We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Tracker Academy’s first book, The Tracker Manual. Bringing together the combined expertise and traditional knowledge of South Africa’s most talented trackers in an accessible, practical guide, this handbook is the perfect companion to any safari.
The Tracker Academy, brainchild of Alex van den Heever and supported by Mrs Gaynor Rupert, the Peace Parks Foundation and the SA College for Tourism, was founded in 2010. Sixteen young men per year are recruited from across sub-Saharan Africa. The vast majority are from rural villages with little prospect for meaningful employment. The 1-year course takes them from Samara, where they learn to track in the semi-arid biome, to Londolozi, a reserve in the Sabi Sand, where they learn to track the Big Five.
To-date, 88 trackers have graduated from the programme with an employment success rate of 93% – an astonishing figure!
The newly-released Tracker Manual is co-authored by Alex van den Heever, Renias Mhlongo and Karel ‘Pokkie’ Benadie, who is the Head Trainer at Samara. It is available for purchase on Amazon, Takealot.com and Exclusive Books, amongst others. It will also be available from Samara’s curio shop.
Samara Private Game Reserve is a luxury 5-star destination with a passionate conservation mission set within breathtaking wilderness. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus or Instagram, or click here to start planning your stay with us today. A safari for the soul.
