An extraordinary institution is transforming conservation with passion and purpose! Tracker Academy is breathing life into the ancient art of wildlife tracking while creating life-changing opportunities for rural communities and standing strong against poaching threats across southern Africa.

Preserving Indigenous Knowledge, Creating Modern Careers

Since its inception in 2010, the Tracker Academy has trained an incredible 320 trackers with a heart-warming 94.75% employment success rate! These aren’t just statistics—they represent hundreds of transformed lives, families lifted out of poverty, and priceless indigenous knowledge preserved for future generations.

“Tracker Academy didn’t just teach me how to track animals; it taught me how to live life in a proper way. I know how to conserve nature, and I now teach young kids in my community about it. I am proud to be part of this journey.” – Willy Hambana, 2019 Tracker Academy graduate

Stories like Willy’s capture the essence of what makes Tracker Academy so special—it’s not just about tracking; it’s about reclaiming cultural heritage and creating a ripple effect of knowledge that spreads throughout communities.

The Heart of Tracker Academy: Two-Campus Approach

The Academy operates from two magnificent campuses that offer contrasting yet equally magical environments for training:

Londolozi Game Reserve: Where Tracking Dreams Come Alive!

At Londolozi, we’re incredibly proud to serve as a key training ground for the Tracker Academy’s ecotourism focus. Our wilderness provides the perfect canvas where ancient tracking wisdom and modern conservation practices blend seamlessly. Every day, we witness the transformative magic that happens when passionate students immerse themselves in our terrain, learning to read the subtle language of the wild.

Walter Shikwalakwala, who has been with us and the Tracker Academy for two years, exemplifies the spirit of growth and excellence we foster here. We’re thrilled to support his journey as he pursues three further qualifications: FGASA Field Guide NQF4, the prestigious Lead Tracker qualification, and a degree in Tourism Management.

Our partnership with Tracker Academy represents what we believe conservation should be—a beautiful harmony of preserving ancient knowledge while creating extraordinary experiences for our guests. The students don’t simply learn technical skills here; they become storytellers of the wild, connecting our visitors to Africa’s soul through their intimate understanding of the land. When a tracker points out the subtle signs that reveal a leopard’s passage from the night before, we see our guests’ eyes light up with wonder—this is the essence of what makes Londolozi special, and why we treasure our role in this vital mission alongside the Tracker Academy.

Sandringham Nature Reserve: Where Tracking Traditions Flourish

Sandringham serves as the beating heart of Tracker Academy under an exciting long-term agreement. Together with AndBeyond’s Ngala Game Reserve, this spectacular reserve hosts both Lodge Tracker and Rhino Guardian training programs across 20,000 hectares of diverse, wildlife-rich terrain.

Three passionate trainers—Amos Mzimba (Head Trainer for Rhino Guardian program), Innocent Ngwenya (Head Trainer), and Excellent Mkhabela (Assistant Trainer)—pour their expertise and enthusiasm into every student, creating an environment where ancient tracking wisdom is not just taught but lived and breathed! Guided by Renias Mhlongo, a lead tracker and co-founder of Tracker Academy, who serves as the trainer mentor.  

The Rhino Guardians: Heroes on the Front Line of Conservation

The most thrilling and impactful new program at Tracker Academy has to be the Rhino Guardian initiative! These modern-day conservation warriors undergo an intensive 12-month journey that transforms them into elite wildlife protectors.

Sixteen dedicated Guardians spend their first six months at Sandringham developing razor-sharp tracking skills, then advance to six months with various anti-poaching units, primarily with training partner Bhejane. This comprehensive approach combines classroom learning with real-world application in the field, creating graduates who are truly ready for the challenges ahead. This year-long, formally accredited course combines advanced bushcraft, navigation, and anti-poaching skills into a powerful toolkit for conservation.

The program’s 100% employment rate speaks volumes about the quality of training and the urgent need for these skills. Graduates deploy to anti-poaching units throughout southern Africa, where they become the eyes and ears of wildlife protection, often making the critical difference in preventing poaching incidents before they occur.

These Guardians don’t just protect rhinos; they stand as shields between Africa’s precious wildlife heritage and those who would destroy it. Their success stories represent hope in the ongoing battle to preserve these magnificent creatures for future generations!

Breaking New Ground: The Pioneering All-Female Class at Londolozi

In an exhilarating leap forward, Tracker Academy launched its first-ever all-female tracking class at the Londolozi campus—breaking stereotypes and opening doors in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field!

This groundbreaking initiative follows the inspiring success of Tsundzukani Whati, who made history last year as the industry’s first-ever female tracker employed at Londolozi. Her exceptional skill, dedication, and passion have not only proven that women excel in this profession but have also paved the way for this momentous next step in the Academy’s evolution.

The bold experiment has already yielded remarkable results, with female students flourishing in this supportive environment at Londolozi. These trailblazing women aren’t just learning to track; they’re redefining what’s possible and inspiring countless girls across southern Africa to dream of careers in conservation. The skills they develop with Tracker Academy at Londolozi will bring unique perspectives and approaches to wildlife tracking and protection—perspectives that have been missing for far too long.

Tsundzukani’s remarkable journey from student to pioneer, and now inspiration for an entire class of female trackers, represents the transformative power of opportunity when barriers are removed and talent is nurtured. Her legacy is already growing as these new female trackers prepare to follow in her groundbreaking footsteps!

Beyond South Africa: A Pan-African Vision Taking Flight!

While rooted in South Africa, Tracker Academy’s vision soars across the entire southern African region! The Academy welcomes talented students from Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, and even Chad, with Botswana applicants showing particularly impressive aptitude.

A landmark 2023 partnership with the breathtaking Karingani concession has already trained 16 trackers, with a second group currently preparing for lodge operations. These skilled professionals are now habituating leopards in the concession, setting the stage for extraordinary future safari experiences.

Each expansion creates a ripple effect for wildlife protection across borders, creating a unified network of trackers dedicated to preserving Africa’s natural heritage!  

Recognition and Innovation: Celebrating Excellence

In a triumphant moment for the entire Tracker Academy family, November 2024 saw the Academy receive the prestigious SANParks Kudu Award for Environmental Education—the “Oscars of Conservation”! This recognition affirms that traditional tracking skills remain vital in modern wildlife management.

Innovation continues through their partnership with Canadian company MHS, which developed a specialized psychometric test to identify tracking aptitude from the 3,000 annual applications. When the right students find their way to Tracker Academy, magic happens—lives change, wilderness is protected, and ancient knowledge finds new guardians!

Be Part of Something Extraordinary!

The Tracker Academy story isn’t just about conservation—it’s about hope, transformation, and the beautiful intersection of ancient wisdom and modern opportunity. From the emotional moments at the SANParks Kudu Award ceremony to the proud smiles of the groundbreaking all-female tracking class, 2025 is set to be a year of triumph and inspiration.

“Over the last 12 months there is much evidence to suggest that our vision to restore the ancient craft of tracking is becoming a reality.” – Alex Van Den Heever, Tracker Academy co-founder

The Academy’s partnership with iconic destinations like Londolozi doesn’t just create exceptional training opportunities—it ensures that guests from around the world experience the magic of traditional tracking firsthand, creating passionate advocates for this vital work.

For those whose hearts have been touched by this story, there are wonderful ways to be part of the journey:

• • Donate to the preservation of ancient knowledge and the creation of safe havens for iconic species like the rhino with Tracker Academy and Rhino Guardians 
• • Experience the tracking magic firsthand on your next safari at Londolozi

Together, we can ensure that the ancient art of tracking continues to thrive, protecting both cultural heritage and the magnificent wildlife that makes Africa so special. The footprints we follow today lead to a brighter future for all!

This post would not be complete without acknowledging Gaynor Rupert for her vision, energy, and grace in making Tracker Academy a reality in the first place. Inkomu, Mrs. Rupert! You have made a material difference to the protection of wild animals and wild places.