Courses

1. Lodge Tracker

NQF Level 2 | 66 credits | Duration: 1 Year (Full-Time)

OVERVIEW

The Lodge Tracker Skills Programme introduces students to the art and science of wildlife tracking, bushcraft, and tourism guiding. This foundational one-year course blends classroom instruction with extensive field-based training under the mentorship of experienced tracker instructors. Students gain the ability to interpret animal tracks and signs, understand wildlife behaviour, and navigate natural environments safely and ethically. The course provides a strong foundation for a career in ecotourism, and nature guiding.

Modules & Focus Areas

The curriculum covers:

Track and Sign Identification – learning to recognise and interpret animal tracks and subtle signs.
Trailing – following fresh spoor across varied terrain and mastering orientation skills.
Animal Behaviour and Ecology – developing an understanding of how species interact with their environment.
Nature Guiding Principles – introducing storytelling, communication, and guest interpretation techniques.
Wilderness Ethics and Safety – emphasising responsible wildlife interaction and low-impact field practice.
Walking and Viewing Potentially Dangerous Animals on Foot – learning to approach and observe large or potentially dangerous species safely and respectfully, with emphasis on reading animal behaviour, maintaining awareness, and applying correct guiding protocols in the field.
Practical Fieldwork – extensive real-world experience under professional supervision.
Firearm competency and control (in line with the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000)

Accreditation & Endorsements

This programme is accredited by CATHSSETA at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 2, ensuring recognised national certification within the tourism and conservation sectors. The certificate is also endorsed by FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa).

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates qualify as lodge trackers, equipped to work in leading wildlife lodges, contribute to educational wilderness experiences with guests.

2. Conservation Guardian Tracker

NQF Level 4 | 72 credits | Duration: 1 Year (Full-Time)

OVERVIEW

The Conservation Guardian Programme (also known as Rhino Guardians) prepares students for specialised roles in wildlife protection, anti-poaching, and ecological monitoring. Designed for those committed to conservation enforcement, the course blends rigorous field experience with advanced man-tracking, compliance, and security training. Students gain the skills and discipline required to protect Africa’s wildlife heritage.

Modules & Focus Areas

The curriculum includes:

Animal and man-tracking and spoor interpretation
Conservation guardianship, compliance and law enforcement
Man-tracking and bushcraft
Animal monitoring (specialising in rhino)
Firearm competency and control (in line with the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000)
Private Security (PSIRA) E, D & C certification

Accreditation & Endorsements

Accredited by CATHSSETA at NQF Level 4, with additional certifications from PSIRA and accredited self-loading firearm training providers.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates qualify as Conservation Guardians (or Rhino Guardians), ready to serve as skilled field rangers, compliance officers, and ecological monitors in protected areas across Africa.

3. Lead Tracker (Advanced Tracking)

NQF Level 4 | 65 credits | Duration: 1 Year (Part-Time)

OVERVIEW

Enrolment in the Lead Tracker Programme is by invitation only and limited to candidates who meet the Academy’s advanced eligibility criteria.

The Lead Tracker Programme represents the highest professional qualification in wildlife tracking — a certificate of excellence for trackers with over 10 years of field experience. This advanced course provides intensive mentorship and assessment for those demonstrating expert skills in tracking, guiding, and ecological interpretation.

Modules & Focus Areas

The curriculum includes:

Track and sign identification
Trailing of large carnivores (lion and leopard)
Bird language and alarm calls
Animal behaviour and ecology
Approaching dangerous animals on foot

Accreditation & Endorsements

Accredited by CATHSSETA and endorsed by FGASA, the programme is recognised as a national benchmark for indigenous knowledge excellence and advanced fieldcraft.

Graduate Outcomes

Graduates achieve the prestigious title of Lead Tracker, symbolising exceptional proficiency in wildlife tracking and the conservation of traditional African knowledge systems. Following successful graduation, participants may progress to become mentors, assessors, and senior field specialists within the ecotourism, conservation, and wildlife research sectors.

The course culminates in 10 days of practical and theoretical assessments, evaluating each candidate’s field performance, interpretive accuracy, and leadership as a tracker.

View Details on our Assessment Process

"Tracker Academy’s work aims to prove that wildlife tracking is a legitimate and vital conservation management skill.” Alex van den Heever

Professional trackers trained

%

Graduates deployed into conservation jobs

Hours logged tracking per student

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Enquiries and Contact Details

SA College for Tourism - Tracker Academy

Magazine Hill
PO Box 314
Graaff-Reinet
6280