Tracking was practiced by our ancestors 10 000 years ago, and continues to be practiced today as an essential survival tool in some of the more remote parts of this world.
It is mankind’s original scientific discipline.
However, with the rapid urbanization of the modern world, and the traditional way of life for many indigenous peoples falling away, it is no longer a given that young men and women will be taught traditional skill sets by their elders.
Without the dependence on subsistence hunting for survival, tracking is not as necessary as it once was, and this indigenous knowledge has waned by over 90% in the last few decades.
Two men from Londolozi – Ranger Alex Van den Heever and tracker Renias Mhlongo – developed the idea of a formalised tracking school over ten years ago, in which the fundamentals of the art could be taught.
Through the generosity of the Rupert Foundation and the involvement of Londolozi and Samara Game Reserves, the Tracker Academy was born.
Renias Mhlongo., Tracker Academy co-founder and Head Trainer for many years.
Each year, 16 young men from disadvantaged backgrounds are trained through two separate intakes in the art of tracking, providing them with the skills needed to achieve permanent, gainful employment in the eco-tourism industry, and in so doing, keeping the art of tracking alive…
At Londolozi we are immensely proud of our 10-year association with the Tracker Academy, and hope they continue to be an ever-growing presence at the junction of the eco-tourism and education sectors of our nation.
Lovely video. The Tracker Acadamy is doing amazing work.
The success of any training program lies within the results. The trackers are incredible. We gained insight about the program from our young tracker, Joy, who enthusiastically spoke about his long-held childhood desire to become a tracker and who is obviously already so competent as a result of his commitment and training.
Fantastic video! It is incredible that the tracker academy and Londolozi are preserving the ancient art of tracking! Keep up the incredible and inspiring work!
What a beautiful and inspiring story. Congratulations on 10 years of changing people’s lives for the better! Not just the trackers, but all those they have touched.
Nice background information on the Academy. Could you add some sentences about the curriculum and what life in a typical day involves to produce these specialists? Also, are they taught the English language or is it already assumed?
Meant to also add “Great video”!!!
It’s such a shame that some reserves don’t use trackers; their guests don’t realise how much they’re missing out.
James, when we first came in 2o11 – James Hobson and Elmon – were our guide and tracker. I was amazed at all the knowledge they had. We have asked for Sandros and Exon on our trips in 2017, and 2018. I cannot remember who we had in 2014.
Inspiring, heart-warming video! The Tracker Academy is a valuable asset to the conservation industry and to the country. Congratulations on 10 years!
Inspirational and moving. In a world of instant gratification and with quick fix superficial knowledge at the push of a button, you’ve found a way to reintroduce and sustain the essence and art of survival. Getting back to basics and being at one with the environment. Such a spiritual connection between people and place. Wonderful !
Such a heartwarming video! Congratulations to the Tracker Academy and it’s 10 years of success!
What a beautiful story you have produced using prose and video to pay homage to the Tracker Academy. It is evident in the success rate that this program is extremely valuable to not only the students, but to their families and employers as well after graduation. Congratulations on 10 years of teaching men and women the value of seeing and protecting their incredible natural resources.
Power!
Congratulations to Alex and Ranius for achieving such a major success leading so many young boys and girls to acquire and develop a most valuable knowledge of wildlife. Best wishes to the Tracker Academy!
Both tracker and guide do amazing work. We went out with M&M. With the only exception of a Pangolin I believe we saw it all. From all the reviews of Londolozi I believe all the guests have very satisfying experiences. Great job.
❤️❤️🐾🐾 I had the awesome opportunity to track with Alex, Renias, Andrea and Boyd on a Track Your Life Retreat. Check them out!
I love watching this video, it is really inspiring!! The Tracker Acadey is such a fantastic intiative!