments include basic skills including use of landmarks, sun, compass and maps for Navigation and Orientation.
Afternoon Activity:
• Game Drive, combined with a walk if there are interests, and incorporating general game drive viewing, with emphasis on Navigation and Orientation.

Day 3 –Animal Identification & Behaviour

Morning Activity:
• A morning activity that will either be in the form of a game drive or bush walk.
• Trail from camp focusing on Animal Identification and Behaviour. Emphasis on Mammals, Amphibians, Reptile, Fish and Arthropods.

Noon Discussion and Practical Experience:
• Interactive discussion by the instructor based on Animal Identification and Behaviour.
• Discussion topics and practical experiments to include: Introduction to Mammals, Amphibians, Reptiles, Fish and Arthropods

Afternoon Activity:
• Game Drive, combined with a walk if there are interests, and incorporating general game drive viewing, with emphasis on Animal Identification and Behaviour and extra focus on Big Game Animals.

Day 4 – Tracks, Sign & Trailing

Morning Activity:
• Morning activities in the form of a Bush Walk focusing on Animal Track Identification.

Noon Discussion and Practical Experience:
• Interactive discussion by the instructor based on Introduction to Animal Tracks and Tracking.
• Discussion topics and practical experiments to include:
Introduction to basic Tracks, basic Track Identification as well as basic
Animal Trailing Skills

Afternoon Activity:
• Afternoon activity in the form of a Bush Walk focusing on the topics covered during the midday lecture and incorporating Animal Tracks and Trailing.

Day 5 – Dangerous Game and How to Approach them on Foot

Morning Activity:
• Morning activities in the form of a Bush Walk focusing on the basics of Trails Guiding.
• Discussions on danger zones and reading mammal behaviour.

Noon Practical Experience:
• Interactive discussion by the instructor based on Trails Guiding.
• Discussion topics to include Rifle Handling and Ballistics. How to stop a charging animal on foot, escape routes and planning your Walking Safari.

Afternoon Activity:
• Interactive discussion by the instructor based on Walking and approaching dangerous game on foot – Trails Guiding. A Walking Safari focusing on how to approach animals on foot with emphasis on dangerous animals.
• How to use different mammal & birds calls and their behaviour when walking in the bush.

Day 6 – All good things come to an end

Short activity drive with hotbox for last coffee/tea as the sun rises and provides an opportunity for students to sit in silence and just “be in nature” Return to camp for packing and departure @ 09:00am.

Mara Training Centre, Masai Mara concession, Enonkishu Conservancy

Animals found in the Masai Mara:
Wildebeest, Topi, Zebra, and Thomson's Gazelle migrate into and occupy the Mara reserve, from the Serengeti Plains to the south and Loita Plains in the pastoral ranches to the north-east, from July to October or later. Herds of all three species are also resident in the reserve.

All members of the "Big Five" (Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Black Rhinoceros) are found in the Masai Mara. Hippopotami and Crocodiles are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. Leopards, Hyenas, Cheetahs, Jackals, and Bat-eared Foxes can also be found in the reserve. The plains between the Mara River and the Esoit Siria Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular, Lion and Cheetah.

Temperatures:
The climate is pleasantly warm, with cool nights, all year round. The area is located just south of the Equator, but at an altitude between 1,500 and 1,900 Metres.

The temperatures are slightly higher from October to March, while they are slightly cooler from June to August. At night it can be a little cold, and the temperature can drop below 10 °C (about 50 °F), especially from June to August.

Accommodations:

EcoTraining Optional Upgrade / High End Accommodation…
The Spectacular House in the Wild!

House in the Wild is a welcome retreat for a few days respite while still being “on Safari”. The house was originally a family getaway on the Wood’s commercial farm, but has been restored and lovingly put together by Tarquin and Lippa and their team. Tarquin and Lippa Wood, live 5 minutes away from the house. Tarquin and Lippa are the founders of the Enonkishu Conservancy and the Mara Training Centre.

The mess area and four cottages offer the warmth and rustic charm of a family lodge, with all the home comforts you could ask for. Guests can get away from the beaten track and experience the ultimate exclusive and private safari alongside a meaningful life-changing journey, learning about the inspiring stories of how communities build their livelihoods in harmony with the wildlife of the Enonkishu Conservancy.

House in the Wild consists of four cottages, which can comfortably accommodate a party of 12. It has a spacious and rustic look and feel, with a neat lawn separating each house, a large curved swimming pool in between, and easy access into the wilds beyond. Please note that Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the lodge and a daily laundry service is available.

One of the family suites includes two double rooms with en suite bathrooms, the other a double and twin with a shared bathroom and outdoor shower. Both have a dining area and a lounge. The remaining cottages have one double room each and are located on the bank of the river. The décor in the rooms is light and comfortable. The cottages are semi-canvas, lending themselves to feeling closer to the wild, while at the same time retaining a lovely level of comfort.

House in the Wild is fully catered – There will be a Chef and a Housekeeper to assist.

Included:
Full board accommodation, soft drinks, local beers, non-premium wines and spirits, laundry, airstrip transfers (Ngerende airstrip) and statutory taxes.

Activities Included:
Unlimited game drives in Enonkishu, Ol Chorro and Lemek Conservancies, bush breakfast, picnics, guided nature walks and bike rides within Naretoi, Rhino Sanctuary visits (entrance fees extra and payable direct), community project visits and Sundowners.

Excluded:
Champagne, premium spirits, cellar wines, all extra activities payable direct. Any other park or access fee for conservancies and the (National) Mara Reserve outside of those catered for under activities included. Fly camping on Kileleoni Hill (min 4 pax), extra lunch US$50 per person, hot-air balloons, Maasai homestay, Rhino Sanctuary fees, visit to the Mara Elephant Project, tips and donations

*Special Activities for the Little Future Rangers, too young to attend EcoTraining, may be made at additional costs. They, too, can experience Magical Kenya!

We look forward to sharing the ecoTraining Experience.
Please contact us here for your Kenya Wildlife Adventure!