Ulovane Environmental Training

15/01/2026

𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞

It takes courage to start over.
It takes failure to find success again.
It takes passion to believe that everything will work out as it is meant to.

The last three years have been some of the most challenging of our lives — personally and professionally. They have also been years of immense growth: meeting incredible people, stepping far outside our comfort zones, trying new things, and discovering strengths we didn’t know we had.

Deciding not to continue with Ulovane has been an entanglement of emotions — grief at letting go of one of our “children”, pride in what was built over 18 years, and deep gratitude for our students and alumni who continue to walk their own paths so beautifully. It has been a time of growth and uncertainty, excitement and fear — fear of the unknown, fear of losing an identity, or perhaps learning how to evolve it.

It has been a rollercoaster. But here we are — stronger, hopefully wiser, and ready for a new chapter.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬.
We won’t be closing this page, as it holds too many memories, too much love, too many people and places we do not want to forget. It is a legacy. It is family.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐔𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐢, 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐞, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦, 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝟏𝟖 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬. 𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬.

As we step into 2026 — quietly and gracefully…
(ok, who are we kidding 😄)
As we step into 2026 with confidence, excitement, and probably a little chaos, we feel deeply grateful, thankful, blessed — and yes, a little nervous. And that’s okay. It keeps us young.

We wish you and yours an incredible 2026, filled with hope, peace, love, and of course, plenty of wild adventures. 🌟

Watch this space for news of our new adventures, filled with new stories from the wild.

𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞, 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬,
𝐂𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐞 & 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐤

08/12/2025

Thank you for having us Samara Karoo Reserve 🙌🏼 What an incredible team! Onwards and Upwards!!

22/08/2025

Celebrating Success: A Tribute to Our Graduates and Their Visionary Supporters🔥

The final day is here! We are so incredibly proud of our Community Guide Course graduates. What a journey of courage, learning, and discovery it has been!

We couldn't have done it without the amazing support of our partners and donors. A huge shout-out to Law of the Wild , Wilderness Foundation Africa , Amakhala Game Reserve , Nyosi Wildlife Reserve , and Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa for their belief in our students.

Read the full story here - https://ulovane.co.za/2025/08/21/celebrating-success/



The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa

14/08/2025

In celebration of Women's Month, we are honoured to introduce two inspiring young women, Elizmar and Usisipho! Their courage and determination to build a career in conservation and guiding truly embody the spirit of women driving change. 🔥

🦋Read their powerful stories in our latest blog post and join us in celebrating these rising stars - https://ulovane.co.za/2025/08/14/welcoming-courageous-young-women-to-the-nature-guiding-community/



The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa Law of the Wild Wilderness Foundation Africa

In South Africa, Women’s Month is a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of women and their vital role in shaping our nation. This year, with a focus on "Building Resilient Economies for All," we at Ulovane are particularly inspired by two young women, Elzmar Williams and Ubisipho Soyeye,...

09/08/2025

Happy Women’s Day 🌿💚

"Every woman is a force of nature. Today, we celebrate the positive energy and strength that women bring to the world."

Thank you to all the Wild and Wonderful Women out there for all that you do and all who you are! We appreciate you!

01/08/2025

✨ Nature is changing lives at Ulovane! ✨

Our Ulovane Community Field Guide Course gives young people a chance to step into conservation, grow their skills, and transform their futures.

This week, we’re sharing the inspiring journeys of Vincent and Duncan—two students whose paths to Ulovane have been filled with challenges, resilience, and hope.

Read their full stories here: https://ulovane.co.za/2025/08/01/siyazenzela-stories-how-nature-guiding-is-changing-lives/

🌱 Find out how you can sponsor a student in 2026 and change a life forever.



The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Wilderness Foundation Africa Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa Amakhala Game Reserve Law of the Wild Amakhala Foundation

At Ulovane Environmental Training, we believe that nature has the power to change lives, open new paths, and inspire leadership. Through the Ulovane Community Nature Guide Course, young people from across South Africa step into the wild—not just to learn guiding skills, but to discover themselves,...

15/07/2025

Into the Wild: Shaping Tomorrow's Conservation Leaders

What an absolutely incredible week at Ulovane! This wasn't just classroom learning. Our students dove deep into biomes and taxonomy before immediately applying that knowledge, getting hands-on with track & sign out in the field. This immersive approach is central to how we develop the next generation of environmental professionals.

We camped under the vast African sky at Amakhala Game Reserve, using the beautiful Bushmans River Valley as our living laboratory. Imagine hiking, actively tracking wildlife, and then experiencing the sheer thrill of discovering lion tracks or coming face-to-trunk with an elephant – a first for many! These aren't just exciting encounters; they're foundational experiences that build confidence, sharpen observation skills, and foster a profound respect for nature.

Beyond the incredible wildlife, this dedicated group also crushed their First Aid Level 1 certification. This crucial skill underscores our commitment to holistic training, ensuring our students are not just knowledgeable but also prepared and responsible for any situation, whether in the classroom or deep in the wild.

The faces in these photos truly say it all. These are the moments that shape future guardians of nature, equipping them with the practical skills and deep connection needed to make a real difference in the conservation and eco-tourism industries. This is the Ulovane difference in action!



The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Amakhala Game Reserve Wilderness Foundation Africa Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa Law of the Wild

07/07/2025

📍 Siyazenzela – we are doing it for ourselves.

Week 3 was one for the books!

We stepped out of the classroom and into the wild on Amakhala Game Reserve, where we camped under the stars and let the bush guide us.

Students had the amazing opportunity to shadow professional guides at Safari Lodge and Leeuwenbosch Country House—watching experienced mentors in action was deeply inspiring. Their calm, confident leadership and deep connection to nature made a huge impression.

💬 “Seeing how the guides handle guests and wildlife gave me something to aim for. It made everything we’ve been learning feel real.”

Then came the real challenge: running their own guided experiences in a Big Five environment. It was a powerful moment of growth, and a reminder that learning happens not just in books, but in action, in presence, and in courage.

In between the adventure, we also completed two important modules:

🌦️ Climate & Weather

🗺️ Guiding Skills

We are incredibly proud of this group. They’re finding their voices, their confidence, and their role in shaping a better, wilder future.



The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Wilderness Foundation Africa Amakhala Game Reserve Amakhala Foundation Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa Law of the Wild

02/07/2025

Week 2 at Ulovane: Driving Into the Future!

From learning how to handle a 4x4 in rough terrain to understanding the ground beneath their feet, our students have been hard at work building the foundation of what it means to be a professional guide.

✅ This week’s highlights:

Practicing real bush driving techniques

Learning how to care for and troubleshoot safari vehicles

Diving into the world of geology and discovering how our incredible landscapes came to be

It was dusty, fun, empowering, and filled with lightbulb moments as students gained confidence and new skills in the field and classroom alike.

💬 "I was nervous at first, but now I can't believe how much I’ve learnt—especially about vehicle handling and the land. It’s made me feel like a real guide in the making."

Want to help a young person step into their dream career?
We’re looking for partners to sponsor a student in 2026. Your support could change a life—and help protect our wild spaces.
📩 [email protected]



The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Amakhala Game Reserve Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa Wilderness Foundation Africa Law of the Wild

23/06/2025

WEEK 1 DONE ✅ — And what a week it’s been!

Our new group of Community Field Guide students jumped straight into an exciting start at Ulovane! From learning all about guiding, astronomy, and more in the classroom… to heading out on their first-ever game drive, the week has been packed with firsts! 🐾🌿

In the field, they discovered birds, mammals, plants, and even began learning how to track — putting theory into action in the best way possible.

A highlight moment? That first time behind the wheel of the Land Cruiser — nervous at first, but ending in big smiles and a real sense of achievement. 💚

The week ended with a peaceful sunset at a lookout, a perfect pause for reflection and connection after days of learning and growing together.

We’re SO proud of each and every one of them! Bring on Week 2!

Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa Wilderness Foundation Africa The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Amakhala Game Reserve Amakhala Foundation

16/06/2025

“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Plato

Youth Day is a celebration of the power and potential of young people. 🌱

At Ulovane Environmental Training, we’re honoured to welcome our newest group of students into the Community Field Guide Training Course today — a meaningful first step into the world of conservation, guiding, and environmental education.

Here’s to purposeful beginnings, new opportunities, and young leaders rising to make a difference.

Global Humane Conservation Fund of Africa Wilderness Foundation Africa Amakhala Game Reserve Amakhala Foundation The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa Law of the Wild

05/06/2025

Get ready for an adventure that will touch your heart!

Our newest blog post is out, sharing the incredible story of our recent trip with the Arizona Agribusiness & Equine Center (AAEC). This journey is extra special because it marks eight years of amazing partnership between AAEC Early College High Schools, Ulovane Environmental Training, and Dr William Fowlds!

Imagine experiencing the African bush for the very first time – seeing majestic elephants, feeling the ocean on your feet, and gazing at a sky full of stars. For many of these young explorers, it was a trip of a lifetime, packed with unforgettable "firsts." ✨

It's more than just a conservation experience; it's about connection, discovery, and leaving a piece of your heart in the wildness of South Africa. Come feel the magic with us!

Read all about their incredible journey and transformation here: https://ulovane.co.za/2025/06/05/all-the-feels-aaecs-wild-south-african-journey-with-ulovane/



The Field Guides Association of Southern Africa 🙌🏼