Meet Simone Ruf, a Swiss nature lover who has spent this past 6 months with us thriving in completing her Apprentice Field Guide and Apprentice Trails Guide course. Simone’s passion for nature conservation shines through her in this video. Watch it to find out some of the incredible times she has had as Ulovane from lioness procedures to being on foot with elephant herds. We are sad to see Simone leave but with her determination and strong will, we are sure that we will see her concurring the world on the news one day!

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡, 𝐚 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐆𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐱𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞. Rob shares with us how his passion has grown through completing his FGASA qualifications through Ulovane and gaining experience as a guide on Amakhala Game Reserve. Rob’s dream is to save the world by touching people’s hearts and changing fears into love, watch this video to find out how! Robert’s sister Tammy is currently completing her Apprentice Field Guide course with us at Ulovane, the Smiths are definitely a huge part of the Ulovane family and it has been a pleasure to have them. Both Robert and Tammy have been bursary candidates of the Ulovane/Amakhala bursary program, they both absolutely deserve this bursary and have proved this to us with their hard work and dedication to Amakhala Game reserve. 𝐑𝐨𝐛 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐓𝐮𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 – 𝐠𝐨 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭! 𝑂𝑛𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑈𝑝𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑑𝑠 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒!

Ulovane Alumni, Vera completed her Apprentice Field Guide and Apprentice Trails Guide qualification with us at Ulovane in 2015 and has not stopped reaching goals since then! In this video, Vera shares her experience as a field guide and how she has now taken on an incredible project at Imire Rhino Foundation. 🦏

Meet Anathi, a bright young lady from the Eastern Cape who was given the opportunity to complete her Apprentice Field Guide Course with us in October 2020 and she embraced this opportunity with open arms. With the help of the Wilderness Foundation Africa and hard work, Anathi is now one step closer to following her dreams! Anathi’s enthusiasm for nature shines through in this video as she shares her background story and how she plans to make a difference in her community by spreading awareness to those around her. The world needs more Wildlife warriors, passionate, dedicated people, like Anathi! We are excited to see her vision and mission in motion!! You go, girl!

Connect with Maddie Turner a British lass that escaped city life and is now a full-time bush fairy! Maddie was one of our first students to complete our 15-Week Connect Online & Onsite Course. Here, she completed her 10-Week theory course online and then joined us for our 5-week practical onsite course where she completed her Apprentice Field Guide qualification like a champion! Maddie is involved with a neighboring reserve where she hopes to get more involved as a guide, and conservationist spreading her knowledge and newly gained skills with like-minded people! In this video, Maddie shares how she experienced online learning, what a difference it made being able to take part in a more flexible, diverse way of studying, and also how her love for nature grew throughout the whole onsite course at our Ulovane Campus!

Dominic Cory, ex-Grey boy, passionate wildlife photographer, and an all-around great guy. Dom joined Ulovane in June 2020, right in the middle of these crazy COVID times, he was not going to let a global pandemic dull his dream of becoming a guide and gave 110% during his time with us! Growing up with a strong love for nature, we watched as Dom’s love grew in immense amounts throughout his course with us! After completing his Field Guide, Trails Guide, and Marine Guide course, Dom began his 6 months placement at Sibuya Game Reserve where he hopes to develop and grow his guiding skills. Dom shares with us in this video how he found Ulovane and why it ended up being one of the best experiences of his life so far.

𝕌𝕝𝕠𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕖 𝔸𝕝𝕦𝕞𝕟𝕚 – 𝕎𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕪 𝕟𝕠𝕨? This is Roelof Wiesner from HillsNek Safari Camp! Roelof completed his Apprentice Field, Trails, and Marine Guide course with us in July 2017 and went straight into guiding full time just next door on Amakhala Game Reserve! As a photography enthusiast, Roelof is very in tune with nature and how to portray it to his guests. This won him Amakhala guide of the year in 2019! In this video Roelof shares some behind the scenes of working at a lodge and how it has changed his life! This is Roelof Wiesner from HillsNek Safari Camp! Roelof completed his Apprentice Field, Trails, and Marine Guide course with us in July 2017 and went straight into guiding full time just next door on Amakhala Game Reserve! As a photography enthusiast, Roelof is very in tune with nature and how to portray it to his guests. This won him Amakhala guide of the year in 2019! In this video Roelof shares some behind the scenes of working at a lodge and how it has changed his life!

Meet Adriaan Buitendach who completed his courses with us amidst the 2020 madness, and still opted to stay on for an additional Trails Guide course after he completed his Marine Guiding! Adriaan has grown in leaps and bounds in his journey over the last year with us! When he started in January last year, he was incredibly shy and remained far away from any cameras! As you can see for yourselves, however, the personal growth he has made has been tremendous. In this video, Adriaan has shared his growth and best memories of his year with Ulovane! Adriaan, you have an incredibly bright future ahead of you!

Meet Hannah Du Plessis, one of our 2020 survivors! Growing up on the Manyeleti Game Reserve, Hannah has always had a strong connection and love for nature which shone through her during her course with us at Ulovane! After completely her Field Guide, Trails Guide, and Marine Guide courses with flying colors, Hannah plans to conquer the guiding industry one conservation project at a time! In this video Hannah shares some of her favorite experiences at Ulovane and how it has deepened her passion for nature.

Meet Craig Stretch from Quatermain’s 1920’s Safari Camp here on Amakhala Game Reserve! Craig is a previous 𝐀𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐚 – 𝐔𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 candidate who completed his Apprentice Trails guide course here. He has gone on to be the first Trials guide to successfully complete the 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢𝙢𝙚 on Amakhala. In the video below, Craig has shared with you all a bit about himself, where he is today, what he has learned in his journey so far and some 𝐧𝐮𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝 to future candidates looking at a career in guiding!

Where do I start? What a year it has been! I started my Ulovane experience on the 7th of July 2019, joining them with their one-year course. It was the best experience I have ever had. l have learned more than I could ever imagine. I have left Ulovane with very valuable lessons and I carry them with me every single day. Ulovane has motivated me to live my life to the fullest, to go out there and learn as much as I can about our environment. If it wasn’t for Ulovane I wouldn’t be where I am right now, doing the things I am doing. In this industry, guides, conservationists, or anybody working with our wildlife, love to tell stories about their experiences, and I always start my stories with “When I was at Ulovane”. Words cannot describe how grateful I am. The love, passion, and commitment we receive at Ulovane is one of a kind. There is no better place out there. Ulovane didn’t just take care of me during my time on campus, but they checked up on me after the course too. They were always there when I had a question or a problem. I truly feel part of a family, and I’m sure you can ask any other student and they will tell you exactly the same thing. I have since Ulovane, gained more experience and knowledge and I am ready to return soon to further my Studies. There are only two words that come to mind when I think about Ulovane, and it’s Thank You. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart See you soon!! (July 2019)

”It would be a great injustice to be brief in sharing my appreciation for this place. Firstly, you can qualify to work in a sector that is constantly growing and changing. No matter where you work in the world – what you gain from Ulovane is unique and valuable. The environmental sector is under constant pressure and working in such an area secures a brighter future for it and those that depend on it. Protected areas need guides and rangers, who then depend upon guests for income. These guests can then be educated into supporting conservation causes. Without places like Ulovane, how else can this be achieved? Maintaining the relationship between people and the environment is crucial to protecting both. The approach that Ulovane has towards education is in no way linear. It’s diverse. It’s being on a game drive at 4 am to find Lions. It’s sitting an exam in the morning and camping out under the stars the same night. It’s the finest details in the track of an elephant and watching dolphins swim alongside the boat you’re touring on. The growth of each student was made an obvious goal to me on the first day I arrived back in 2017. Guiding is a personal experience to everyone involved, and channeling a passion into a job isn’t always easy. What may be surprising is that some students don’t study at Ulovane only to become guides, they’re actually there just for the experience itself. Not only do you spend your time with the instructors, but you’ll also meet guides that work on neighboring reserves; providing the best insight into the industry that you can possibly get. Not only do I have incredible memories from my time at Ulovane, but I’m lucky enough to have great friendships with the instructors. Both visits I’ve made have been wonderful, and I know they won’t be my last. If you’re in a position to spend time there, please don’t hesitate. It’s really an experience like no other, and Ulovane deserves all the support it needs to be here for the long run.” Best wishes, totsiens 🙂 (2017 Apprentice Field Guide Course & 2019 Environmental Explorers Experience)

First off I just want to say thank you again to everyone at Ulovane. The experience that you’ll have at Ulovane is absolutely amazing and you’ll remember them for a long time. Like on guides when we went on a drive with Schalk and we saw the 2 lions mating and when they took a break the female all of a sudden got up and started walking straight toward us, I was on the tracker seat and had to climb over the bonnet to get into the vehicle and then had them mating right outside the vehicle and on trails when we had the one elephant family walk trough our campsite on the second night of our sleep-out, it took about 4 hours for all of them to go past and drink water and then leave again and I no one really slept during that period of time and then also finding not once but twice striped polecat tracks which was really amazing. I feel that I have grown so much during both the courses, especially during the apprentice trails course, and with that, I have now found what I am really passionate about. From that first game drive with Justin to my last walk with Pieter, I have enjoyed every second. From the food that Jacques makes, which is absolutely lovely, to the conversations we have in the classroom, to the incredible game drives on Amkahala, and the magic experiences on our trails guide walks. (January 2020)

Thank you so much for looking after Veer this year. He has loved it and now knows what he wants to do for the rest of his life! Hopefully, he gets the breaks to do that. It has been such a difficult year for most people so Veer’s time at Ulovane has been very positive. He has clearly learned so much and grown emotionally. I hope the rest of your year goes well, with best wishes, Roger Bills.

I attended Ulovane early in 2019 and completed the field guide and back-up trails guide courses. I can say that those 17 weeks were some of the most enjoyable times I’ve ever had! The staff and instructors are incredibly professional, friendly and helpful. The lectures are very informative and interesting in helping you learn and prepare for assessments at the end of the courses! The campus is beautiful and the accommodation very comfy! Would 10/10 recommend to anyone looking for the best time of your life!

My time at Ulovane was life-changing. I spent my entire student life interested in wildlife, getting a lot of information through books and research papers that allowed for a lot of facts to be stored in my head, but at Ulovane, I found a way to look at the world through different eyes. I managed to get a perspective that is impossible to read from a book. For that I have to thank all of the teachers that were with me during my stay there; their passion is contagious. Even after all of the time spent in the reserve seeing things like zebras quite often, every single one of them showed me a different way of looking at the same animal. It’s so exciting to be able to be constantly learning every single day of the course! By the end of the course, what I took away is that the more I learnt, the more excited I was to learn more, to be curious, and to respect and be ethical in that process. I would like to thank the Ulovane team for helping me in my journey.

I just want to start by saying, Thank you, to absolutely every staff member of the Ulovane family. I say family because that is what they are there, and that is what you become when you go through the Ulovane training course. I started my journey a little scared as it was the first time I had been so far away from home, but as soon as I walked into those doors I felt as if I had lived there and known everyone for my whole life. Ulovane is the best decision I have made in my life so far. I got to meet amazing people and make life-long friends that no matter how long you don’t see each other, as soon as you do it is as if not a single day has gone by. I am speaking from experience when I say that the Ulovane family will always be there for you when you need a helping hand, even when your courses are finished. The knowledge that you will acquire is nothing compared to the better understanding and respect you will learn for animals and the environment as a whole. I just want to say that if I had one time I could go back to and experience everything all over again, it would be my time at Ulovane. Everybody there in one way or another changed me into a better person and I am forever grateful. (April 2018 1 year Course)

All I can say is “thank you!” Ulovane has taught me so much over the past 5 months. It is life changing to be there. Looking back I cannot believe how much I have learnt in just 17 weeks about big animals and small things. I started with almost no knowledge of nature and now when someone mentions a snake or a plant I have information just popping into my mind. It is an amazing experience. You are guaranteed to fall in love with the place, no matter what! The green way of living has given me a completely new perspective on what is necessity. It is hard work, don’t think that it is a holiday, but you also have loads of fun learning. It was one of the best adventures I have ever taken! (January 2018 19 Week course)

Worldwide Experience held my hand through the greatest transition of my life so far… They introduced me to Ulovane Environmental Training, and nothing has been the same since. Changing pace from a busy London environment to the tranquil bush of the eastern cape was a smooth transition thanks to Candice and Schalk, and their amazing team who are an asset to not only Ulovane but the guiding industry. Their guidance and knowledge has given me the tools and enabled me to now be a field guide at a ‘Big 5’ 5-star luxury lodge, 2 years after completing my course. My qualifications have also taken me to Zululand, working as a marine guide. As an international student, I was doubtful of employment but with their influence, I had the drive to make it happen! That is the secret to their success, raw passion. Schalk Pretorius is one of the most inspiring people I have ever encountered. His knowledge is second to none, as well as how his applies this to educate and lead the Ulovane team and their students. Their facilitators Shani and Piet will give you the vision to see past the books in class and to learn to read the bush and interpret at your best ability. We are always encouraged to question and grow. The Ulovane family continues to grow, and you will always be a part of the family. Myself and my fellow classmates are still in regular contact with each other, and we travel around the world to visit each other. You gain so much more than just a qualification with Ulovane. My life would never be the same if I had not taken the leap, and rolled with the anxious feeling of change.. you are in the best hands, and just let nature take its course. You will never regret it, and become part of something that will last a lifetime! Thank you to Claire at Worldwide for helping me through the process, all the way up to my graduation where we had the pleasure of meeting after countless emails and phone calls. (April 2017 Field and Marine Guide student) Courtesy of our partners, Worldwide Experience. Thank you, ladies, for your hard work and support!

A special thanks has to go out to Justin, Shani, Piet, and Koen for helping us through the last 10 weeks and giving us the fantastic knowledge we have gained along the way. All the Jokes and life stories from you all kept us going and kept the spirits high although times got tough. Thank you to Mamma Joyce and Mamma Thabs for taking care of us! A very special Thank you to Tatum for being there for everyone as moral support and for managing the media, not only were you a support figure you became a fantastic friend to us all. Thank you to Candice and Schalk without you we would not have been able to experience this great adventure and make our dreams come true. From all of us, the 2018 January Field Guide Class Thank you all and we hope to continue to use the knowledge you have given us and to always have you special people in our lives going forward. (January 2018 One Year student)

Guide and now ending in September as a Marine Guide. My heart is filled with both joy and grief that my time at Ulovane Environmental Training has come to an end. Joy on that I have gained so much knowledge and cannot wait to share it with the world and grief in that I leave the ones that have made an important impact in my life. My journey started on the 8th of April where I walked into a familiar yet strange place. After a couple of weeks had gone by I settled in nicely and had made friends with all the students. The workload was a difficult task to keep up but by the end of 10 weeks, it all came in hand with me graduating as a field guide and 3rd in my Class. It was a heartfelt goodbye to many of the students but an awakening adventure to come. After 3 weeks of holiday at home, the 7-week Trails Course begun. I was really nervous and had second thoughts about this course knowing I wasn’t prepared to encounter animals on foot. After some encouragement from the instructors and fellow pupils, I decided to continue. The experience was the best!! The early mornings and all the walking was worth it. Unfortunately, the girls of the course didn’t pass the ARH assessment but we know we will be back for that lion charge. This course taught me some mental challenges that I’m glad I was able to overcome and I learnt that I am capable of doing anything if I put my mind to it. The final course to end off the 6 months was the Marine Guiding course. It’s amazing how much can be learnt in such a short time. This course makes you see the beach/ocean differently and opens your eyes to so much more. To my fellow 3 students who have been on the journey with me since day one, fly and soar those wings of yours in following what you really desire and love. To Terence and Kristi who joined us for the Marine Course, thank you for the endless laughs and encouragement. I wish you all the best for the future and hope our paths cross soon for a catch-up. To the Ulovane Team, as I write this blog with a heavy heart I am so happy and proud to have studied with you. There are no words to describe the feelings I have experienced while studying here for 6 months. I am beyond grateful to have experienced all that I have accomplished in these past 6 months. I thank you for the love, support, laughs, adventures, lessons, encouragement and always assisting the needs of the students. But most importantly I thank you for being my Ulovane family. As we bid our farewells, go our different ways and leave the Ulovane gates, we leave behind the memories we shared, the footprints we walked and the people who had an impact on our lives but always knowing this will be our second home Again I thank you Ulovane and wish you all the best of luck for the future. “Today is the day! Your mountain is waiting…..so get on your way!”- Dr Seuss (April 2018 1 year student)

Thank you for ‘convincing’ Rogan to stay on in the Eastern Cape and for arranging the interview (and appointment!) at Leeuwenbosch. Rogan is so excited and he couldn’t have wished for a place better suited for him, and Mike and I are extremely pleased to know that he will stay being part of your Ulovane/Amakhala family! It is also comforting for us to know that the support (professional and emotional) is around the corner – something easily underestimated. What a fantastic opportunity you, Schalk and the phenomenal Ulovane team made possible for him – thank you, thank you! Kind regards (Mom to Rogan July 2017 6 month course)

I was one of the lucky ones to attend the 10-week level one course at Ulovane in April 2017. I know that people say this time and time again when reviewing something or writing a testimonial but in this case, I have to say it and when I say it, I truly mean it but… WOW! I didn’t quite know what to expect on the course but I had a feeling that it was going to be one of the most memorable and exciting things I have ever experienced. they say that you’re gut feeling is never wrong, in this case, it was very far from wrong. Day one when you arrive you’re warmly welcomed by Ulovane’s amazing team of unbelievably knowledgeable instructors (and let’s not forget Ulovane Master chefs Mama Thabs, who is the Queen of the kitchen and Jacques, who sure knows how to spice up your life ?). Day one is also the day where you get to meet all your fellow students and the people you will be living with for the next 10 weeks. You will feel like you’ve never introduced yourself to so many people and you will definitely be self-conscious of your name after repeating it to so many different people in such a short space of time (hahaha). Repeating your name so many times means that you get as long of a list of names that you will try your hardest to remember, my suggestion is don’t stress about names, it took us all a week before we knew everyone’s names. A thing that I was most fascinated by is the fact that men and women of all ages from various parts of the world all gathered in this one small part of the Eastern Cape and we all shared one thing in common, we all had a passion and a thirst to learn as much as we could about the flora and fauna in the natural environment around us. Oh and let’s not forget the fact that we all wanted to achieve the qualification in Guiding, that comes with the thirst for knowledge. Over the period of the course, you do admittedly go through the various stages of highs and lows. From the stress of exams to learning 40 different bird calls or having to identify and provide medicinal uses of various plant species found on the reserve. You however get to experience incredible highs of waking up and leaving camp by 6am to reach a certain lookout point that sits above the clouds in order to watch the sunrise which casts a golden sheet over the clouds below you and even the excitement leaving camp after dinner to go swimming in the ice-cold dam in search of frogs for your amphibian practical. The highs heavily outweigh the lows, you get to experience so much you never ever dreamed of or imagined doing, like getting involved in a buffalo capture, watching a pair of lions mate metres away from you and even accumulating a really long list of tequilas after stalling the game viewers (one girl got over 20 tequilas but don’t worry, we don’t end up taking the tequila shots haha). Going through everything with the people that you’re with definitely cements lifelong friendships. You end up with the most amazing support system of friends and instructors that will help you through thick and thin for the rest of your life. The Ulovane campus is green and “off the grid.” It’s situated on a Ridge overlooking the AmakhalaGamee Reserve which is known for it’s Big 5 and it’s also the reserve where we do all our gain all our practical experience, through game drives, canoe trips and bush walks. However, the Ulovane reserve is free of any dangerous game which allows students to explore the natural environment on their own or with friends. I often went off on my own to explore and discover new things when I needed a break from camp and a little alone time. A couple of us students all got together and formed a running club where we’d run different routes around the farm, on these runs we’d often surprise a herd of unsuspecting zebra or impala. Having this freedom to explore nature really contributes to the experience as a whole. As I mentioned Ulovane is off the grid, before life in camp I was always aware of green living but I never really practised it. After living green (recycling, practising different sustainable living practices every Saturday and bring exposed to various other methods of greener living) for 10 weeks and practising ethical guiding I have developed a passion for practising greener, environmentally conscious methods and I strive to promote greener living as well as ethical guiding. Not many guides realise the importance of guiding ethically, your impact on the environment during a guided experience should always be considered because without the natural environment you don’t have a job and most importantly you lose what you’re passionate about. Life in camp honestly becomes home, after a while, you start calling camp home. After graduating, I went to visit a couple of weeks later and when I walked in my first thought was I’m home again.. I recently chatted to a guide who graduated from Ulovane a few years back and he had said that he has never met an Ulovane student who has not been passionate about the academy. He then went on to say that he had never met a student who graduated from another training Academy in the country that has been as passionate about their training Academy as an Ulovane student is about theirs. So if you’re looking for an amazing wildlife experience, a chance to make lifelong friends, an opportunity to learn amazing new things about the Bush and to go on one of the wildest, most entertaining rides of your life, I can only suggest one place and that’s Ulovane Environmental Training. P.S. Imagine sitting around a crackling campfire (after a long day out on drive where you got to see some graceful ballerina like elephant browsing on some picture perfect African thicket and young cheetah cubs with their tear-stained faces happily play fighting, honing the much-needed skills needed for their futures) with some amazing people while listening to the wild sounds of the African bush after dark. Ulovane…

There really are no words to express my gratitude and happiness for having been introduced to this environmental training centre, and the pride of which I feel for having completed my nature field guide training through Ulovane. What they offer is so well rounded and all-encompassing, often going completely above and beyond the stipulated quota of what it is we ‘need to know’. I really have conservation and education very close to my heart, for I believe this is exactly where our world is falling short; if you are educated on something, then you have the chance to positively make an impact. It was heartening to be involved with some local communities in the area, as well and being able to get real physical and practical with conservation work on the reserve and in surrounding areas too. There are not many more things more rewarding than being able to physically see a difference one has made by just a little bit of attention and care. One of the biggest things that struck me about Ulovane is the attention to the detail they put into every aspect of the course. And for me, that’s important, because, at the end of the day, the Little things ARE the big things! There is such a support structure that comes with living at Ulovane, it’s home from the second you walk in the door! When I arrived there, I knew I was in for an incredible journey, but I have left these 10 weeks a different person to the one who walked in on the 9th of July! The personal growth and life lessons I have gained were definitely not bargained for – but that’s exactly what makes it so beautiful! We were a small course, one of the smallest yet for field guides, but the instructors made each and every second worth our while, most times doing so much more than was required! For that, I am so very grateful because of the exposure we’ve had in just two short months. I can’t compare any other training centre to this; I don’t need to. We always end up where we’re meant to be, and not for one single second do I believe I would have gotten a better start to my career anywhere else, than what I have gotten here. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the laughter, the tears, the hard work, the cement mixing, the braais, the walks, the drives, the lessons, the banter, but most of all, for the love and support you’ve shown us! You’re moulding strength and wisdom into many young people, I hope we go forth into the industry and make you all proud! If you have the chance to make a difference, even by just putting a smile on someone’s face, do it – The world needs more of that! Kind regards (July 2017 Six months course)

I came to Ulovane on a 4-week program designed for Savannah/Wet Tropics guides in Australia. We participated in class and practical training for field, trail and marine guides. It was very interesting to witness the new generation of guides ” in the making”. I was full of admiration for the professionalism, dedication and deep knowledge of the trainers and impressed with the range of subjects thought during the courses. Every day brought a new adventure, something new to learn and discover. Never a dull moment, like in a big family in a lively household where through character building experiences people bond, form friendships, awareness expands. Exceptional trainers: Shani, Peter, Justin and the adopted parents: Candice and Schalk, people with passion and deep respect and feel for bush and nature. And “behind the scenes” heroes: Jacques, Mamma Thabs and Joyce who were keeping us well fed and clean. Thank you to the Ulovane team for an awesome experience. – Sylvia Pecinska (May 2017 Savannah Guides)

From the moment I stepped out of the plane and into Eastern Cape. I knew I was in for an amazing adventure. However, I didn’t realise the magnitude of the experience that I was about to receive from Ulovane Environmental Training. After the meet and greet, I was ready to settle in at Eastern Cape and to start to paint my new picture of my wilderness experience at Ulovane Environmental Training. With a dynamic group of new friends at this new environment, it took time for me to adjust but it shaped the amazing experiences I had at Ulovane Environmental Training for the last 17weeks. After countless hours absorbing some principles of ecology, fundamentals of using a rifle and other aspects of being in the wilderness, I started to enjoy the beauty of being in the pure wilderness on foot for hours. Sometimes, I would just get up early in the morning and just get lost in the wilderness of Amakhala game reserve, I would sit and observe how everything revolves around another on the horizon, I would track wildlife and feel the footprint they left behind, smell the strong scents of their territories and hear the incredible little creatures above the earth working jointly to shape our environment. This incredible experience moved me, it took my passion for wildlife into a whole new perspective; It taught me to appreciate nature even more than before! My newly acquired knowledge of wilderness was vital to my full comprehension of my surroundings. I felt like this course has unlocked my sixth sense! Thanks to my trainers Schalk, Pieter, Justin and Shani, many new friends that I made through this program and everyone at Ulovane environment training for a lifetime experience! Lastly, it was such an honour to be assessed by one of the legend master tracker in SA Adriaan Louw. – Shatri Mfinanga – April 2017 (In loving memory) xxx

During this course, I’ve learned a lot of information from books, but I don’t think the amount of knowledge I’ve gained from the people around me could ever be measured and for that, I am sure we will all be forever grateful. Thank you to Retha & Paul, who had accepted us {crazy} humans into your home, and who were such a big support to us during the course, whether it was by just having a chat in the kitchen, or helping to organize amazing food for us, we are super grateful for every little thing you did. To Piet and Shani, who for all purposes were the greatest mentors, not just for the course, but also for life, THANK YOU for always going just the extra bit to help us, and make life a little easier for us, although I’m sure we didn’t always do the same for you & for that, I apologize sincerely. To Schalk and Candice, I don’t even have words to really explain how grateful all of us are to you. During this course, we again saw truly how amazing the two of you are and how dedicated you are to Ulovane as a whole, and I guess that is really what makes Ulovane such an amazing institute, the fact that it is run by two people who have such a passion for their job, that nothing is ever too big of an effort for you! And then to our peers, as I said at the beginning of the blog, you guys truly are some of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting and I would like nothing more than for you to have a successful life and persevere in all the challenges you may face. You guys have played a big part in the amount of fun and excitement I’ve experienced in the past 17 weeks, and I already can’t wait for the reunion we’re planning. It was great while it lasted, but now it’s time to go and explore the world! 1 Year course – January 2016

I really cannot thank Ulovane enough for everything during my 2-year program. I have made so many friendships, which really have turned into what feels like family. Piet, Kyle, and Schalk have been amazing mentors to me through every challenge and have helped me to conquer them all. Candice was there from the very beginning–answering ALL of my questions (of which there were many), and being there to support all of us through some tough times. There were many ups and downs throughout my time spent with Ulovane, the latter of which is only worth mentioning because of the brief time spent being discouraged, having difficulty finding a work placement due to my international status… but this was also rectified, thanks to the dedication and helpfulness from my mentors. If you are looking to enter the guiding industry, Ulovane Environmental Training will help you start your journey in the best way possible–receiving the most thorough education with high expectations of all their students, resulting in a greater appreciation for everything around you in your working [and living] environment. Whether you want to acquire your Level 1, Trails, Marine, or even do a quick specialization course in Birding… There is no better organization to be a part of. Being situated in the rich, natural surroundings of the Eastern Cape, the possibilities for learning seem endless. Thank you so much, again, to everyone who has been with me along the way. I am sad to have ended my time with Ulovane, but happy to have been apart of such an incredible experience. 2 Year Course – July 2014

The 4.5 months I spent at Ulovane have been the best time of my life! I learned so much, both about nature but also about myself and friendship and I met the most amazing people ever! Spending time in the bush makes you realize what really matters in life. Candice and Schalk and also Shani, Piet, Kyle, and Koen made us feel so welcome and helped us with everything, you guys are awesome! 🙂 It’s definitely been a life-changing experience and since I’m back there has not been one day that I wasn’t thinking of my amazing adventure with Ulovane. I am so grateful for everything I could experience! 🙂 Thank you all so much, I will never forget this!! ❤ 19 Week Course – January 2016

The time spent with Ulovane Environmental Training has been a life changing experience. Schalk and Candice have a true passion for wildlife and have selected a passionate team of trainers that inspire and coach their students to succeed and leave Ulovane with a qualification, an understanding of our natural world and some new friends and great memories. I will return to tick off a few more courses! Thank you guys! 1 year course – July 2014

Ulovane was a fantastic place to begin my field guiding career. Candice and Schalk were two exceptional people running this Training School. They have so much understanding of the bush with immense knowledge to equip you for what lies ahead. Their trainers are top quality and I really learnt so much from them. I strongly recommend that you see this as one of the top Training Schools when you are considering a decision of where to begin your career Six months Course – July 2015

One of the most interesting and engaging experiences of my life. Think supercharged school camp, with real adult skills, university-level learning, and practical skills to boot. Intense, immersive, and interesting in one of the most beautiful and raw landscapes in the world. 10 Week Course – April 2015

You are with the best when you choose Ulovane. Well done Team Pretorius. Candice quick on the replies and Schalk brilliant with training

If you are looking for 5-star training this is the place to go! The passion that Schalk, Candice, and their team have is unbelievable. If you are passionate about the bush and thinking of making a career out of it, there is no better place than Ulovane. I am lucky enough to still be Guiding and traveling through some of the most remote and unspoiled areas in Africa and none of this would be possible without the knowledge gained from Schalk and Candice. 1-year course – January 2010

On the 14th of January 2016 I boarded a plane from Copenhagen airport to Tambo international airport in Johannesburg, South Africa. There was nothing unusual about that at all. I have travelled many times before to the continent and have always been utterly mesmerized by its beauty and all that it has to offer. This time, it was a different kind of feeling though. It is not so much that I did not know what to expect – I never really know what to expect when I travel to Africa, regardless of the country. It was more that I now, ill-equipped and with only a few references from acquaintances and what I could read online had dedicated myself to spend the next five and a half months learning about the sights that have always fascinated me and whose intricate parts most people, including myself, always take for granted. First things first, the communication between me and Ulovane Environmental Training Academy (UETA), mainly Candice Pretorius, had from the very first email been very positive and professional. So I felt the confidence that they at least held themselves to a standard above what could be expected from so many others. But other than that, I knew nothing. Second, I could spend hours and hours boring the reader with the many stories and experiences I have gained from my time with UETA. The scary as well as boring details about encounters with dangerous game, difficult guests on assessment drives and countless of hours spent in the bush learning the names and properties of all the trees, flowers, and animals, big as well as small, that I could possibly cram into my skull. But that would be a waste of everyone’s time. I will say this, though! It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It was not just the fact that the instructors were friendly, open minded and professional, it was not just the fact that Candice and Schalk Pretorius have been like a second set of parents and mentors throughout the entire process or the fact that Pieter Dunn’s incredibly rigid rules and regime taught me a thing or two about the benefits of repetition and always finding aspects of your own performance that can be improved or tweaked. It is when a bunch a people from a variety of backgrounds, convictions and ages come together over a passion that most people would find odd and decide to really study and learn something that is in many ways a tangible and simple field but at the same time so intricate and fragile and that UETA is flexible enough to let people find their own way and develop and learn individually. Yes, there are many boring hours spent on learning, but what you learn will stay with you forever, and the unforgettable experiences you gain are only enhanced further by having a new and in-depth knowledge about Africa and its breathtaking nature. Ulovane is, in my opinion, one of the best training providers in South Africa and I can warmly recommend it. Good luck and all the best to you, no matter what you make of your FGASA qualifications from Ulovane! 19 Week course – January 2016

How do you put into words a place that is so magical, the rare place where genuine, caring people still roam? If you are reading this then you are probably looking to do a FGASA course with a reputable company? And if you are anything like me you may be feeling overwhelmed with choice. Which company to choose, which will be the right one? Well, I can tell you no need to look any further Ulovane is the right choice! Doing a field guide course was a lifelong dream of mine and I did not take it lightly; I needed to find a course that would fulfil all my expectations of a lifelong dream. Not an easy request on a training facility. I researched and reviewed all the companies which offered field guiding courses and came across Ulovane. Intuitively I knew that this was the place. Researching Ulovane’s ethos, vision and course content – my intuition was affirmed. Ulovane provides highly qualified trainers; trainers who are passionate about what they do, passionate about bush and everything in the bush and eager to transfer their knowledge and passion to students. They are committed to providing a course that produces knowledgeable, ethical and conservation minded field guides. In their quest to achieve exceptional field guides, the people at Ulovane are genuinely committed to assisting each individual not only to become the best field guide that she/ he can be but the best person she/ he can be. They take an individual approach, interested in each student’s personal development and growth. They go above and beyond the call of duty, wanting only the best for you. Being at Ulovane is a life changing experience. It was incredible and heart-warming to observe the positive change in each individual that I attended the course with. At the end of the six months, it seemed that each student walked a little taller, had more of a twinkle in their eye, was more confident and comfortable in whom they were and had a greater vision of what they wanted to become. For me, it was no different in just a mere six months my personal growth was exponential, my knowledge of bush extensive. I was often pushed out of my comfort zone, my self-limiting beliefs challenged. I found this course challenging but as they say, growth and comfort do not coexist. I achieved things that I never believed I would be able to accomplish. And throughout my journey, and even now, I have my Ulovane family right beside me supporting and encouraging me all the way. Due to the transformational capabilities of this course, I recommend this course to anyone who is interested in personal growth, in need of a life-affirming experience and a desire to become connected to nature. And if you are interested do not put it off, as mentioned this was a lifelong dream of mine. I wish I had done it sooner. This is an intense, busy, challenging course with lots to learn. It is not about the content of the course that makes this course so great; it is the authentic people and the driving passion of the people at Ulovane that makes this course so great. At Ulovane you not only walk away with a FGASA qualification; you walk away with knowledge and a skill base that it will stand you good stead in and for life. You learn time management skills, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and other life skills. You walk away with a new Ulovane family, lifelong friends, cherished memories and best of all you walk away with a better you. Eternally grateful to all affiliated with the Ulovane. If you are still unsure if Ulovane is the course for you, please feel free to contact me at punja80@hotmail.com Penny: Six month FGASA Level 1 Nature, Marine & Back-up Trails Guide Skills Program April 2014

Dearest Candice and Schalk, Just wanted to send a quick note to thank you both once again for such a fantastic course! It most certainly was a challenge but one that was thoroughly enjoyed! I really do appreciate the time and patience you both spent on and with our group – especially as we were not the easiest at times however you stuck with us, encouraged us and we got there in the end! It really was everything I had hoped it would be and will most certainly be spreading Ulovane’s details both on and around SA & UK shores. Take care and please do keep in touch – I will most certainly be keeping an eye on updates particularly as and when the new group starts. Lots of love to you both and the kids. – October 2013

Hi Candice, I wanted to thank you and Schalk and the rest of the amazing staff of Ulovane once again for the best experience ever!! Ulovane truly changed my life.. The lessons that you and Schalk taught me are priceless and I will carry them with me forever! I’m 100% sure that I will come back one day to do trails and Marine as well.. guess I’m hooked to Ulovane, Africa and the bush. But even though I want to go back right now if that was possible, I decided to go to university first. My plans changed however, instead of business economics I’m going to study economy and policy (so environmental issues are also part of my studies ) guess that Ulovane is also to “blame’ for this . On a serious note: Really I can’t thank you guys enough! You changed my way of life entirely and I would never want to go back to my ‘old’ life. So thank you Candice and Schalk and I will talk to you in real-life soon!! XXX

The results have come in for the theory FGASA exam and (pause for dramatic effect)…. I got 92%!!!! So happy I can’t stop crying lol a massive thank you to all the amazing people at Ulovane for making it possible! Love and miss you all loads and well done to everyone very proud of you all!!

Thanks to the Ulovane team for a memorable week! Learnt a lot in such a short space of time, just sorry I couldn’t stay longer. Going to miss the early morning coffee gatherings, landy drives, cous cous addicts, tobacco rollers, Tam pulling away in third gear on an incline and trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible from the legendary Schalk Pretorius. Good luck for the coming weeks and see you all in September!

Thanks again for the time spent at Nkwichi Lodge Candice and Schalk! It was an amazing experience for everyone involved and we’re all thrilled that our team now have their FGASA certificates – roll on Level 2!

It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Ulovane. My memories and feelings of you guys are still so close to my mind and heart. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t miss the learning and adventure we all went through. I take my hat off to you Ulovane, you are truly a magical course, the best. Kind regards and loads of love

Dear Schalk & Candice, I hereby would like to thank you for looking after our daughter, Megan: Thank you for all the valuable teaching and training. I think this was one of the best experiences of her life and certainly a life changing experience. Hope and trust that everything goes well with you all.

Dear Candice and Schalk, I still don’t know how to express quite how thankful I am to both you and Schalk, Mike, Heidi and everyone at Ulovane for the most amazing experience ever. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment and have so many special memories that I will cherish forever. After much deliberation I have made the decision to spend the next 18 months in England. I got a place at the Royal Veterinary College in London to do my masters in Wild Animal Biology which I have just accepted today. It was a difficult decision to not come back to Amakhala and spend a considerable amount of time with you all, but in the long run I feel as though my masters will serve me very well. HOWEVER, I will be back to complete my trails and marine next year as I would love to spend some time being a guide. The main thing that I only realised towards the end of the course was what an incredible feeling it is to be able to teach others about wildlife and how rewarding it is to see the faces of utter amazement from your guests. Good luck with everything over the next few weeks. Very much looking forward to hearing from you soon and send all my love to Heidi, Mike and the rest of the gang when you next see them.

I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful outing with the children at Ulovane. The information was given on the level of the children and made very child friendly! The children could understand and felt comfortable to ask questions. I don’t know who enjoyed it more: The moms or the children! We received such a warm welcome and were really fortunate to be invited to such a beautiful place. Good luck with all you’re things and everything that is involved – thank you again for giving back!

I really appreciate the work you guys are doing, and I really mean that! Ulovane turn out excellent guides, and that’s not boasting at how good I am, just what a good job you guys do. I am sure we will meet again! I will be back for ARH if Schalk will have me! Please know that I really value the time and investment you guys put into our education and training.

Thank you to you and Schalk for everything these past 3 months. Like I said in the newsletter, it really has been a dream come true for me here.

Thank you so much for an amazing three months. I’ve had so many incredible experiences that I struggle to think how I can possibly relay them all to family and friends. It truly exceeded my expectations.

Anne and I would like to thank you most sincerely for having Graeme on your course. Based upon our limited exposure to the course, on Graeme’s comments and the comments of others, our impression is that it is a very comprehensive, well structured and well managed course. I might add that if I could take the 3 months leave it is something that I would absolutely love to do. We would like to wish you both everything of the best with Ulovane. We will certainly do our best to promote it in any way we can.

I am very thankful to you both – she is being pushed, gently, to stand on her own feet and I know this time with you will be the making of her. The course itself is fantastic, teaching things you could never be taught elsewhere, but even more than that, it offers scope to develop in a controlled, safe environment. I know I will see a huge difference in her – she will have matured into a woman.

Id like to take this opportunity to thank you both for your patience, passion and enthusiasm and for all the opportunities and sights, sounds and smells you have opened my mind to. I wish Ulovane goes from strength to strength and that Amakhala becomes a mecca for the natural world in the E cape. You guys have so much passion and I respect that you put your all into what you do. It is a fantastic enterprise you guys are running and like I said I wish you all the very best.

Schalk and Candice, Chris and Erica, how can I thank you enough for creating a program and imbuing it with your hearts and souls that not only has enriched my education, helped fulfill a dream, but has also deepened my understanding of how to be a better person? You have taught me to unveil the beauty in things that could not previously be seen or known, to be smart and perceptive in ways that will abet me my every step of my way, and most thankfully, you have shown me new ways in which to love the world I have not imagined possible. I leave here forever in your debt for the wealth of knowledge, experience, and joy I have garnered because you made your own dream a reality. Thank you, thank you, and thank you…

I know this is a VERY LATE time and way to say thank you for all your care during the time Christiaan was there. But the reason I have an urge to say a BIG THANK YOU to Erica and Chris and you and Schalk , is that I only can see it now what an impact the course has had on his life. He has more confidence and of course more knowledge, but also more social skills. So thank you again for expanding his life in so many ways. Please tell it to the others. Fondest regards. Hope its going just fine with you and the team.

Great News! Chris got 3 (all) A’s A Level! He is starting at Manchester U 23rd reading BioMed. Thanks for the fabulous experience you gave him and encouragement to do life sciences. It definitely affected his choices and commitment. X

Dit is met die grootse waardering en dankbaarheid wat ek vandag vir julle skryf. My naam is Zelda en ook ma van Werner (een van julle nuwe seuns). Werner het die mees ongelooflikste tyd van sy lewe by Ulovane. Daarvoor wil ek vir julle dankie sê. Julle doen ongelooflike werk en ons waardeer dit baie. Ons is ook saam met Werner baie opgewonde en dankbaar vir die geleentheid om by Kichaka te Kan begin werk. Hy is ‘n ongelooflike blessing vir ons en glo hy gaan dieselfde uitwerking op Kichaka se mense hê. Ons gaan hom vreeslike baie mis (soos ons nou ook doen) maar gun hom elke oomblik van sy. Wonderlike nuwe toekoms in die natuur. Baie dankie vir julle en ons sal aanhou bid dat julle instansie net van krag to krag sal groei.

Dear People of Ulovane, We would like to thank you for the wonderful weekend and time we spent with you all. Thank you for your kind hospitality … you became our friends; and you are just like family to us. Lots of love

Dear Schalk and Candice, Just a short note to say thank you so much for the invitation to William’s graduation yesterday. We as grandparents are very proud to see just how William has matured and enjoying his time at Ulovane. Thanks for the great game drive and boat ride – I managed to get some stunning photos of the fish eagle (my favorite) and the rhino! We wish you all the very best for the future.

Thanks so much for a wonderful few days. We loved every minute of it and it was great meeting you and Schalk, and your lovely family. Mat is very lucky to be with you and I can see that he is so happy and loving every minute of being there. Keep up the good work!!

Dear Schalk and Candice Just to say thank you once again for the wonderful time we spent at Ulovane. We really enjoyed our visit! Thank you very much for your input into Kobus’s life during the past three months – we really appreciate it and were very impressed with the knowledge and skills that he has acquired. Kind regards

Just a short note to thank you and Schalk for the growth in my son. The knowledge that he has gained in a couple of short months is absolutely amazing. Thank you to Schalk for his wonderful teaching skills and to you, Candice for always being available to do the “mom” things. You guys are absolutely amazing!