Tracker Academy is a formally accredited training school dedicated restoring the traditional skills of wildlife tracking in Southern Africa. Co-founded in 2010 by Gaynor Rupert, Alex and Renias, Tracker Academy has trained hundreds of unemployed rural people as professional trackers for the conservation industry.

Our Vision

To demonstrate that the ancient art of animal tracking has relevance in modern conservation efforts

Our Mission

To train professional trackers and deploy them to permanent jobs in the wildlife industry

Programmes and Training

Tracker Academy offers comprehensive training programmes designed to equip students with relevant practical and theoretical knowledge in wildlife tracking. The Academy runs two yearlong training programmes:

  • Lodge Trackers: for deployment in the ecotourism industry
  • Rhino Guardians: for deployment in counter-poaching units.

The academy’s training programmes are conducted in some of South Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves, providing students with hands-on experience in diverse natural environments.

Noteworthy Facts

  • Total trackers trained: 280

  • Deployment success rate: 96.51%
  • Cost: R170k per student
  • Annual budget: R6.5 million
  • Invested R53 million in tracker development since 2010

Tracker Academy is more than just a training institution; it is a guardian of ancient knowledge and a catalyst for change in the world of wildlife conservation. By preserving the art of tracking and promoting sustainable practices, Tracker Academy plays a crucial role in ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and the natural world.