Shuma Noda
EcoTraining, Africa’s leader in field guide training and environmental education, has been named ‘Best Education Abroad Provider’ at the 2025 Global Youth Travel Awards (GYTAs), announced on 26 September 2025 at the World Youth and Student Travel Conference (WYSTC) in Lisbon, Portugal.
The annual GYTAs, hosted by the WYSE Travel Confederation, recognise global leaders delivering impactful, innovative, and responsible youth travel experiences. The award singles out EcoTraining as the pioneer in conservation education, empowering young people worldwide to connect deeply with wild spaces, learn practical conservation skills, and ignite careers in nature guide training.
A meaningful milestone for conservation education
“This award is a massive honour and a tribute to our exceptional EcoTraining team,” said Anton Lategan, Managing Director of EcoTraining. “Our Head of Sales, Natalie Bochell, received this award in Europe, standing on behalf of all our passionate instructors, staff, and students. We couldn’t be more inspired to take environmental education and professional nature guide training to new heights.”
For over 30 years, EcoTraining has championed education that goes beyond the classroom. Students live and learn in nature-based camps in South Africa, Botswana, and Kenya. Each day in the field – tracking wildlife and learning from nature – builds confidence and ecological understanding that applies in all walks of life. EcoTraining’s ethos is rooted in ecosystem thinking, nurturing a steadfast conservation ethic in every student, whether they’re lifelong learners, career changers, or gap year adventurers.
A new chapter in Botswana: EcoTraining at Selinda
This year, EcoTraining launches a first-of-its-kind collaboration: the EcoTraining at Selinda Wilderness Experience. Starting January 2026, nature enthusiasts from around the globe can combine luxury with learning by joining purpose-driven courses at Selinda Explorers Camp, set in Botswana’s pristine, 130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve between the Okavango and Chobe.
This partnership with Great Plains Conservation ushers in a new era of travel – moving from passive tourism to hands-on, meaningful engagement. Participants can choose from four specialised experiences:
- EcoQuest (intro to ecology and conservation)
- Wilderness Photography
- Birding in the Bush
- EcoTracker
Ideal for learners, career changers, safari veterans, and groups seeking something deeper, these courses offer not just adventure but the chance to grow skills that matter for the planet.
“EcoTraining at Selinda is designed for those who want more than a safari – they want understanding, impact, and connection,” said Lategan.
“This collaboration is about cultivating a generation of nature-based leadership for the world in Africa’s most precious wild places,” he concluded.
