In November 2021, EcoTraining embarked on a ground-breaking initiative — the Female Nature Guide Training Program — in collaboration with the African Bush Camps Foundation. It was created to specifically address barriers to women entering and succeeding in the male-dominated guiding industry.

The Female Nature Guide Training Program offers full scholarship training at institutions like EcoTraining’s Botswana camp and a two-year experiential learning contract within African Bush Camps.

The program is dedicated to increasing the number of women in the guiding field, creating a more balanced and inclusive industry. It also strives to develop a diverse and empowered community of women in the guiding profession. This transformative initiative represents a noteworthy milestone in breaking down traditional gender barriers that have persisted in the guiding profession.

Since its inception, the Female Nature Guide Training Program has sponsored eight women to become professional safari guides. A further three participants underwent training at Mashatu Camp toward the end of 2023, further solidifying the program’s impact.

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